What does a radical change in the percent rejection rate of an RO machine signal?

A radical change in the percent rejection rate of a reverse osmosis (RO) machine serves as a critical indicator of the machine's performance. When there is a significant shift in this rate, it often suggests that the system is not operating as it should be, which can point toward the need for maintenance to address underlying issues.

The percent rejection rate reflects the efficiency of the RO membrane in managing the separation of contaminants from water. If this rate dramatically increases or decreases, it typically implies that there could be a malfunction or degradation of the membrane or other components, necessitating maintenance checks. For instance, factors like membrane fouling, scaling, or physical damage can alter rejection rates, indicating that some form of intervention is necessary to restore optimal functionality.

In this context, other options do not directly correlate with a radical change in the rejection rate. An optimal functioning machine would exhibit stable rejection rates rather than radical changes, elevated water temperatures typically affect permeability rather than rejection rates, and clogged filter pores are likely to lead to consistent issues rather than sudden changes. Thus, recognizing the need for maintenance upon observing such shifts ensures the longevity and efficiency of the RO system.