Deionized water is a type of drink which removed all of its ions and it has no charge. It can be created by taking conventional water and letting it exposed to electrically charged resins that will bind and attract to salts, and remove them from the water.
For years, it has been used in microelectronics as well as in the field of medicine. It is a good solvent for the production of various products we have in the market today.
There are some people who use deionized water in their home while there are some who are hesitant to buy water filters that can produce one for their family.
This article aims to discuss what a deionized water is and how it is made. Also, this will tackle the benefits and risks of using it at home or at the office, plus the tips in the use of the deionized water.
Deionized Water
The idea of deionizing water started years ago with the scientists’ notion that water is better if it is pure.
Deionized water or also known as demineralized water is a type of water wherein all of its mineral ions such as sodium, iron, calcium, copper, chloride, and sulfate are removed. It is clean, safe, and it tastes great. Also, it does not contain any chemicals or harmful toxins.
Big manufacturing firms, pharmaceutical companies, and laboratories use deionized water in their experiments and products.
One can install a water filter in their home that uses direct osmosis to create a deionized water. It can be costly, however, the benefits it gives can outweigh the price. Also, the system is easy to maintain since it only has a few accessories which you need to clean every month.
The water filter can be used in other places like hospitals, offices, and schools where the hard water is unsafe for drinking. Meanwhile, the ions lost in the process can be obtained through eating healthy fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Deionization is a chemical process that uses ion-exchange resins which are specially manufactured, and exchange hydrogen and hydroxide ions for the dissolved minerals. Then, it recombines again to form water.
The process of deionization can produce highly pure water which is similar to distilled water since the majority of non-particulate water impurities can dissolve in salt. Also, deionization does not build up the scale and the process is faster.
On the other hand, deionization cannot totally remove uncharged organic molecules plus the bacteria and viruses, not unless you use incidental trapping in the resin. As such, deionized water can still pose health problems in the end.
But if you use specially-made and strong base anion resins, then it can remove even gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, one can continuously and inexpensively do deionization through electro-deionization.
Meanwhile, there are three types of deionization process and these are the counter-current, co-current, and mixed bed.
Co-current Deionization
The co-current deionization pertains to the original down flow process of the water. In this process, both the regeneration chemicals and the input water enters at the top of an ion exchange column and both exits at the bottom.
When comparing the costs, the co-current deionization costs higher than the counter-current deionization due to the extra use of regenerants.
Regenerant chemicals are diluted as it encounters the bottom or finishing resins in an ion exchange column. As such, the quality of the product is lower versus a similarly sized counter-flow column.
Today, this process is still used by some companies. It can be maximized by focusing on the flow of the regenerants within the ion exchange column.
Counter-current deionization
Meanwhile, the counter-current deionization has two major forms that require specific engineering internals.
The first one is the up flow columns. On this location, input water will enter from the bottom and the regenerants will enter from the top of the ion exchange column.
Second, the up flow regeneration. With this one, the water will enter from the top while the regenerants will enter the bottom part.
On these two cases, there must be separate distribution headers that must be tuned up. The input water flow and its quality, desired product water analysis, and the time of operation between regenerations must be set accordingly.
Among the three types of deionizing the water, the counter-current deionization is a more attractive method of exchanging ions. Chemicals or the regenerants
can be able to flow in the opposite direction towards the service flow. As such, there will be lesser time needed versus the co-current deionization.
Furthermore, the quality of the final product can be as low as 0.5 parts per million. Indeed, there are various advantages of the counter-current deionization. Some of which are requiring low operating cost and low usage of regenerants in the entire process.
Mixed bed deionization
Lastly, the mixed bed deionization is a mixture of anion resin and cation in a 50:50 ratio. This mixture is joined in a single ion exchange column. It also contains a mixed bed demineralizers as the final water polishing that can clean the last few ions in the water before using it.
Studies show that with proper treatment, the water produced by the mixed bed deionization through single pass can be the purest among all water types.
Small mixed bed deionization units have no regeneration power, unlike big ones. Those units that are used by big companies are commercial mixed bed deionization system and it has an elaborate regenerant and internal water distribution systems.
In this type of system, a controller operates the valves and the pumps so regenerants can mix with the anions and resins in the ion exchange column. Take note that each of this is regenerated separately and combined again during the regeneration process.
This kind of system is used only when the company requires the highest purity of water. It can achieve efficient and quality water through difficult and expensive regeneration.
Distilled Water versus Deionized Water
Distilled water and deionized water are oftentimes interchanged today, but the two types of water are different.
Distillation is one of the oldest forms of purifying the water and it is still being used at the moment. The product of distilled water is pure and uncontaminated. Meanwhile, the product of deionized water is even purer than the distilled water.
First of all, deionized water is created through a series of intensive water purification process.
After the initial water cleaning process, the water goes through a reverse osmosis membrane. Then the water passes through a special deionizing medium which is responsible for removing the other ions that have been left in the water.
