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October 6, 2023
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6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System Diagram
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Aug 22, 2023
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A 6-stage reverse osmosis system is recommended if your particular source water needs a bit of extra love in the form of added filtration steps.
This setup means you can mix and match your filter media to ensure you are getting rid of all the contaminants you face!
Let’s look at a diagram of how a 6-stage reverse osmosis system setup could look.
Contents
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6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System Diagram
Here is our 6-stage reverse osmosis system diagram. It shows an under sink RO water filter with one sediment pre-filter, a carbon pre-filter stage, the reverse osmosis membrane, a carbon post-filter, a UV light stage, a remineralization filter, a water storage tank, and the RO faucet.
How Does a 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System Work?
Typically, 6-stage RO systems come in different configurations, including one or more sediment pre-filters and carbon pre-filters, the RO membrane, and a carbon post-filter. Some systems may offer additional features like UV purification and remineralization. There is no standardized approach really.
- First, water flows from the cold water supply to pre-filtration. Here, sediments, chlorine, and other impurities are being removed in order to improve water quality and prevent damage to the delicate RO membrane.
- RO membrane does the bulk of the contaminant removal.
- Post-filtration further enhances water quality. There are plenty of different filter types to use, such as carbon, UV, iron, or remineralization.
- Water leaves the system through the RO faucet or is stored in the tank for later use.
6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System Components
Filter Stages
All RO systems will have, at a minimum, a carbon pre-filter, an RO membrane, and a carbon post-filter. They will then include additional stages for extra filtration. Some of the filters you will see in a 6-stage reverse osmosis configuration may include:
Sediment Pre-Filter
Sediment filtration removes dust, dirt, rust, and other particles. Positioned as the first step, it captures larger particles, allowing subsequent stages to target more challenging contaminants that sediment filtration alone cannot address. This also means to prevent clogging of the reverse osmosis membrane.
Carbon Pre-Filter
In the filtration stage, water flows through an activated carbon, effectively removing tastes, odors, cloudiness, colors, and chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorine, and occasionally chloramines. Apart from enhancing water aesthetics, the primary objective is to shield the RO membrane from potential damage caused by chlorine.
RO Membrane
In this main filtrations phase, water is propelled through a semipermeable membrane with pores as tiny as 0.0001 microns. An impressive elimination rate of 99% is achieved, effectively removing impurities and contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and nitrates from the water.
Carbon Post-Filter
Following reverse osmosis, water is often stored in a tank for future use. Incorporating a post-filter made from carbon eliminates any lingering taste that may have seeped into the water during storage.
Special Filters
Special filters may include:
- Remineralization filter: This adds “good” minerals like calcium and magnesium into the water before dispensing it through the RO faucet. It also helps to improve the water’s taste.
- UV purification filter: This is effective if your water is contaminated with bacteria and other pathogens like viruses and protozoa. UV light works to scramble the DNA of these pathogens to stop them from replicating and spreading disease.
- Iron filters: To avoid clogging the reverse osmosis system, running more than 0.3 ppm of iron through is not advisable. If your water contains iron, treat the issue at the point of entry or consider using an iron pre-filter in your RO system. While reverse osmosis can remove iron from drinking water, it may encounter difficulties with concentrations above 0.3 ppm, potentially fouling the membrane.
Other Components
Of course, your reverse osmosis system will consist of more components than just the filtration stages, namely:
Module
A centralized hub that connects all system components, facilitating the flow of water throughout.
Water Tank
Filtered water is held in a storage tank until it is needed. Unlike under sink models, most countertop models lack storage tanks.
Water Dispenser
A water dispenser provides easy access to filtered and purified water through a specialized tap.
Drain Line and Saddle
This is to ensure the complete elimination of all wastewater generated by the reverse osmosis system.
Water Inlet
This is where the water supply starts. It’s the connection that brings cold water to your RO system.
Automatic Shut-Off Valve
This valve halts the system’s operation when the storage tank reaches its maximum capacity.
Check Valve
The purpose of this valve is to prevent any potential water backflow from the storage tank or drain line.
Flow Restrictor
The flow restrictor regulates the flow of wastewater, ensuring that the RO system maintains the necessary pressure for water to pass through the membrane.
Tubing
Tubing is used at different locations within the system to create links between its components.
Fittings
These ensure that all the connections are secure and prevent leaks.
How to Install a 6-Stage RO System
List of Tools and Supplies:
- Electric drill with drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Plastic tubing cutter
- Teflon tape
- Hammer
Instructions:
- Drill a hole in the countertop to install the faucet.
- Connect the drain saddle to the sink’s drain line, keeping it away from the dishwasher and garbage disposal.
- Under the sink, shut off the water supply and open the kitchen faucet. Install the feed valve and reconnect the tubing.
- Position the RO system module.
- Attach the storage tank by sealing the threaded port with Teflon tape and screwing on the connector.
- Connect the tubing to the feed water valve, tank valve, and other components.
- Install all filter cartridges and the membrane.
- Turn on the feed water valve and check for any leaks.
- Flush the system + tank.
If you have any questions about our 6-stage reverse osmosis system diagram please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.