Solutions
Reverse Osmosis
As osmostic pressure stops the phenomenon of osmosis, similarly applying larger pressure than osmotic pressure can reverses the process of osmosis. In reverse osmosis, larger pressure is applied to the solution side which allows only pure solvent flows out through semi permeable membrane (SPM) leaving solutes in the solution.
Thus, phenomenon in which larger pressure than osmotic pressure is applied to reverse the process of osmosis is called reverse osmosis.
The process of Reverse Osmosis is used to purify water generally i.e. to make the saline or water containing impurities to the potable water.
In the process of reverse osmosis an electric motor is used to create pressure and a semi permeable membrane made of cellulose acetate is used. Cellulose acetate is permeable to water but impermeable to impurities and ions present in sea water.
Many of the companies, such as Kent, Aquaguard, etc. sell reverse osmosis water purification apparatus to make water potable. In many countries saline water is used potable using reverse osmosis.
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