Replacement RO Membrane for PWC-3500 PureWaterCoolers The Vertex Replacement RO Membrane is a critical component for PWC-3500 bottleless water coolers equipped with reverse osmosis filtration. Rated at 75 gallons per day (GPD), this membrane works as part of a powerful multi-stage purification system designed to deliver cleaner, better-tasting water at the point of use. In the PWC-3500, water first passes through two stages of sediment and carbon filtration, which reduce dirt, chlorine, taste, and odor. The RO membrane then performs deep purification at the molecular level, filtering water down to 0.0001 microns. This process removes an average of 95% of dissolved minerals and contaminants, including many that standard filtration cannot address. Reverse osmosis is especially important as surface and groundwater contamination continues to increase. RO filtration helps reduce contaminants such as lead, mercury, chromium-6, and other heavy metals, along with naturally occurring substances like arsenic, fluorides, and sulfides found in some regions. The result is water that is significantly cleaner, clearer, and more consistent. For applications where reverse osmosis is preferred in the PWC-3500, an optional post-carbon filter can be added for additional water polishing and final taste refinement. When servicing or replacing filters in this configuration, refer to filter kit FK-108. Used in the following Vertex Bottleless Water Coolers: PWC-3500 Bottleless Water Coolers with RO Option **Typical recommendation is to replace the RO membrane every 2 years (optional). About Reverse Osmosis City water treatment removes dirt and debris while adding chlorine to prevent the spread of diseases, producing unpleasant taste and odor in municipal water. However, it does not remove the dissolved minerals and contaminants from the water. With the increasing pollution of our surface and ground water with natural or man-made contaminants such as nitrates, perchlorates, and pesticides, it is more important than ever to have a way to remove them at the point of use. The pre-filtration, before the RO, helps to prepare the water to permeate the membrane. The sediment filter removes larger particles down to 5 microns such as sand and rust. Next, activated carbon eliminates the chlorine along with any bad tastes and odors. Finally, the Reverse Osmosis membrane removes an average of 95% of dissolved contaminants and minerals from the water at the molecular level including those that cause scale deposits. Typical Contaminant Removal Rates with Reverse Osmosis Aluminum 86% Arsenic 94% Barium 96% Bicarbonate 90% Borate 30% Bromide 87% Cadmium 96% Calcium 94% Chloride 87% Chromate 86% Chromium 96% Copper 98% Cyanide 86% Detergent 97% Ferrocyanide 98% Fluoride 87% Herbicides 97% Insecticides 97% Lead 97% Magnesium 96% Manganese 95% Mercury 96% Nickel 98% Nitrate 80% PCBs 97% Perchlorate 96% Phosphate 96% Potassium 87% Radium 80% Selenium 94% Silicate 85% Silver 93% Sodium 87% Spores 99.9% Strontium 96% Sulfate 97% Thiosulfate 96% Zinc 98% Factory Tests at 65psi and 77°. Actual rates may vary.