Industrial Uses of Deionised Water
Deionised water – a form of water from which most or all the ions have been removed – plays a critical role in various industrial processes.
In this article, we will provide a definition of this type of purified water. If you’re wondering, “What is deionised water used for, and why?”, these are questions we’ll answer, too.
Introduction To Deionised Water in Industrial Settings
As we alluded to above, deionised water is a form of purified water, although it is not the only one. It should not be confused with distilled water, for example.
Deionised water, then, is pure water that has undergone a process to remove most of the mineral ions and impurities that are present in untreated water. The mineral ions removed via this process encompass sodium, iron, calcium, copper, sulphate, and chloride.
Taking these ions out of natural water results in a liquid that is perfectly suited for various industrial processes in which contamination and/or scale formation would otherwise be sources of concern.
Overview Of Industrial Applications
There is a broad range of industrial sectors in which the use of deionised water is crucial for obtaining the best possible outcomes.
The unique chemical properties of deionised water lend themselves to all manner of practical applications, such as:
· Cleaning
The purity and lack of contaminants in deionised water makes it an excellent choice of cleaning agent.
It is used, for instance, for the cleaning and sterilisation of laboratory equipment, as well as for the cleaning and maintenance of vehicles, including their radiators and hydraulic systems.
· Cooling systems and machinery maintenance
Deionised water doesn’t have the electrical conductivity of tap water. This means it can be used for various cooling applications, and is even safe to use around electrical equipment that is on fire.
The mixing of deionised water with antifreeze can help keep a vehicle engine cool and efficient, and ensures corrosion and scaling do not occur within the radiator and engine block.
· Sensitive applications
For a broad range of sensitive applications requiring non-contaminating liquids – such as the rinsing and cleaning of electronic components and pharmaceutical tools, and the sanitisation of containers and equipment for food and beverages – deionised water can be counted on to ensure safety and great results.
Role In Manufacturing and Production Processes
There are various ways in which the use of deionised water aids manufacturing and production:
Electronics Manufacturing
Deionised water sees extensive use in the manufacturing of circuit boards, microchips, and other electronic components.
It is of critical importance that electronics manufacturing processes are kept free of impurities and contaminants, and deionised water helps ensure this.
This ultra-pure water is used for the cleaning of circuit boards, for instance, removing flux residues without causing corrosion or impacting on the conductivity of the circuits.
Pharmaceuticals
Ensuring purity and sterility are major priorities in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. This is why deionised water is used for the preparation of medications, medical devices, and laboratory reagents alike.
It is of the utmost importance to ensure accurate and consistent outcomes in experiments, testing, and pharmaceutical formulations, and deionised water plays a big role in this.
Food And Beverage Production
The next time you tuck into your favourite cuisine, it could be worth taking a moment to remind yourself of the unsung role that deionised water played in making it look, feel, and taste so good.
There are various steps involved in the production of dairy products, alcoholic drinks, and soft beverages alike, for which the use of deionised water is crucial.
These include the preparation of ingredients, packaging, and the cleaning of equipment, with deionised water’s absence of ions preventing contamination or equipment damage.
Whether as an ingredient or a solvent, deionised water maintains its instrumental role in a broad variety of food and beverage production processes.
Examples Of Industries Using Deionised Water
If you’ve ever thought, “what is deionised water used for?”, you’re in the right place. Below are some of the industrial sectors that most depend on deionised water:
Automotive
The automotive sector has long drawn upon deionised water in various ways, such as for cooling systems, batteries, and windscreen washer fluids.
This ultra-pure water is used in engine cooling systems, for example, to prevent the accumulation of scale, thereby helping to extend the life of the system.
Deionised water is also commonly used for the topping up of lead-acid batteries, and for washing and rinsing surfaces before a paint finish is applied. The latter helps ensure the paint better adheres to the surface, while improving the surface finish.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector has long turned to deionised water for such purposes as the manufacturing, sterilisation, and testing of medical devices and equipment.
This highly pure water is used in the manufacture of medical devices such as catheters, implants, and syringes, including for the cleaning and sterilising of manufacturing equipment.
In laboratory settings, deionised water is vital for cleaning on-site apparatus; its lack of contaminants means that no residue is left on the equipment.
Renewable Energy
Solar panels are often cleaned using deionised water. This liquid’s lack of impurities prevents potentially damaging residue from being left on the panels.
Deionised water is also used in the electrolysis process for the creation of hydrogen fuel cells, which are a source of renewable electricity.
Impact On Product Quality and Safety
The impurities that exist in untreated water can interfere with processes and damage equipment. By contrast, the use of deionised water can help to enhance quality and improve product safety.
It achieves this by:
· Minimising contamination risks in final products
· Extending the usable lifespan of equipment through the prevention of scale or residue build-up
· Maintaining compliance with industry standards (such as pharmaceutical-grade requirements).
Expert Insights on Industrial Benefits
In the words of one industry expert, Peter Bridge of Veolia Water Technologies UK: “Various industries make widespread use of pure, deionised water. They include chemical processing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, power, food and beverage industries along with micro-electronics.”
The California-based laboratory products supplier Lab Pro Inc. has stated that “the role of deionised water in pharmaceuticals and medical devices cannot be overstated. Its purity, reliability, and low ionic content make it an invaluable resource for manufacturing processes, formulation, cleaning, and sterilisation.”
Hopefully, our information and guidance about deionised water will have inspired you to do more of your own research into the applications of this ultra-pure water.
This form of water is highly cost-effective compared to alternative solutions, and it enjoys an evolving role in sustainable industries.