Which factor mainly affects the performance of RO systems?

The performance of reverse osmosis (RO) systems is primarily influenced by the quality of the source water. This factor encompasses various parameters such as the concentration of dissolved solids, presence of contaminants, and the overall chemical composition of the water being treated. High levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) or specific contaminants can lead to reduced permeate flow, increased operating pressure, and more frequent membrane fouling. Additionally, variations in source water quality can impact the effectiveness of pre-treatment processes and the lifespan of the membranes used in the RO system. Therefore, understanding and monitoring the source water quality is crucial for optimizing RO system performance and ensuring efficient operation.

Other factors like temperature, age of the system, and size of the holding tank can also influence system efficiency, but they are often secondary to the initial water quality when it comes to the fundamental operational capabilities of reverse osmosis systems. For instance, while temperature can affect solubility and viscosity, and the age of the system can impact mechanical integrity, it is ultimately the composition of the source water that serves as the primary driver of RO performance.