What consumables need to be replaced regularly in a reverse osmosis pure water system?

I. Pretreatment Section

1. Mechanical Filter Media

The filter media in mechanical filters (such as quartz sand, anthracite, etc.) may experience caking and loss after prolonged use. Generally, the filter media condition should be checked every 3-6 months. When caking causes increased filtration pressure or loss affects filtration efficiency, some or all of the filter media needs to be replaced. For example, when treating raw water with high sediment content, filter media wear and clogging may be more severe, and the replacement cycle may be shorter.

2. Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is mainly used to adsorb organic matter and residual chlorine in water. Its service life is typically 6-12 months. When activated carbon becomes saturated, it needs to be replaced promptly. Activated carbon effectiveness can be determined by testing the inlet and outlet water quality. If the residual chlorine content in the outlet water increases to near the level of the inlet water, or the organic matter removal rate decreases significantly, it indicates that the activated carbon needs to be replaced.

3. Softener Resin

The resin in the softener is used to remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water. When the resin becomes saturated, it needs to be regenerated. However, after multiple regenerations, the resin may break down or leak. The resin condition should generally be checked every 6-12 months. If severe resin breakage affects ion exchange efficiency or resin loss leads to poor softening, the resin needs to be replenished or replaced. The resin regeneration cycle is generally about 1-2 weeks, depending on the hardness of the raw water. Regeneration typically uses a 5%-10% sodium chloride solution.

II. Reverse Osmosis (RO) System

1. Reverse Osmosis Membrane

Reverse osmosis membranes can become fouled by organic matter, microorganisms, and inorganic salts in the water during use. Although some performance can be restored through chemical cleaning and offline flushing, the membrane's lifespan is limited. Generally, the reverse osmosis membrane needs to be replaced every 2-3 years, depending on factors such as raw water quality, operating pressure, and cleaning and maintenance.

2. High-Pressure Pump Seals

High-pressure pump seals will wear and age with increased use. Generally, the seals should be inspected annually, and any signs of wear or aging should be replaced promptly; otherwise, pump leakage will occur, affecting normal operation.

III. Post-treatment Section

1. Ultraviolet Lamp

The lifespan of an ultraviolet lamp is generally around 8000-9000 hours. When an ultraviolet intensity meter detects that the lamp's ultraviolet intensity is below 70% of its initial intensity, the lamp should be replaced.

2. Terminal Filter Cartridge

The replacement cycle for terminal filter cartridges varies depending on the cartridge's precision and water quality requirements. Generally, microfiltration cartridges (0.1-1μm) are replaced every 1-3 months, and ultrafiltration cartridges (0.01-0.1μm) are replaced every 3-6 months. The cartridge needs to be replaced when the pressure difference between the filter inlet and outlet reaches 0.05-0.1MPa or when the filtered water quality does not meet requirements.