Purified water is made using several different processes to remove impurities and contaminants. The primary methods include deionization, distillation, and reverse osmosis.
Primary Purification Methods
Here's a breakdown of the key methods used to purify water:
- Deionization: This process removes ions from the water, which are electrically charged atoms or molecules. These ions can be things like dissolved salts and minerals. Deionization typically uses specialized resins that attract and bind to the ions, effectively removing them from the water.
- Distillation: Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the steam as it condenses back into a liquid. Since most impurities and contaminants have a higher boiling point than water, they are left behind in the original container, yielding purer water.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks contaminants. This method effectively removes many impurities, including dissolved salts, minerals, bacteria, and viruses.
Bottling Industry Preference
Most bottlers choose reverse osmosis over deionization and distillation due to its several advantages:
- Reduced Cost: RO is often more cost-effective in terms of both initial setup and ongoing operational costs.
- Increased Performance: RO can achieve a high level of purity and is effective at removing a broad range of contaminants, making it a superior choice for water purification.
Table of Purification Methods
| Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deionization | Removes ions (electrically charged atoms/molecules) using specialized resins. | Effective at removing dissolved salts and minerals. | May not remove non-ionic impurities such as bacteria. |
| Distillation | Boils water and collects the condensed steam, leaving contaminants behind. | Simple and effective at removing most impurities. | Can be energy-intensive and slower than other methods. |
| Reverse Osmosis | Uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, blocking contaminants. | Effective at removing a broad range of impurities, and cost-effective. | Can require pre-treatment to protect the membrane. |
Conclusion
The process of making purified water primarily involves deionization, distillation, or reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis is the method of choice for many bottlers due to its performance and cost-effectiveness.
