How to choose a reverse osmosis filter: rating of the best manufacturers and their products

Appointment of the mineralizer

As mentioned above, a good reverse osmosis filter retains most of the substances in the membrane, up to about 98% in ideal conditions, since they are much larger than a water molecule. At the same time, all excess exits through a special hole and is washed off through the drainage.

But in addition to harmful bacteria, potassium, magnesium, calcium salts and similar components useful for the body are retained. Therefore, every year the number of opponents of such a filter increases.In order not to lose potential buyers, many companies began to actively introduce the mineralizer.

Its main function is to saturate water with useful microelements, which helps a person to receive the necessary amount of nutrients and salts through water. In addition, the mineralizer has a positive effect on the overall taste of water, making it more pleasant. Scientists also confirmed that there is no harm from such a solution, so people can drink the liquid without fear for their health.

During the mineralization process, the following happens to the liquid:

• Saturation with only the minerals and components necessary for the body;
• Alignment of acid-base balance;
• The acquisition of a pleasant aftertaste that everyone will like.

The best reverse osmosis systems with a large capacity

A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of a tank for storing purified water. The average volume is 10 liters. You can use purified water at any time, especially if there is a constant need for it.

Ecotronic V 42-R4L

It is popular with those who do not have a lot of free space. Differs in compactness and small weight. Easy and simple to install in a small space. The filter elements are inside, so the product is ready for use after purchase. Connecting is easy and convenient. No outside help is required. Power - 800 W, when heated - 1 kW. Tank with a capacity of 12 liters. The installed UV lamp allows continuous disinfection of the liquid. Cleaning steps:

• sedimentary;
• carbonic;
• membrane.

Normalizes the percentage of the presence of heavy metals, salts, mechanical impurities.

Ecotronic V 42-R4L
Advantages:

• performance;
• cleaning quality;
• ease of operation;
• ease of installation;
• the possibility of modification;
• you can press the tap with a mug;
• installation in offices and enterprises.

Flaws:

high price.

Geyser Prestige 3

Differs in universality. It can be used both for filtration and for obtaining demineralized water. Different supply is achieved through the use of a two-valve valve. The storage tank is designed for 40 liters. Product productivity - 0.76 l / min. The cleaning steps are as follows:

• pretreatment;
• retention of organochlorine compounds and heavy metals;
• membrane screening;
• purification from free chlorine.

The average price is 50,000 rubles.

Geyser Prestige 3
Advantages:

• ease of installation;
• durability;
• practicality;
• quality of work;
• separate supply;
• the presence of a carbon post-filter;
• versatility.

Flaws:

big sizes.

Aquafilter Excito - RP 65139715

The filter allows you to clean the liquid from negative impurities by 99 percent. At the same time, viruses and bacteria are removed, the taste of water is improved and the smell disappears. The help of special organizations in the installation is not required. Productivity - 300 l / day. Operates at pressures up to 6 bar. The filter cartridges are interchangeable. To easily connect the system to the water supply and sewerage, adapters are included in the kit. There is also a chrome faucet and a plastic tank of 12 liters.

The purchase price is 6748 rubles.

Aquafilter Excito - RP 65139715
Advantages:

• optimal set;
• ease of use;
• universality;
• withstand significant loads;
• practicality.

Flaws:

case unreliability.

Direct and reverse osmosis

Natural osmosis is a phenomenon that underlies the metabolic process that occurs in living organisms. It provides a balanced state of salt and mineral metabolism.

Living cells are washed by blood and lymph, from these fluids through the shell, which is a semipermeable membrane, nutrients enter it, and toxins are removed back.

The semi-permeable membrane has selective permeability. Having an electric charge on its outer surface, it repels mineral substances dissolved in water, the molecules of which, as a result of hydrolysis, have decomposed into ions.

In the middle of the cell, these mineral substances are transferred by special transport molecules through separate channels in the cell membrane.

To simulate the process in the laboratory, take a vessel, divide it into 2 parts using a semi-permeable membrane. On the right side of the partition, a highly concentrated aqueous solution of a mineral substance is poured, on the other - everything is the same, but in a much lower concentration.

