A UNEP study of 75,000 water bodies around the world established that 40% are polluted.
From consumption to industrial processes, water plays a vital role in life. However, its purity varies depending on its use. Today, ultra pure water presents the highest purity level.
As its name suggests, ultra pure water is free of contaminants. Industries involved in the production of high-purity substances benefit the most. With this pure water technology, water undergoes rigorous treatment.
Do you want to know the benefits and uses of ultra pure water? Read on to learn more!
What Is Ultra Pure Water?
Ultra pure water (UPW) refers to water treated with the highest level of purification. From microorganisms to ions, they undergo methodical treatment to remove their impurities. Is it different from a purified water?
Unlike purified water, UPW undergoes a rigorous three-stage process. It involves the following:
- Deionization is the pre-treatment stage. It removes ions from potable water using an electrodeionization system.
- With reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light sterilization, water undergoes the primary stage for further purification.
- The polishing stage comes next, where purified water passes through a polishing cartridge. This wipes out trace amounts of ions and organic materials. In some cases, processing plants use nanotechnology to make UPW.
After the treatment, water presents a low level of contaminants. It showcases water under one (1) ppb compared to drinking water with a hundred ppb of impurities. With this, UPW becomes one of the critical industrial water solutions.
Benefits of Using Ultra Pure Water
For industries involved in high-purity production, UPW is vital. Using it prevents contaminants from significant issues. Below are some benefits of pure water across different fields.
Prevents Microbial Growth in Water
UPW can prevent microbial growth with its high purity level. Aside from pathogens, it can remove organic materials microorganisms feed on to live. It makes UPW an ideal solution for environments where sterile conditions are crucial.
For instance, healthcare settings use UPW to process medical devices. Professionals ensure medical equipment is safe, sterile, and functional for patient care. UPW can help avoid contamination that can compromise product safety and quality.
Moreover, using UPW reduces frequent sterilization or maintenance. Thus, making industrial processes more efficient and cost-effective.
Gives Products Longer Shelf Life
In time-sensitive industries, UPW contributes to prolonging product shelf life.
Do you know what causes spoilage or degradation in products?
Aside from the ingredients, the materials used in production carry contaminants. These include pathogens, organic materials, chemicals, and dissolved gases. Over time, these can cause spoilage or degradation of products when in contact, and spread.
With the absence of impurities, UPW can help preserve product integrity. It ensures they remain safe and effective for longer periods.
For instance, the food and beverage industry uses UPW to keep products fresh. They ensure their products are safe for consumption after some time in storage.
In pharmaceuticals, it prevents the degradation of active ingredients. Thus, giving an extended period of efficacy.
Ensures Semiconductors Function Well
Today, the semiconductor industry serves as the backbone of modern technology. It handles the production of electronic components essential for devices. Thus, driving innovation across industries.
Now, what role does ultra pure power play in this industry?
During the production of electronic components, amounts of ions or organic materials remain. Leaving them in the product can cause defects in semiconductors, making them unusable. To ensure no contaminants linger, manufacturers use UPW to clean and rinse the wafers.
Without impurities, they can guarantee the functionality of sensitive devices.
As technology evolves, the demand for UPW in semiconductor manufacturing increases.
Uses of Ultra Pure Water
After exploring the benefits of pure water, check its uses across industries. It plays a vital role, from generating power to keeping food safe. To discover pure water applications, continue reading this article.
1. Power Generation
In most cases, power plants use UPW. It contributes to steam generation and cooling systems. For thermal and nuclear power plants, using clean water is crucial.
If there are any impurities left, this can lead to corrosion and equipment failure.
Boilers, turbines, and cooling systems rely on UPW for power generation. To prevent damage caused by contaminants, they use high-level pure water. The water must present a purity of H+ and OH- ions to guarantee the correct water conductivity levels.
Moreover, power plants use UPW to clean heat exchangers, pipes, and other components. Its purpose is to extend the useful life of power generation equipment. With UPW, power plants can operate with reduced downtime caused by repairs.
2. Food and Beverage Sanitization
With health at risk, authorities hold the food and beverage industry to strict hygiene requirements. They must use demineralized and filtered water to sell products. Now, the industry uses UPW to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
With the absence of pathogens, UPW becomes an ideal material for processes. These include rinsing, mixing, and dilution, ensuring cleanliness, consistency, and accurate product. Moreover, it helps sterilize materials and equipment and clean surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
Its high purity level ensures no foreign substances live during production. Thus, producing consumable goods and safe drinking water. Manufacturers can meet strict health and safety standards to protect consumers.
3. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Among different fields, the pharmaceutical industry demands the most ultra pure water. They use UPW throughout processes, from producing active pharmaceutical ingredients to drug formulation. Its water purification requirements differ depending on how manufacturers use water.
For instance, manufacturers must filter water for injections with control over bacteria levels. It needs complete sterilization, which often uses reverse osmosis and distillation. Through these processes, they can reduce contaminants.
The industry uses UPW to clean manufacturing components, ensuring they meet stringent guidelines. Further, inhalants and dilutants use sterile water. With the critical nature of pharmaceuticals, using UPW guarantees medicines are safe, effective, and free from harmful impurities.
Everything to Know about Ultra Pure Water
Ultra pure water is the pinnacle of water purification. From preventing microbial growth to ensuring semiconductors work, this is a vital part of industrial water solutions. UPW plays a significant role in maintaining the efficiency and safety of industrial processes.
Are you looking for the best ultra pure water systems in the market? At Absolute Water Technologies, we offer reliable water filtration and purification solutions. Our technicians have extensive experience in installing and servicing various water treatment systems, giving them a strong understanding of how to effectively meet diverse needs.
Contact us if you have questions about the installation of water treatment systems!