Is Distilled & Deionized Water The Same Thing?

It is a common misconception that distilled and deionized water are the same thing. And while this is true to some regard, both these water types are actually quite different. Differentiation comes in the manner in which distilled water and deionized water is produced or processed and what output of purity do they present. These differentiating factors determine the right type of pure water to choose for industrial, lab and medical use.

How is distilled and deionized water produced?

The process of deionization involves passing water through special resins containing cations and anions. These cations and anions attract inorganic matter resulting in non-ionized molecules of pure water. Deionization is especially effective in eliminating almost all inorganic impurities in water but requires special filtration to remove organic matter. Deionization is a faster and more cost-effective method of producing pure water.

Distilled water, on the other hand, uses the process of heat, evaporation, and condensation to remove all organic and inorganic water purities. As water is heated it turns to steam which is captured in a sterile container and allowed to cool. The vapor condenses to form pure water that is collected in another sterile container. Producing distilled water is more expensive and time-consuming as compared to deionized water but results in much higher levels of water purity.

Deionized Water Is Used For What Purposes?

Deionized water is used for many pharmaceutical, medical and industrial applications. The properties of deionized water make it safe for use and human consumption but are more commonly used in injection systems or atomizers to reduce residue and particulate build-up which lead to reduced performance and efficiency. Deionized water’s unique properties also reduce electrical conduction that makes it perfect for ‘battery water’. In the medical and pharmaceutical industry, deionized water is used to keep laboratory and medical equipment sterile and in lab tests for more accurate results. Deionized water systems like the Single PS-300 can be installed on site for producing deionized water for its many medical applications. The most common applications of deionized water include:

• Cooling Systems — Used as coolant from car radiators to high powered lasers
• Battery Systems — All lead-acid batteries contain deionized water
• Laboratory Uses — Results in more accurate lab test results while keeping medical equipment sterile
• Industrial Equipment — Used to clean, cool or lubricate industrial equipment for improved performance and longevity
• Service Industries — Commercial window cleaning services use deionized water for removing smears
• Fire Extinguishers
• Aquariums

Distilled Water Is Used For What Purposes?

Distilled water is also used for many similar applications as deionized water but because of its higher levels of purity and different set of properties, it is more suitable for consumption and medical applications.

• Medical — Extensive use in the medical industry for sterilization purposes. Also used in vapor form for equipment such as CPAP machines, humidifiers, and Neti Pots.
• Laboratory Testing — Just like deionized water distilled water leads to more accurate lab test results
• Food Industry — Widely used in the canning process as it helps reduce build up and cloudiness in containers. Lack of any organic or inorganic matter helps keep food better preserved resulting in longer shelf-life, better taste, and improved safety.
• Cosmetic Industry — Distilled water is much safer than regular water for use in cosmetic products
• Home Use — Distilled water is much more common in homes compared to deionized water and is used in cooking, cleaning and various home appliances such as steam irons and plant misters.

Advantages & Disadvantage of Distilled vs Deionozed Water

Advantages of Deionized Water:

• Effectively removes inorganic matter
• More cost-effective than other methods of purification
• Resins can be recharged for extended use
• Reduced electrical conduction

Disadvantages of Deionized Water:

• Only removes inorganic matter

Advantages of Distilled Water:

• Effectively removes organic and inorganic matter
• De-mineralizes water
• Removes heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic

Disadvantages of Distilled Water:

• More expensive to produce
• May retain synthetic chemical properties that have lower boiling points than water

Take Aways

The different properties of distilled and deionized water make it ideal for various industrial and consumer applications. If still unsure on whether to use distilled water or deionized water check with the experts at Tontio.com for further advice and information.