In an effort to balance, the water from the left side goes to the right. The process continues until the concentration of solutions on both sides becomes the same.

With the achievement of an equal level of concentration, the height of the liquid columns located on different sides will not be the same. The difference in height will be directly proportional to the force forcing water through the membrane and called "osmotic pressure".

The diagram clearly shows the process of direct and reverse osmosis modeled in the laboratory

Reverse osmosis is the exact opposite of natural osmosis.All in the same vessel, under the influence of external pressure on a solution of high concentration, the water changes direction. The applied pressure simply pushes it through the membrane, freeing it from the substances dissolved in it.

The concentration of the solution, which was already higher initially, increases even more, and the lower one continues to decrease. As before, only water passes through the membrane, but in the other direction.

How to install correctly?

1. It is recommended to install the filter not to the main faucet, but next to it, by making another hole in the sink.
2. It is necessary to make a branch from the water supply network. To do this, turn off the valve, which will stop the water supply and drain the remaining water in the blocked area. After that, to bifurcate the supply network using an adapter, connect the outlet to the filter. Thus, we get two input disconnected parts and a tap for the filter.
3. If for some reason the filter system was not assembled at the factory or in the store, then you must first assemble it clearly following the instructions.
4. Two hoses are connected to the already assembled device, inlet and outlet.
5. Attach the faucet to the sink.
6. Connect the device to the water supply and faucet using the connected hoses.
7. Seal and seal all threaded connections with FUM tape.

You can more clearly see the installation process with expert comments in the video:

New Water Praktic Osmos Stream OUD600

Model recommended for regions with hard and extra hard water, normal or high levels of heavy metals and iron. The system is especially effective for use in metropolitan areas, industrial centers.The device is equipped with a membrane and cartridges. There is also a faucet for clean water and a set of accessories needed to install a filter.

Design advantages:

• direct-flow system equipped with a pump. There is no need for an additional tank. You get at any time the right amount of fresh, not stagnant water in the tank;
• the set includes a mineralizer and an automated pumping unit;
• the pump allows you to use the filter even at very low pressure in the water supply;
• 6 stages of purification, allowing you to get completely safe, great-tasting water;
• cleaning versatility. The filter not only frees water from harmful substances, but also disinfects it. In addition, the problem of scale is completely solved;
• removable membrane from the Japanese company Toray Industries Inc;
• ceramic ball valve.

One of the distinguishing features of the design is the automated flushing of the membrane from contaminants. This helps to increase its working resource. The reverse osmosis system has been working just as well as a new one for many years.

There are few disadvantages of the device: a complex device and high cost. However, users claim that this is an acceptable price to pay for water quality.

Filter manufacturers

There are filters of Russian brands on the market, this is good news. At the same time, the quality of their products makes it possible to compete with Western counterparts. At the moment, there are 4 domestic companies and 1 American company in the top, whose products have the highest quality and popularity in the domestic market.

Barrier

This company has been producing filters since 1993. During this time, she acquired four of her own factories and a whole research center.The production is high-tech, robotic, all types of filters are produced, including flow filters and reverse osmosis filters. Most of the produced models have 3 stages of cleaning, the processing volume is about 2.5 liters per minute. In addition, the Barrier produces a large number of different cartridges for different types of water, which are replaced in just a couple of seconds.

Aquaphor

The company was founded in 1992, a year earlier than the previous brand. Aquaphor and Barrier are the two most popular manufacturers of water purifiers, their ratio on the market is approximately 1:1. Aquaphor has 3 factories, two of them are located in St. Petersburg and the last one is in the region. Also, like the Barrier, it produces filters of various types. It is worth noting the latest development of Aquaphor specialists - carbon fibers, called "Aqualene". This is the thinnest membrane, which at times improves the quality of cleaning.

New Water

A young Ukrainian brand created in 1996. A feature of Novaya Voda is membership in the water quality association, which confirms the level of the company and water purifiers. In addition to purifiers, it manufactures cartridges for different types of water.

