Editorial Technical Reference

Reverse Osmosis Membrane

This page explains how Reverse Osmosis Membrane is classified within Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A semi-permeable membrane used in reverse osmosis systems to remove dissolved solids, ions, and contaminants from water by applying pressure to overcome osmotic pressure.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Reverse Osmosis Membrane

Definition
The Reverse Osmosis Membrane is a critical component within the Water Treatment Module that serves as the primary filtration barrier. It operates by allowing water molecules to pass through while rejecting dissolved salts, organic molecules, bacteria, and other impurities. Within the module, it's typically housed in pressure vessels and works in conjunction with pre-filters, pumps, and post-treatment systems to produce purified water. The membrane is constructed from a polyamide thin-film composite, supported by a polysulfone layer and a polyester non-woven fabric backing. Key parameters include a membrane area ranging from 7.9 to 37.2 m², a salt rejection rate of 99.2% to 99.8%, and a permeate flow rate of 0.5 to 1.2 m³/h under standard test conditions. The operating pressure is 1.0 to 1.6 MPa, with a maximum operating temperature of 45 to 80 °C. The pH range for continuous operation is 2 to 11, and the membrane material is polyamide or cellulose triacetate (PA-CTA). Common element diameters are 2.5, 4, and 8 inches, with lengths of 40 to 60 inches. The maximum feed water turbidity is 1.0 NTU, and the maximum SDI is 5.0. Chlorine concentration must not exceed 0.1 mg/L to prevent degradation. Weight ranges from 2.5 to 20.0 kg depending on element size. These values are reference ranges; verify model-specific specifications with the manufacturer.
Working Principle
Reverse osmosis works by applying pressure to overcome the natural osmotic pressure. When pressure greater than the osmotic pressure is applied to the concentrated solution side of the membrane, water molecules are forced through the semi-permeable membrane from the concentrated solution to the dilute solution, leaving contaminants behind. The membrane's pore size (typically 0.0001 microns) allows only water molecules to pass through while rejecting most dissolved solids, ions, and larger molecules.
Common Materials
Polyamide thin-film composite, Polysulfone support layer, Polyester non-woven fabric backing
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Membrane Area7.9–37.2 Determines water production capacity
Salt Rejection Rate99.2–99.8 %Higher is better for pure water
Permeate Flow Rate0.5–1.2 m³/hAt standard test conditions
Operating Pressure1.0–1.6 MPa
Maximum Operating Temperature45–80 °CAbove this may damage membrane
pH Range2–11Continuous operation; outside reduces life
Membrane MaterialPA-CTAPolyamide or cellulose triacetate
Membrane Element Diameter2.5–8.0 inchCommon sizes: 2.5, 4, 8 inches
Membrane Element Length40–60 inchStandard lengths: 40, 60 inches
Maximum Feed Water Turbidity1.0 NTUHigher turbidity causes fouling
Maximum Feed Water SDI5.0Silt Density Index; above 5 requires pretreatment
Maximum Feed Water Chlorine Concentration0.1 mg/LChlorine degrades polyamide membranes
Weight2.5–20.0 kgDepends on element size

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Membrane Surface Part
    Active filtration layer that selectively allows water molecules to pass through while rejecting contaminants
    Material: Polyamide thin-film composite
  • Support Layer Part
    Provides structural support to the thin active layer and allows water passage
    Material: Polysulfone
  • Backing Material Part
    Provides mechanical strength and prevents membrane damage during handling and operation
    Material: Polyester non-woven fabric
  • Permeate Carrier Part
    Channels for collecting purified water that passes through the membrane
    Material: Polypropylene
  • Feed Spacer Part
    Creates turbulence and maintains separation between membrane layers to optimize flow distribution
    Material: Polypropylene mesh

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Max 1000 psi (69 bar)
flow rate: 0.5-2.0 GPM per 8-inch element
temperature: 5-45°C (41-113°F)
slurry concentration: Max 0.1% solids by weight
Media Compatibility
✓ Municipal drinking water ✓ Brackish groundwater ✓ Industrial process water
Unsuitable: High concentration of oils, greases, or organic solvents
Sizing Data Required
  • Feed water quality analysis (TDS, SDI, pH)
  • Required permeate flow rate (GPM or m³/day)
  • System recovery rate target (%)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Membrane Fouling
Cause: Accumulation of suspended solids, organic matter, or biological growth on membrane surfaces, often due to inadequate pre-treatment, high feedwater turbidity, or insufficient cleaning protocols.
Membrane Scaling
Cause: Precipitation of sparingly soluble salts (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, silica) on membrane surfaces, typically resulting from high feedwater concentration, improper pH control, or exceeding recovery limits.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Significant drop in permeate flow rate or increase in differential pressure across the membrane (indicating fouling or scaling)
  • Visible discoloration, biofilm formation, or particulate deposits on membrane surfaces during inspection
Engineering Tips
  • Implement robust pre-treatment (e.g., multimedia filtration, antiscalant dosing, UV sterilization) tailored to feedwater quality to minimize fouling and scaling potential
  • Optimize cleaning-in-place (CIP) procedures with appropriate chemical agents (acids for scaling, alkalis for organics, biocides for biofouling) at correct intervals based on performance monitoring

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ANSI/NSF 58 - Drinking Water Treatment Units ASTM D4195 - Standard Guide for Water Analysis for Reverse Osmosis Application

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Bore Diameter: +/-0.02mm
  • Membrane Thickness Uniformity: +/-5%
Quality Inspection
  • Salt Rejection Test (ASTM D4516)
  • Burst Pressure Test (ASTM D1599)

Manufacturers of Reverse Osmosis Membrane

4 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Bonatech
Shandong, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
HMFoodTech
Jilin, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
NEWater
Beijing, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Yangzhou ZhiTong Machinery Co., Ltd.
Jiangsu, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
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Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical salt rejection rate?

The salt rejection rate is typically 99.2% to 99.8%, but this depends on the specific membrane element and operating conditions. Always verify with the manufacturer for your application.

What is the maximum operating temperature?

The maximum operating temperature is 45 to 80 °C. Exceeding this range may damage the membrane. Confirm the exact limit for your model.

What is the maximum feed water chlorine concentration?

The maximum feed water chlorine concentration is 0.1 mg/L. Higher levels can degrade polyamide membranes. Use dechlorination pretreatment if needed.

What are the common element sizes?

Common element diameters are 2.5, 4, and 8 inches, with lengths of 40 to 60 inches. The weight ranges from 2.5 to 20.0 kg depending on size.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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