Common Water Filtration Processes

Water filtration is process of cleaning up and removing undesirable particles from a source. There are several ways of doing this. The goal is to produce something that is clean and fits the purpose of its cleansing. Usually, purified substances are used for drinking but there are also other uses for these such as applications in pharmacology, medical, industrial and chemical uses. The most common techniques are usually aimed at making H20 drinkable for people. In this day and age, many pollutants, contaminants and germs are living in and around our water sources. Human bodies cannot stand the presence of these and can become sick if expose to these. Thus there is a need to clean and purify our drink.

Boiling

This is probably the most common technique that people use for water filtration or purification. The technique is initiated by putting the substance in a pot above a fire or sufficient heat. As the liquid comes to a boil, microorganisms that are found in most natural sources at room temperature are killed. It is required to boil the liquid for at least one to three minutes depending on the location. A minute may be sufficient for locations at sea level but those at higher altitudes such as 5000 feet may be required to bring and keep the liquid at a rolling boil for three minutes.

Distillation

This is a very common process of water filtration that involves boiling the substance to produce vapor. This vapor is comes in contact with a cold surface and this produces a liquid which is clean, although not 100% cleaned, but potable enough for drinking and ingestion for people. The reason why it is not a hundred percent pure is because the vapor may actually be a carrier for other contaminants that can survive the boiling point. On the other hand, these contaminants are basically, not dangerous for the human body, which is why distillation is acceptable for potable liquids. The process is also used for other kinds of liquids like alcohol.

Reverse Osmosis

This is a very efficient process that yields the cleanest water filtration result. The process starts with a filter system that is made up of a membrane that is semi permeable. Pressure, using mechanical sources is applied to the impure H20 to force it through the semi permeable membrane. The result is a cleaner, if not the cleanest possible. Despite being one of the most efficient ways to clean the liquid, steps should be taken to maintain the membrane. Due to constant contact with impurities (the ones that populate the source before it is cleaned), the membrane should be regularly checked and cleaned to get rid of possible growths stemming from the impurities that get stuck in the membranes.

Filtration

This water filtration technique has been around for ages and comes in different ways. Different filters can be used to get rid of any contaminants or microorganisms that live in the source. Rocks, sand, paper and many others can be used to filter the H20 ad produce a viable liquid.