Geyser

The oldest of the domestic firms presented here. It was founded back in 1986 and since then has patented a considerable number of developments that it successfully uses in its water purifiers even now. Among these developments, a special place is occupied by a finely porous ion-exchange polymer, which has been recognized by world manufacturers and is used not only in domestic filters. Another feature of Geyser water purifiers is that cartridges are suitable for them, both their own and from Aquaphor.

Atoll

An American brand, however, models sold in Russia are assembled at the domestic enterprise Comintex-Ecology.The brand has existed for more than 10 years and has secured the title of one of the highest quality. This is confirmed by numerous international certificates (for example, the NSF certificate), which allows us to speak of a high level of products.

Reverse osmosis systems

The reverse osmosis system is also equipped with modules for mechanical and chemical cleaning. However, in it the water is additionally filtered when passing through the reverse osmosis membrane. In this case, water molecules pass, and the molecules of some substances are retained. So, for example, reverse osmosis traps phenol and cadmium molecules, while conventional filters let them through. Thanks to this purification, the water becomes practically distilled and it can be safely poured into the iron (scale will not form). And so that the water does not lose its taste, it passes through a post-filter, and in some models even through a mineralizer.

Reverse osmosis also has some disadvantages. For example, the performance of most devices is from 0.08 to 0.5 l / min, which is several times lower than that of flow filters. Because of this, with reverse osmosis devices, an additional storage tank is supplied, where filtered water enters. This factor affects the size of the space that needs to be allocated to water filters for washing. Which storage tank is better to choose in this case, you will have to proceed from the dimensions of the sink.

We also note that high-molecular filtration involves the production of a small amount of pure water - about 70% is discharged into the sewer. However, if you live in the private sector, then you can use the waste water to water the garden.The system requires a constant pressure in the pipes of at least 3 atm. If the pressure is low, for example, among residents of 8-9 floors, then you will have to install a pump, and this is additional money and some noise in the apartment.

So, which water filter to choose for an apartment or house? For the most part, reverse osmosis is suitable in cases where the water in the tap is of very poor quality or has a lot of impurities. In other cases, a flow device will suffice

Pay attention to the rating of the best models of each type designed for cold water

Reverse osmosis: ranking of the best 2019

Atoll A-550 Patriot

The budget filter purifies the liquid from impurities up to 0.01 microns in size, which are mechanical and organic impurities, active chlorine, cadmium, petroleum products, hardness salts and other substances. Here is a 5-stage cleaning system using filter cartridges MP-5V, GAC-10, MP-1V, reverse osmosis membrane 1812-50 GDP and carbon post-filter SK2586S. These are original Atoll filters, but cartridges of other Russian and foreign brands can also be installed.

The cleaning speed here is relatively low - only 0.08 l / min, so filling the pan will not work quickly. However, for these purposes there is a 12-liter storage tank (Yandex Market indicates 5 liters, but this is a typo), where the filtered liquid is collected.

Geyser Prestige M

The "prestigious" model from Geyser lives up to its name. It provides 6-stage water purification with the possibility of mineralization. The first five filters are designed to purify the liquid from impurities up to 0.01 microns in size, and the sixth module mineralizes it, enriching it with magnesium and potassium salts.In this case, the user can choose whether to drink mineralized or simply purified water by opening one of the two taps.

The filtration rate here is 0.13 l/m, which makes it possible to obtain approximately 200 l per day. For the convenience of using water, there is a storage tank for 12 liters. Geyser Prestige M is an excellent filtration quality for an “average” price.

Prio New Water Expert Osmos MO600

This split system from Prio is a real scale killer. The filter cleans from all bacteria, viruses, chemical and mechanical impurities. It has two pre-filters, a highly selective membrane (Japanese production) and a post-filter, which is a mixture of an air conditioner and a mineralizer. Users note that the membrane "lives" for more than 3 years, which is quite a lot for reverse osmosis. The rest of the cartridges are also quite durable, and do not need to be replaced during the year. Note that the device has a built-in filter change calendar so you will know exactly when to change modules.

