Best Guide: What Are the Most Important Factors to Consider When Selecting RO Equipment for a Factory?| Insights by AQUALITEK

1. Understanding Why RO Equipment Selection Matters

Industrial RO systems are used widely in electronics, food processing, chemical plants, boiler feedwater, and wastewater reuse.
A wrong selection can lead to:

•Poor water quality and production failures

•Premature membrane fouling

•High operating and maintenance costs

•System instability and frequent downtime

•Expensive reengineering or retrofits

Therefore, proper selection is essential for both performance and long-term ROI.

2. The 8 Most Important Factors When Selecting RO Equipment for a Factory

(1) Raw Water Quality — The Most Critical Factor

Raw water quality determines pretreatment, membrane type, system configuration, and overall cost.

Different sources require different designs:

A complete water quality report is essential before system design.

(2) Product Water Quality Requirements

Factory applications vary widely:

•Cooling water → moderate requirements

•Boiler feedwater → very low hardness, low silica

•Electronics manufacturing → RO + EDI for ultrapure water

•Food & beverage → hygienic standards

Higher water quality standards require more/advanced treatment stages.

(3) Required Output Capacity and Operating Hours

You must clearly define:

•Daily or hourly water demand

•Whether the system runs 24/7

•If a buffer tank is required

•Peak demand handling

These determine:

•Number of membrane elements

•Pump selection

•System size and redundancy design

(4) Recovery Rate — Balancing Efficiency and Stability

Typical industrial RO recovery: 50%–75%.

Higher recovery rate = lower water cost
BUT
Higher chance of scaling, fouling, and membrane degradation.

So, recovery rate should balance:

•Water cost

•Energy consumption

•Membrane lifespan

•Operating stability

(5) Long-term Operating Costs (OPEX)

OPEX often exceeds the initial purchase cost.

Main components include:

•Electricity (high-pressure pumps)

•Membrane replacement

•Antiscalants and cleaning chemicals

•Pretreatment consumables (filters, resin, media)

Choosing:

•High-efficiency pumps

•Anti-fouling membranes

•Effective pretreatment

…can reduce costs by 20%–40% annually.

(6) System Stability & Automation Level

A stable RO system protects both production lines and membranes.

Recommended features:

•Automatic flushing

•Real-time conductivity monitoring

•Chlorine/ORP monitoring

•Automatic shutdown protection

•PLC + touchscreen control

The more stable the automation, the longer the system lifespan.

(7) Manufacturer’s Engineering Experience & After-Sales Support

RO performance depends heavily on engineering, not just hardware.

Evaluate whether the manufacturer:

•Has experience with similar industrial projects

•Provides water analysis and full design documents

•Offers membrane cleaning services

•Has a rapid response service team

Professional engineering = fewer failures + lower cost.

(8) Installation Conditions and Site Requirements

Before selecting equipment, confirm:

•Available installation space

•Power supply specifications

•Drainage capacity for RO concentrate

•Chemical storage availability

•Whether on-site civil work is needed

Ignoring this may lead to delays or redesign.

3. Standard RO Selection Workflow for Factories

1.Collect or test raw water quality

2.Define water quality and water output requirements

3.Evaluate pretreatment and RO process design

4.Compare multiple engineering方案（1 pass / 2 pass / different recovery rates）

5.Review energy consumption and operating cost estimates

6.Confirm equipment layout and installation feasibility

7.Finalize specifications and sign a technical agreement

4. Summary: How to Quickly Judge What RO System a Factory Needs

Just remember three core principles:

1.Water quality determines the system.

2.Production demand determines the size.

3.Operating cost determines long-term value.

A properly selected RO system delivers stable performance, low operating cost, and long service life.