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Water used in a commercial setting requires strict adherence to industrial standards; hence, different methods are deployed for the purification process. Among these is the use of deionised water systems, which remove mineral ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper. The presence of these minerals causes limescale build-up, which will reduce the overall lifespan of plants and equipment. Calcium and magnesium access the public water supply when rain percolates the sedimentary rock surface, dissolving these minerals, while copper and iron gain access through the pipes. Non-mineral ion contaminants include chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, etc. Deionising is the process of removing all or most of the abovementioned mineral and non-mineral ions. Understanding the Process For commercial purposes, deionised water systems can be used in various ways, such as: Coolant systems – The dissolved minerals increase the electrical conductivity of water, making it unsuitable for cooling systems. In turn, they cause limescale build-up, leading to corrosion and erosion of the pipes. Industrial processes – Many industries rely on the advantages of this purification process, including food and beverage, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. Boiler feed - If a source that feeds the boilers has high levels of dissolved minerals, it can result in scale build-up on the steam drums, reducing the performance of the boilers. Purification reduces these problems due to fewer mineral contaminants. A deionised water system uses ion exchange processes to remove both mineral and non-mineral ions, by passing contaminated water through resins that exchange the undesirable anions for hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. Different techniques used for the deionisation process include: Electrodeionisation (EDI) This uses electricity to carry out the ion exchange process necessary to reduce dissolved contaminants. In the first step, water passes through the resins, where the exchange of mineral ions (cations) with hydrogen ions takes place. The completion of the first step leads to the second, where purification involves the exchange of the non-mineral ions (anions) for hydrogen ions. Combining Deionisation with Reverse Osmosis Reverse osmosis is a process that purifies effluent in industrial settings. It can remove up to 99.9% of contaminants; however, some dissolved contaminants may require the use of deionisation to adhere to strict purity levels. The Bespoke System Industries must adhere to certain standards, and these vary depending on the application or use – so a bespoke system is tailored according to individual needs. The system is manufactured, designed, and installed based on the application, quality standards, and specific needs, among other factors. Some of the benefits include: Custom design and tailored resins: the design is according to contaminants available at the source of supply. In addition, the resins are also tailored according to similar requirements. Water analysis: to ensure the system meets specific needs, tests are carried out before the design process. The Importance of Quality Control. Strict measures must be put in place when using a deionised water system. Quality control can be achieved in the following ways: Monitoring sources – The level of contaminants greatly impacts the lifespan of the deionisation equipment and efficiency. Therefore, regular tests to monitor sources are necessary. Bespoke system – All the components of custom-made systems are designed with specific needs in mind; this way, quality is always maintained. Working with a reputable company – For better quality, it is vital to work with a reputable company to design, manufacture, install, and maintain the bespoke system. Without this, you risk damaging equipment and compromising the quality of the end product. For this process to be successful, quality control is vital to ensure adherence to industrial standards and specifications. The installation of a bespoke system by an expert company, will ensure the efficiency and a prolonged lifespan of the equipment. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation and water treatment equipment, including industrial water softener systems and effluent treatment plant. Bringing together a host of experience and specialist knowledge, the company is committed to building and maintaining long-term relationships and creating maximum value and benefit for their customers.
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