The design is equipped with a pump that increases the pressure, so the filter can operate at a pressure in the pipes from 0.5 atm. A capacious storage tank of 15 liters will always have a supply of crystal clear water. Note the high-quality ceramic faucet that comes with the device. The only negative are the impressive dimensions of the split system, which makes it problematic to install it in a small kitchen. Also, its price is almost twice as high as most similar systems.

• We lay the wiring in the house: how to choose the right wire?
• Pumping station for a private house: tips for choosing and rating the best.

Under sink cleaners with reverse osmosis membranes

The need to install expensive reverse osmosis systems arises in regions with heavily polluted water.

When choosing this option, cold water passes successively through the steps:

• mechanical,
• sorption
• ion-exchange cleaning (otherwise thin membranes would quickly fail)
• are fed to nanofiltration or reverse osmosis membranes that capture almost all foreign impurities.
• after that, the water passes through the carbon post-filter and is supplied to the consumer.

The performance of reverse osmosis systems largely depends on the operating pressure at the inlet, optimal results are achieved by maintaining this parameter within 3-7 atm. (the exact range depends on the modification and is specified by the manufacturer).

Interesting! Due to the low throughput of the membranes and the need for their flushing, systems for washing this type must be equipped with storage tanks and outlets for draining (at least 2.5 liters per 1 liter of clean water goes to drains). Other indicators of the most popular reverse osmosis systems are presented below.

Barrier Profi OSMO 100

This system is positively evaluated by more than 85% of users with an emphasis on ease of installation and high quality filtration.

In addition to the high cost of consumables (from 700 rubles when buying replaceable modules for stages 1-3, from 2900 - 4 and 5), the features of this system that are taken into account include:

1. opacity of flasks,
2. consumption of at least 2-2.5 liters of water per drain when cleaning 1 liter of water with membranes
3. need for pressure control.

Geyser Prestige

Ergonomic system with a pre-filter, a membrane that retains up to 99.7% of impurities and a carbon post-filter made of coconut shell.

When using this model, it should be remembered that its individual filtration elements have different service lives (up to 20,000 liters for a polypropylene mechanical pre-filter, 7,000 liters for 2 and 3 stages of sorption cleaning, 1.5-2 years and 50 gallons for a block with a membrane and no more than 1 year of service at the post-filter).

Over 80% of users consider this system convenient and effective.

Operational shortcomings largely coincide with the previous model (need for space, part of the water drained, the high cost of cartridges).

Estimated costs for the purchase of the basic Geyser Prestige package are:

• 8800 rubles,
• for a complete replacement of cartridges - 3850 (1400 rubles for updating pre-filters, 2450 for a membrane and post-carbon).

Aquaphor DWM-101S

A lightweight reverse osmosis system that works even in cases of low inlet water pressure (from 2 to 6.5 atm). The service life of the individual stages of cleaning Aquaphor DWM-101S depends on their purpose and varies from 3 months for pre-filters to 2 years for expensive membranes.

The system enriches water with natural magnesium and calcium while significantly reducing the overall level of hardness and removes all harmful chemical impurities from it.

The demand for the system is confirmed by a large number of positive reviews, Aquaphor DWM-101S is inferior to analogues only in the volume of drain (at least 4 liters compared to 2-3 for competitor models). The total cost for the purchase of Aquaphor DWM-101S is 8900 rubles, for the replacement of filtration modules - 2900.

Read about all the nuances of Aquaphor DWM-101S here.

Better models of filters for washing with a mineralizer

Filter systems with a built-in mineralizer have unique properties.After passing through all stages of purification, the water is effectively saturated with useful trace elements - magnesium, potassium, as well as calcium and others.

Today, manufacturers have taken a big step forward, developing safe systems that can mineralize ordinary running water from the tap. It becomes clean, enriched with elements important for the body and beneficial to health. At the same time, filter systems are easy to maintain and install. And on sale there are always all kinds of cartridges to maintain the device in working order.

