What type of system does reverse osmosis utilize?

Reverse osmosis utilizes a membrane system, which is paramount to its operation. In this process, water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that separates impurities from the water. The membrane allows water molecules to pass while blocking large particles, dissolved salts, and contaminants. This method is widely used for water purification, as it effectively removes a wide range of impurities, including bacteria, salts, and other harmful substances.

The effectiveness of a membrane system lies in its ability to create a pressure differential that drives the purification process. By applying pressure to the side with impure water, the clean water permeates the membrane, leaving impurities behind. This differentiates reverse osmosis from other systems, like filtration, distillation, or condensation, which rely on different principles of separation or purification. Thus, understanding the membrane system's role in reverse osmosis is crucial for applying the technology effectively in various water treatment applications.