Counter top reverse osmosis system

Abstract

A reverse osmosis (RO) unit uses a membrane permitting operation at abnormally low water pressures, typically as low as 10 PSI. Because any requirement for a pump to boost inlet water pressure is obviated, the RO unit makes do with only one, small and compact, outlet pump. An optional single, or a dual-channel dual-pass, ultraviolet (UV) light source sterilizes filtered inlet, and/or the purified output, water flows. Purified water is stored at atmospheric pressure in a simple storage bag, and is dispensed on demand by force of the outlet pump. The entire RO unit--storage bag, pump, filters, UV sterilizer, membrane and all--is preferably entirely integrally packaged in a compact and aesthetically pleasing cylindrically-shaped housing. The RO unit so housed is suitably deployed on a household counter top while flow-connected to normal household plumbing--typically to the faucet and drain of a kitchen sink--and while electrically connected to normal household power. The RO unit is operative to purify water in the event of an emergency or power emergency on solar or battery power, and is even operative in the complete absence of electrical power, such as after an earthquake or other emergency, by manual disconnection or bypass of its inlet solenoid valve.