Difference Between Commercial and Industrial RO Plant

Reverse osmosis (RO) plants are vital in the effective purification of water across different industrial and commercial applications. RO systems use membrane technology to remove contaminants, producing high-purity water for manufacturing, food & beverage production, pharmaceutical, boiler feed water, and other applications. Industrial and commercial RO plants have distinct properties and uses. Understanding the difference between commercial and industrial RO plants is crucial to finding the most suitable solution for specific water treatment needs. 

Commercial Vs. Industrial RO Plants: Meaning 

What is a Commercial RO Plant? 

The reverse osmosis plant manufacturers in India design commercial RO plants for high-volume applications with lower capacity, typically ranging from 2000 to 21600 GDP (gallons per day).  Commercial RO plants are more suitable for small-scale operations like car washes, restaurants, hotels, and corporate offices where purified water is needed for cooking, drinking, and cleaning applications. 

What is an Industrial RO Plant? 

Industrial RO systems are advanced water technologies designed for large volumes of water, typically ranging from 30,000 to 5,70,000 GDP, and engineered to withstand high endurance operating conditions. These state-of-the-art industrial RO plants are equipped with the technology, high operating pressure, and advanced monitoring systems for efficient performance. These RO plants are used in power generation, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing facilities. 

Also Read: Everything to Know About Industrial RO Plant Automation

Key Difference between commercial and industrial RO plant

• Water Recovery Rate

The water recovery rate is a crucial factor in the efficiency of an RO plant. It refers to the percentage of water that is recovered as purified water from the total water input. Industrial RO plants typically have a water recovery rate of 75% to 85%, meaning they filter more water relative to the input water volume. On the other hand, commercial RO plants have a water recovery rate of 50% to 75%. This substantial difference in water recovery rate makes the industrial RO plant more suitable for water-efficient economical applications. 

• Energy Efficiency

Industrial RO plants are significantly energy efficient in terms of water purification capacity. Despite their large size, industrial RO systems are equipped with efficient pump systems and energy recovery devices that save on operating costs. While commercial RO plants may be less energy efficient due to their compact size, they use less total energy. 

• Maintenance Requirements 

When it comes to maintenance, RO industrial plants need specialized maintenance due to their complexity and their use in operations. This ensures optimal performance, longevity, and water quality. Commercial RO plants are easy to maintain but require periodic maintenance. 

Factors to Consider When Selecting an RO Plant for Your Requirements 

Choosing the right commercial and industrial RO plants needs careful consideration. Keep in mind the following considerations to ensure high purity, performance, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. 

Water Purity Requirements:

The desired water quality requirement should be the primary factor to consider when buying an RO system. If you need 1000 to 100000 gallons of water per day, an industrial RO is more suitable; for low volumes, opt for a commercial RO plant. 

• Pharmaceutical processes need high-purity water with TDS levels below 10 ppm. 
• Food and beverage manufacturing requires water with a TDS level below 500 ppm.
• Electronics & electrical production requires water with resistivity up to 18MΩ-cm. (megohm-cm). 

Available Space: 

Space constraints can be a major issue in determining the choice of RO plants. You can opt for REIPL’s compact configuration to fit seamlessly into narrower spaces. Our modular RO designs are ideal for facilities with limited floor spaces and height restrictions. 

Budget:

Industrial RO plants have higher upfront costs but, in the long run, prove to be a great investment for large-scale water treatment facilities.  While commercial RO plants are an excellent choice for small-scale facilities. 

Energy Efficiency: 

Energy consumption is a major factor contributing to operational costs. Companies can opt for REIPL’s range of industrial RO systems backed with high-efficiency membranes to reduce energy consumption, high-pressure pumps to optimize energy, and energy recovery devices to recapture energy from the concentrate stream. 

Regulatory Compliance: 

Compliance with industry-specific regulations is crucial. Following are some industry regulations:

• Pharmaceutical and food & beverage production require FDA compliance. 
• Electronics manufacturing ISO standard compliance in terms of water purity.
• CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) guidelines for drinking water standards for municipal water treatment facilities. 

It is crucial to make an informed decision between a commercial and industrial RO plant. Understanding the differences between these two RO systems will help you choose the right reverse osmosis plant for your requirements. Ravi Enviro Industries Pvt.Ltd can help you choose the most suitable RO system for consistent high-purity water. As one of the best RO plant manufacturers in India, we offer custom RO systems, ETP plants, STP plants, as well as installation and maintenance services. REIPL is your one-stop destination for all your water treatment requirements. For best quotes, call us.