1. BARRIER ACTIVE Power of the Heart

A reliable water filtration system not only eliminates impurities, but also enriches the water with magnesium and zinc. Installing the entire set in the water supply system is simple and does not require calling a specialist; cartridges are also easy to change. Users note an increased resource of cleaning elements and optimal taste properties of water that has passed through the filter.

Advantages:

• mineralization of water;
• great performance;
• consistently high cleaning quality;
• Easy to install and change cartridges.

Flaws:

• low productivity;
• high price.

2. Aquaphor OSMO-Crystal 50

An inexpensive, complete filtration station with a 10-liter tank and four cartridges is able to provide clean water for all the needs of a large family. The resource of filter elements in the average mode of consumption is enough for 2-3 months, while, as noted, the main carbon filter and additional ones become clogged at the same time. This avoids confusion when replacing them. The disadvantages include the unsuccessful design of the platform for the tank and the uninformative user manual.However, the manufacturer, knowing about the last problem, released a complete video instruction for assembly and maintenance.

Advantages:

• large storage;
• 4 stages of cleaning;
• high water quality;
• increased resource;
• mineralization.

Flaws:

• unstable platform for the drive;
• uninformative instructions.

3. Geyser Bio 311

A compact, three-stage filter is installed under the sink and, in addition to the main function, disinfects water and enriches it with calcium. The simplicity of the design ensures its reliability and protection against leaks, and the low cost of replacement modules significantly reduces the cost of replacing them. According to buyers, this is the best water filter among analogues in terms of cleaning quality. The only negative of this device is an incomplete set of parts necessary for proper installation.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• mineralization;
• good equipment;
• complete elimination of all impurities.

Flaws:

• in the package there are no gaskets necessary for installation;
• incomplete instructions.

4. Geyser Prestige Smart

A good filter with a medium-sized reservoir softens, mineralizes and purifies the water. Due to the high quality of the filter elements, it even copes with hard water from a well, which allows the device to be used in private homes without a central water supply. The volume of the tank is enough to provide a family of 4-5 people with clean water without delay, and the flimsy design at first glance shows its high reliability in practice.

Advantages:

• there is a storage
• copes with water of any hardness;
• reverse osmosis;
• faucet included;
• small dimensions.

Flaws:

there is a constructive marriage of the membrane part.

Atoll A-550m STD

A modern household water treatment system with good performance, capable of removing about 98% of contaminants. The device provides 6 stages of cleaning. In addition to the basic pre-filters, a reverse osmosis membrane and a post-filter with a carbon cartridge, a mineralizer is provided that makes purified water tastier. The filter capacity is 200 l/day. For a family of 3-4 people this is enough. The device is equipped with a FilmTec membrane from American manufacturers (the USA is the world leader in the production of reverse osmosis membranes).

It is very easy to install and maintain the filter. It is securely fixed with a metal plate. John Guest fittings minimize the risks associated with leaks. For the manufacture of the body, storage tank and components, reliable high-strength materials are used that can withstand strong water hammer and increased loads.

Advantages:

• excellent quality of water purification;
• long service life of filters (about six months);
• thoughtful equipment;
• beautiful appearance;
• improved crane: beautiful and reliable;
• silent operation;
• clear installation instructions.

Flaws:

• high price of cartridges;
• unreliable connection of cylinders;
• the device takes up a lot of space under the sink;
• there is no key to open the membrane housing. There is a risk of accidental cut edges.

USTM RO-5

A popular model from Polish manufacturers with an ideal price-performance ratio. The degree of purification is 96%. The system is equally well suited for cleaning both ordinary tap water and well or borehole water. The performance of 283 liters is enough for a family of 5-6 people. The kit includes a 12-liter storage tank. The number of cleaning steps is 5.There are 3 pre-filters, a reverse osmosis membrane and a carbon-filled post-filter.

Users note the following advantages of the device:

• good filtration quality;
• reliable, simple and fast installation;
• reliable assembly, strong fastening of hoses;
• thoughtful equipment;
• cartridges are always available;
• low cost of the system as a whole and filters in particular.

Minuses:

short life of regular cartridges.