Types of Ro Drinking Fountains
There are four main types of RO drinking fountains, each tailored to different filtration needs and usage circumstances. Here they are:
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Countertop RO Drinking Fountain:
A countertop RO drinking fountain is a compact water system that filters and dispenses water from a faucet. The device is usually mounted directly onto a kitchen counter. It offers a quick and easy way to obtain freshwater. Many models are user-friendly and require minimal setup. Most of them also come with additional features, such as carbon filters, to improve water quality further.
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Under Sink RO Drinking Fountain:
This type of RO drinking fountain is installed under the kitchen sink. It connects to the water supply system and has a storage tank. The under sink RO drinking fountain removes impurities from the water and provides freshwater. With an under sink model, only the tap or faucet is visible on the sink or counter, creating a neat and uncluttered space.
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Point-of-Use (POU) RO Drinking Fountain:
POU RO drinking fountains are installed at specific locations where access to filtered water is needed. This can include offices, public buildings, or schools. Users can get sanitized and refreshing water for drinking and cooking, which helps to improve health and hygiene.
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Wall-Mounted RO Drinking Fountain:
A wall-mounted RO drinking fountain is typically installed in public spaces like parks, schools, or offices. It has a built-in filtration system that ensures that people have constant access to clean water. The design is space-saving and efficient. Plus, the units are usually durable and designed to withstand heavy use in public settings.
Function and features of RO drinking fountain
RO drinking fountains come with various features that ensure clean and safe drinking water for users. They include:
- Filtration system: The main function of a RO water fountain is to filter and purify the water. Reverse osmosis membranes can eliminate contaminants and reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water. The other pre-and post-filters remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities, providing pristine drinking water. Some models may have additional filtration systems for enhanced purity.
- Water storage tank: Most RO drinking fountains have a water storage tank to ensure a continuous supply of filtered water. The tank fills up and provides water even when the fountain is not in use. Having a storage tank also helps reduce the wait time for water filtration.
- Maintenance requirements: Reverse osmosis systems require regular maintenance to function properly. This includes changing filters and membrane replacements after a specific period. Unit maintenance is easy, and many models have user-friendly filter replacement procedures.
- Cooling/heating options: Some RO water fountain models come with heating and cooling options. The ability to heat water to high temperatures can kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring the water is safe to drink. Additionally, some fountains use a refrigeration system to keep the water cold for up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is great for use in hot weather. Temperatures of up to 50 degrees are ideal for preventing bacteria growth. The cooling and heating options may need electricity to function.
- Sparkling water option: Some drinking fountains may offer an added feature that dispenses sparkling water. This bubbly water can be used for cooking, or people can get it for personal use.
- Accessibility features: Drinking fountains must be readily accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Some RO fountains are equipped with accessible features, such as wheel chair-friendly designs, touch-free operation, and braille signage.
- Wall mount design: Wall-mounted RO drinking fountains save space and are easy to install. They are ideal for use in public areas, such as schools, offices, parks, and gyms.
Scenarios
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Home Consumption:
RO drinking fountains can be conveniently installed in homes for family consumption of pure drinking water as per their needs and preferences.
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Offices:
They are a great solution for large corporate offices with many employees requiring purified drinking water throughout work hours.
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Schools and universities:
Schools and universities are other potential installation areas where these RO drinking fountains could supply students and faculty staff with clean, healthy drinking water.
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Malls and Commercial centers:
Malls and commercial centers often have food courts and other leisure areas where people gather to relax. Installing an easily accessible RO drinking water fountain would allow visitors to stay hydrated while they shop or enjoy their leisure time in the mall.
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Sports centers and Gyms:
Sports centers, gyms, and fitness clinics are places where people sweat. Placing an RO drinking fountain strategically near workout areas, locker rooms, or along corridors will make it easy for clients to quench their thrists with healthy, mineral-free water after vigorous exercises.
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Restaurants"
Restaurants can use RO drinking fountains to provide pure drinking water for their customers. This may serve as an alternative to bottled waters. In addition, restaurant staff can use the purified water from these fountains when preparing foods or beverages such as drinks
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Health Facilities:
Hospitals, health facilities, and clinics require clean, purified water for both patients and staff. Placing some RO drinking fountains within waiting areas or other accessible sections of healthcare centers will greatly improve hydration needs while promoting wellness.
How to choose ro drinking fountains
When choosing an Ro water drinking fountain, buyers must consider various options to get one that meets their needs. Here are some of the things to look for when selecting an Ro drinking water fountain.
- Output capacity: Buyers will have to consider how many people the fountain will serve. For places with high traffic, choose a fountain with a large output capacity. Small or medium-sized ones are ideal for areas with fewer people.
- Water quality: The main reason people install Ro water systems is to improve water quality. Sink and countertop model Ro fountains usually have additional filtration systems to enhance water quality. These systems can improve taste, remove impurities, or add minerals that people may require. Check to see if the fountain will meet customers' water quality needs.
- Consumer preferences: Based on studies done, most people prefer getting water from a fountain rather than bottling it themselves. This has been shown in schools and public areas. When people prefer getting water from a drinking fountain, they are more likely to use it. That is why it is important to study the demographic before installing one.
- Water waste: One of the cons of Ro systems is the water waste during filtration. While some drinking water Ro systems may waste up to 50% of the water, others have permeate pumps and efficient membranes that minimize waste. Evaluate the rejection ratios of different drinking fountains before choosing one.
- Utility costs: After calculating the upfront costs of the Ro water systems, buyers need to estimate the long-term operational costs. These costs include energy consumption, water waste, filter replacements, and maintenance. Consider the fountain's energy efficiency and demand for maintenance when evaluating operational costs.
- Compliance and certification: Drinking water systems need to comply with local regulations and standards. These regulations concern safety, water quality, and sanitation. Confirm if the Ro fountains have any certification or approval marks that demonstrate compliance with the local laws.
- Space and installation requirements: The space available will determine the Ro fountain size to install. Assess the installation requirements of the different models and ensure the necessary utilities and space are available.
- Maintenance and support: Businesses should offer regular maintenance and support to ensure Ro systems run smoothly for prolonged periods. That is why it is important to choose fountains from suppliers who provide after-sales support and are easy to maintain.
Q&A
Q: What is the function of the charcoal in some RO water fountains?
A: The charcoal improves the taste by removing any odors or stale flavors from the water.
Q: How often should the filter be replaced?
A: This will usually depend on the manufacturer’s specifications. However, filters generally need to be replaced every 6-12 months.
Q: Is it possible to install a water cooler with an existing RO system?
A: Yes. It is possible to connect the RO water to a water cooler or drinking fountain, but it will require a plumber to do so.
Q: Are there any special maintenance requirements for water treatment facilities using RO systems?
A: Yes, although the regular maintenance requirements are not very intensive, they will need to be managed efficiently to maintain optimal performance.