By going through these various and intensive processes of purification the deionized water can result in water that is pure or even purer than that of distilled water.
What is the difference between distilled and deionized water that makes consumers opt for distilled water? Even if the latter even is as pure and clean as the former?
Basically, the distillation of water is a much simpler and more convenient process to undertake than the deionization of water.
With the availability of water distillation countertop machines in the market, it is easier to create safe and pure water through this process than deionization making it a far more popular option for people who want clean water without having to spend extra money on bottled water or on an extensive purification process.
Where Can You Use Deionized Water?
Deionized water can be used in microelectronics and pharmaceutical companies to dissolve drugs that are sold as medicines for the general public. It is also named as one of the main ingredients in the manufacture of healthcare products and cosmetics.
Also, the deionized water is a good solvent in ceramic, glass, wood, prick, and others. Here are other uses of the deionized water today:
Preparation of chemical mixtures and solutions in the laboratory.
Preparation of electrolytes for alkaline and acid-based batteries.
Dilution of concentrated anti-freeze chemicals.
Final rinsing of printed circuit boards, washing the equipment from alkalis and acids after processing the technological operations in the electronics industry.
Refueling the cars glass washers
Topping up the cooling system. Deionized water will not create salt deposits in the system.
Flushing cooling systems out of automobiles.
Can be used in perfumes.
Can be used as detergents.
Refilling steam and iron household devices which can help to avoid deposits of minerals.
Other industrial processes that require the use of pure water.
Nowadays, the use of the deionized water as a cleanser is a new technique. It does not use any chemicals and as such, cleanser use water instead.
Advantages of Using the Deionized Water
Deionized water is the water of choice in many factory and manufacturing settings because manufacturers want to avoid the buildup of salts on machinery.
Deionized water may be used to cool, lubricate machines as well as other applications in an industrial setting.
Deionized water can be used to manufacture cosmetics, medicines and also process foods.
Meanwhile, some health experts recommend deionized water for short-term use only to detoxify the body. However, if you choose to detox this way, you should seek the advice of a health expert. They can monitor your progress to make sure you don’t overdo it, according to the World Health Organization.
If you are concerned with the ions lost in the process of deionization as you take the water, it can be easily obtained through eating a well-balanced meal.
Risk of Using the Deionized Water
Deionized water can be harmful to your health. While there are serious concerns about how the deionized water can affect one’s health, it is best to use it for industrial purposes only.
Here are some of its risks that you should take note:
Absorb Ions in the Body
First, it lacks ions and when you drink it, it can absorb the ions in your body. It can steal the minerals in your tissues such as magnesium and calcium, which are both easy for deionized water to absorb.
Although water is not an important source of magnesium and calcium, however, it can help contribute to the daily needs of people. As such, drinking deionized water can limit your intake of essential nutrients.
Take note that magnesium and calcium are important for the development of the bones and it is also good for the heart.
Deionized Water Tastes Bad
Deionized water is free of ions and minerals, that’s why it might taste bad. Your taste buds may adjust to its taste over time, however, there is a tendency for you to seek out other beverage such as soda and other carbonated drink, which is bad for the health. Also, deionized water is not a good beverage to quench your thirst unlike other types of water.
Risk of Toxic Metals
If you get your deionized water from the tap, then you may be at risk of having toxic metal contamination. The deionized water is more susceptible to attract metals which are found in the plumbs versus mineralized water because it is a less stable form of water.
A regular water contains magnesium and calcium, which helps prevent the accumulation of toxic substances in the drinking water and this can’t be found in deionized water. Calcium and magnesium stabilize the water and acts as an antitoxic substance on it.
Tips for Switching to the use of Deionized Water
Since bacteria and viruses can still be present in deionized water, you can ask your local water filtration unit provider for the ideal water filtration unit that can be effective for straining bacteria and viruses as well. Ask about the ideal maintenance of your water filtration system at home and know the appropriate cleaning measures to be used.
Eat a well-balanced meal or take dietary supplements like multivitamins to replenish the lost ions that can be found in water, once you decide to take the deionized water.
Conclusion
In sum, although you can drink the deionized water, always remember that not all are suitable for the consumption of the public according to the Illinois Department of Physics. This is because the deionized water found in the laboratory and big manufacturing companies contains specialized resins that remove the ions. As such, these resins can have harmful effects on your body.
However, if the water has a label that says that it is safe to drink, then you can have it. Otherwise, don’t take products that you are not 100% sure of its safety. Also, make sure to eat a balanced diet so that the ions lost in the process of purifying the water will be replaced by the food that you eat.
If you are planning to install a water filter that can produce deionized water, always make sure that you talk with an expert and orient yourselves with the pros and cons of this type of water.
EcoBlueLife.com is a replacement water and air filter company located in the United States. The views and opinions contained herein are solely those of the original author and do not represent Eco Blue Life or its affiliates. This article was originally published on TheBerkey.com
