What is the purpose of a cartridge prefilter in an RO system?

The purpose of a cartridge prefilter in a reverse osmosis (RO) system is to remove carbon fines, resin beads, and other debris from the incoming water. This prefiltration step is crucial because it protects the more delicate components of the RO system, such as the membrane, from being damaged by larger particulate matter. By ensuring that these finer and potentially harmful particles are filtered out before they reach the RO membrane, the cartridge prefilter enhances the overall efficiency and longevity of the RO system.

In a typical setup, the prefilter serves as the first line of defense, catching materials that might otherwise clog or degrade the function of the RO membrane, thus helping to maintain optimal water quality.