If you’re like other DI (deionization) water newbies, you probably have a million questions about sustaining your DI water quality after installation. To help you focus, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight questions to ask your service provider about deionization.
Quality DI water requires your attention long after your system has been installed. However, if you don’t know what to look for, you’re bound to feel lost. Asking the following questions can provide some direction so you feel comfortable that your water quality needs are met.
8 Key Service Questions for High Quality DI Water
1. How do I know if I’m getting high quality DI water?
Several kinds of monitors can tell you the quality of your water, or at least indicate when the water quality changes. Here are the three most common types:
Glow light (old technology)
The most basic monitor, a glow light, simply glows orange or yellow when water quality is above a specified resistance level. When the resistance drops below that level, the light turns off.
Although this monitor sounds straightforward, it can be difficult to read. One common complaint is that it’s tough to distinguish if the light is dim, burned out, or purposefully turned off.
Red/green light
This monitor operates similarly to a glow light, but with improved functionality. A green light indicates water quality above your required resistance level. If the water quality drops, the light turns red.
Digital resistance meter
This is the most accurate quality test for high purity DI water. A digital resistance meter displays the exact resistance of your water. A good quality meter will be temperature compensated to ensure accuracy.
2. What’s the estimated capacity of my DI tanks?
Each set of DI tanks has a theoretical capacity in terms of how much water they can treat before requiring an exchange. The water treatment vendor who installs the DI tanks and tests the incoming water can approximate how many gallons your configuration will handle.
It’s important to note that the same DI tank configuration at two different locations won’t necessarily have an equal estimated capacity. Water chemistry variances in the incoming water can impact a DI tank’s theoretical capacity.
3. How old is the DI resin?
High purity DI resin becomes less effective with age. The typical expected lifespan of resin is 10 years, at which point it should be monitored and possibly replaced.
4. What’s the turnaround time for a DI tank exchange?
It typically takes less than 24 hours to complete a DI tank exchange. However, with the proper tank configuration, you won’t need to wait for a complete exchange to receive high purity water.
DI water systems should be configured with backup in mind or reserve capacity. This thought process will help insure the end user never runs out of high purity DI water for their process or production.
5. Does the water treatment vendor come on site to change the tanks?
A member of the servicing team should almost always visit your facility to exchange your DI tanks. Our process, for instance, is quite short, typically lasting between 15 minutes and 1 hour. The end user should never have to move a DI tank.
6. What should I do if my water usage increases?
Contact the DI water treatment vendor if your water usage substantially increases. If your system isn’t optimized to treat a larger volume of water, purification will be inefficient and costly.
We normally consider your options for system expansion. Sometimes, adding even a couple of pieces of equipment to your existing system can vastly increase your treatment capacity and stretch your purified water dollar.
7. How can I ensure my water is organic-free?
If you work at a biotech, laboratory, hospital or any other facility that requires organic-free water, you need a customized system to meet your specific needs. Bacteria, endotoxin or Total Organic Carbon (TOC) testing is required for most high purity DI water systems.
While each facility is different, the design usually involves a combination of organic controlling equipment to help remove endotoxins, bacteria or TOC. A third party outside laboratory can normally assist with organic testing validation.
8. How can I prove I’m meeting my water quality standard?
Most water quality standards are based upon water resistance or conductivity, which a water quality meter can validate. There are many different kinds of water quality meters. We normally recommend an in line meter to provide real time water quality validation 24/7.
A qualified outside lab can normally assist you with testing your water for organic content, including bacteria, endotoxins and TOC.
We understand that the deionization process can seem overwhelming. However, knowing the right questions to ask will help familiarize you with the topic and ensure your DI water quality remains high.
We’ll do more than give you a quote—we’ll visit your site to analyze your industrial water needs.
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