Clean drinking water is a basic necessity, but its quality can vary significantly based on your water source. The RO membrane plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your water purifier performs optimally. In fact, more than 90% of the impurities removed by an RO system are filtered through the RO membrane.
Whether you're a homeowner looking for safe drinking water or a commercial user seeking bulk purification solutions, understanding the RO membrane's role can help you make informed decisions regarding price, performance, and replacement.
What is an RO Membrane?
How Does an RO Membrane Work?
Types of RO Membranes
Benefits of Using a Quality RO Membrane
RO Membrane Price Guide
Choosing the Best RO Membrane for Home Use
Signs Your RO Membrane Needs Replacement
How to Replace and Maintain an RO Membrane
RO Membrane Brands in India
Conclusion & Expert Recommendations
An RO membrane is a semi-permeable filtration layer designed to remove dissolved salts, metals, bacteria, and chemical contaminants from water. It is the heart of any reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system, filtering water at a molecular level.
The membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals like lead and arsenic, microorganisms, and other harmful substances.
The RO membrane working principle is based on reverse osmosis, where water is forced through the membrane under high pressure. This pressure causes pure water to pass through while rejecting dissolved salts and contaminants.
Pre-filtration: Sediment and carbon filters remove visible dirt and chlorine.
RO Membrane Stage: The actual membrane removes 90–98% of TDS.
Post-filtration (if applicable): Additional filters improve taste and mineral balance.
RO membranes typically work best with water pressure of 40–100 psi and operate optimally at 25–30°C temperatures.
Domestic RO Membranes: Ideal for homes and small offices, generally with 50–100 GPD (gallons per day) capacity.
Commercial RO Membranes: Used in industries, hospitals, and large establishments. These have higher flow rates, often 300–1000+ GPD.
Thin Film Composite (TFC): Common and efficient, but sensitive to chlorine.
Cellulose Triacetate (CTA): Less sensitive to chlorine, but less efficient.
Choosing a high-quality RO membrane ensures:
Superior Filtration: Removes up to 98% of contaminants.
Longer Lifespan: A good membrane lasts 12–24 months with proper care.
Improved Taste: Filters out odor-causing chemicals like chlorine and sulfur.
Low Maintenance: Reduces burden on other filters in your RO system.
The RO membrane price for home use in India usually ranges from ₹300 to ₹1,200, depending on capacity and brand. Some affordable yet reliable options include:
For industrial use, the cost can go up to ₹5,000 or more depending on flow rate, TDS rejection rate, and material quality.
Brand reputation
GPD capacity
TDS rejection rate
Certification (NSF, ISI, etc.)
Warranty and lifespan
TDS Level: If your water has TDS above 500 ppm, a high-rejection membrane is necessary.
Water Pressure: Ensure the membrane matches your RO system’s pressure rating.
Brand & Reliability: Stick to tested and reviewed brands available on Romegamart.
Thai Aqua RO Membranes – Affordable and efficient.
Dow RO Membranes – Global brand known for industrial-grade quality.
Ontoz RO Membranes – Budget-friendly for domestic use.
Reduced Water Flow: Lower output than normal.
Change in Taste or Odor: Water smells metallic or tastes salty.
High TDS Output: Check using a TDS meter; if above 100 ppm, the membrane may be ineffective.
Membrane Age: If more than 18–24 months old, consider replacement.
Shut off water supply and power.
Open the RO membrane housing.
Remove the old membrane using pliers.
Insert the new membrane (ensure correct orientation).
Close the housing and run system for 10 minutes.
Replace pre-filters every 3–6 months to protect the membrane.
Clean the membrane housing annually.
Avoid using hard or untreated borewell water directly.
Here are some of the top RO membrane brands available at Romegamart:
Brand | Highlights | Link |
---|---|---|
Ontoz | Affordable domestic membranes | Ontoz RO Membranes |
Duken | Value-for-money performance | Duken RO Membranes |
Dow | Trusted for high TDS and industrial RO | Dow RO Membranes |
CSM | Durable and high output membranes | CSM RO Membranes |
Toray | Excellent for large-scale filtration | Toray RO Membranes |
Thai Aqua | Efficient and economical | Thai Aqua RO Membranes |
The RO membrane is not just a component—it's the core of your water purification system. Whether you’re looking for budget options for your home or industrial-grade solutions for a plant or office, selecting the right RO membrane can make a significant difference in both water quality and long-term cost.
If you’re unsure about what to choose, start by:
Checking your source water TDS
Reviewing membrane GPD and rejection capacity
For a full range of RO membranes at wholesale rates, visit the RO Membrane section on Romegamart today and choose the best option for your domestic or industrial needs.
Snippet:
RO membranes are critical components of reverse osmosis water purifiers, filtering up to 98% of dissolved solids, heavy metals, and bacteria. Whether for home or industrial use, choosing the right RO membrane depends on water TDS, flow rate (GPD), and trusted brands like Ontoz, Dow, and Toray. RO membrane prices in India range from ₹300 to ₹5,000, depending on specifications.