Water is a crucial component of our lives. Humans can’t survive for long without it. Many other species depend on it for their survival too. Due to this reason, experts study different qualifications of water and help ensure that the right type of water is used for the right purpose. Read on if you are also confused about the different water qualifications and want to understand things better. Here we have explained the critical aspects of deionized water vs. distilled water. Ready? Let’s go!
Is Deionized Water Different from Distilled Water?
Yes, they are quite different. You must know that distilled water is created when water is boiled to ensure that it is contamination-free and doesn’t have any dissolved solids or other impurities like chlorine. In contrast, deionized water is water from which all the dissolved mineral particles are eliminated.
Both water types are pure, have no contaminants, and are often confused with one another.
What are the Key Uses of Distilled Water?
Though distilled water can be consumed for drinking occasionally, it is more useful in several other ways. It can be helpful with health equipment around the house, like humidifiers and CPAP machines. It helps boost their efficiency levels. Even clothes and iron can benefit from distilled water. It is also safe for car maintenance as it usually meets vehicle standards. This water is also good for house plants or for use in aquariums.
What Makes Deionized Water Different from Demineralized Water?
Often, deionized water is called demineralized water because the deionization process usually eliminates all minerals from the water. As a result, deionized or demineralized water might be safe to drink, but it might not be the best choice for long-term water needs. It doesn’t have any beneficial minerals all humans rely on.
Can We Drink Distilled Water?
Yes, distilled water is safe for human consumption. The distillation process eliminated the most naturally occurring and useful minerals from water. So, if you drink distilled water every day, all the time, it might do more harm than good.
Uses of Deionized Water
As deionized water is usually 100% pure and free of contaminants, it is often used in scientific applications or experiments. It helps ensure that the results of the experiments or applications are more repeatable and predictable. Often, deionized water is also used in pharmaceutical applications to ensure there is safety and consistency.
How Deionization Systems Work?
Deionized systems eliminate all the minerals from water and ensure the highest water purity. Also known as DI water, these systems can provide several gallons of pure water. The purified water is used for home, commercial or industrial applications.
What are the Different Types of Water Deionization
There are three key methods of water deionization. The first is known as co-current deionization. In this process, the water input and the regeneration chemicals enter at the top of an ion exchange column. Then they flow co-currently, and finally, they exit at the bottom.
In the second type, known as counter-current deionization, the water flows from the top, but the regeneration chemicals flow from the bottom. It can also be exactly the opposite, meaning the water flows from the bottom, and the regeneration chemicals flow from the top. This type needs less time for the deionization process as compared to co-current deionization. It means there are fewer regenerations. Also, the cost is lower than the previous type.
The third type and the last on this list is mixed bed deionization. As the name suggests, this process involves using a 50/50 cation and anion resin mixture in one ion exchange column. The process is a bit complicated as it demands a complex regeneration process. It means the costs are higher as compared to other types. Still, many entities prefer this type as it leads to the production of highly purified water.
Comparing Distilled and Deionized Water
Many people like to compare distilled and deionized water. If you are one of them, here are some points you might want to remember.
- Though distillation has been around for a long time, deionizing is a recent invention. The former has existed since the 200s, while the latter was introduced in the mid-1900s.
- Distilling water with household items is possible, but deionizing is not possible at home because very specific equipment is needed for the same. As a result, distilled water is easily available, and the term is overused or even misused across the globe.
- When it comes to energy requirements, deionizing water is green than distillation. For deionization, only water flow is needed. But for deionization, a lot of heating is cooling is needed. Hence, the amount of energy needed is much more.
- The resin beads that are required for deionization are reusable. So, the process is more environment-friendly than distilling.
- The deionization process often doesn’t remove organics like viruses or bacteria. So, UV light or ozone injection after the deionization process might be required.
FAQs About Deionized Water Vs. Distilled Water
Can I use distilled water instead of deionized water?
No, you cannot do that. Deionized water is different from distilled water. Though they are interchanged in common speaking, they are not the same. The process of creating them is quite different and so are their applications.
What is deionized water used for?
There are several common uses for deionized water. Two of the most common uses are the use in engine cooling systems and top-up lead-acid batteries. The former use is very common as lacking minerals in distilled water mean minimal scale build-up. It helps increase the overall life of the system.
Can we drink deionized water?
The answer to this question varies. In most cases, deionized water is drinkable. However, all deionized water is not safe for human consumption. It is smart to check the label of deionized water to ensure that you can drink it without any problems!
Is distilled water better than water?
It is a fact that distilled water is the purest form of water. However, this doesn’t mean it is the healthiest option for humans. This water has no contaminants, but it also doesn’t have any helpful and naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals present in other types of water.
Have More Questions? Talk to the Experts at AMPAC USA
If you have more questions about Deionized Water Vs. Distilled Water, you can talk to the water quality experts at AMPAC USA. Founded in 1990, AMPAC USA has been designing, deploying, and maintaining advanced, reliable, robust, and cost-effective water treatment solutions for decades.
From offering seawater desalination systems to emergency portable watermakers, residential reverse osmosis to commercial reverse osmosis water, brackish water reverse osmosis to solar power water systems, and mobile water provisioning systems to industrial reverse osmosis systems, AMPAC USA does it all.
AMPAC USA also offers type 1 laboratory water, water quality monitor systems, water softeners & conditioners, and wastewater treatment solutions. You can choose the products you like best or need and place an order today to ensure quick deliveries. Our team will be happy to assist you find the right solution according to your pure water needs after asking you a few simple questions.
For more information, visit https://www.ampac1.com/ or call +1 (909) 548-4900.
References:
https://excelwater.co.uk/latest-news/deionised-water-vs-distilled-water-whats-the-difference
https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk/what-is-deionised-water
The Risks and Benefits of Deionized Water
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/purified-vs-distilled-vs-regular-water
