Deionized water equipment

Market Dynamics of Deionized Water Equipment

Market Overview: The global market for deionized water equipment is experiencing a robust growth trajectory, driven by increasing demand in various sectors including industrial manufacturing and laboratories. According to Global Industry Analysts, the fluid handling systems market, which encompasses deionized water equipment, was valued at approximately $68.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $90.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.1%. The water and wastewater end-use segment is projected to grow notably, reaching $25.2 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.8%. This growth is indicative of the broader trend towards enhanced water purification technologies, particularly as industries seek to ensure high-quality water standards for production processes.

Regional Insights: Regionally, the U.S. market for fluid handling systems, which includes deionized water equipment, was estimated at $18.5 billion in 2023, while China's market is forecasted to grow at a remarkable 7.0% CAGR, reaching $19.0 billion by 2030. This growth reflects a shift in consumer behavior towards sustainability and efficiency, as businesses increasingly prioritize eco-friendly practices in their operations. Key players in the market are responding by adopting advanced technologies that enhance performance and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms is transforming distribution channels, making deionized water equipment more accessible to a wider audience, thereby facilitating market penetration and catering to niche markets that demand specialized water treatment solutions.

Types of deionized water equipment

Deionized water equipment is apparatus used to produce deionized water, which is pure water lacking any ions or impurities. The main types of deionized water equipment include:

• Distillation apparatus

  The distillation method of producing deionized water utilizes heat sources such as steam or solar energy to boil water and convert it to water vapor. The water vapor is then cooled and condensed back into liquid water, separating and removing various dissolved ions and impurities in the process. Distillation apparatuses such as multi-effect distillation (MED) machines or mechanical vapor compression (MVC) distillers are common equipment for producing deionized water on an industrial scale.

• Demineralization filtration equipment

  The demineralization equipment works by passing water through a special resin exchange column, where cations and anions are exchanged, removing ions and impurities from the water. This equipment may consist of multiple ion exchange columns and filtration systems that can produce high-purity deionized water.

• Reverse osmosis devices

  Reverse osmosis devices use semi-permeable membranes to remove dissolved salts and impurities from water by applying pressure to force water to pass through the membranes. These devices can effectively remove various ions and pollutants, and they are often used as the primary stage or pretreatment for producing deionized water in combination with other purification methods.

• Mixed-bed ion exchange systems

  Mixed-bed ion exchange systems combine cation and anion exchange resins to improve water treatment efficiency and produce high-purity deionized water. The equipment operates by continuously or intermittently passing water through the mixed resin, removing residual ions and impurities to achieve the final deionization of water.

Specifications and maintenance of Deionized Water Equipment

Specifications

• Capacity: Deionized water equipment's monthly processing capacity is commonly estimated in cubic meters (m3) or liters. It shows the quantity of raw water that instruments can handle monthly.
• Flow rate: The flow rate of deionized water equipment refers to the amount of water that the equipment can process in unit time, usually measured in liters per hour (L/h) or gallons per minute (GPM). The flow rate of the equipment is related to its size and design. It indicates the speed at which deionized water is produced.
• Purity: This parameter indicates the purity of deionized water produced by the equipment, typically including the removal rate of ions, salts, and impurities. Equipment with higher purity will provide water containing fewer impurities and improving quality.
• System components: It typically includes a pretreatment unit, ion exchange column, post-treatment unit, and purification membrane, among others. Additionally, the purification method of some equipment, such as distillation, reverse osmosis, etc., will also be parts of the system.
• Operating environment: This parameter indicates the environmental conditions in which the equipment can operate. Such as temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.
• Power requirements: Some deionized water equipment needs to be powered by electric power, which is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (KW).
• Overall dimensions: Overall dimensions and weight of deionized water equipment are important parameters to consider when selecting and installing the equipment.
• Optional functions and accessories: Some deionized water equipment may also have optional functions and accessories, such as automatic controls, remote monitoring, data recording and more.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of deionized water equipment is extremely important to ensure its normal operation and stable water quality output. Here are some maintenance procedures and suggestions:

• Regular inspection: Check the appearance of the equipment regularly for any signs of damage, leakage or abnormality. If there is any abnormality, please repair it in time to avoid potential safety hazards.
• Replacement of consumables: The deionized water equipment usually needs to replace its consumables, such as ion exchange resins and purification membranes, etc. Establish a schedule for replacement based on the equipment usage and water quality to ensure that the resins and membranes remain effective.
• Cleaning and disinfection: Clean and disinfect the equipment regularly to prevent the growth of microorganisms and the breeding of contaminants. Use appropriate cleaning agents and disinfectants, and ensure thorough rinsing and cleaning after use.
• Pay attention to the pump: Maintenance of the pumps in the deionized water equipment is also essential. Make sure the connection is firm, and inspect the sealing parts and pipelines for leakage or looseness. Lubricating the pump's moving parts and cleaning it of any impurities maintains a smooth operation.
• Monitor the environment: Ensure that the working environment of deionized water equipment is appropriate. Avoid placing it in overly hot, damp, dusty or corrosive environments.
• Prevent obstructive foreign substances: Avoid putting foreign bodies, such as corrosive substances and large particles, into the equipment to prevent damage and obstruction of the internal components.
• Keep the equipment dry: When not using the equipment, keep it dry inside to prevent the growth of microorganisms and corrosion of parts. If necessary, use a dehumidifier or other equipment to keep it dry.
• Emergency treatment: Establish a response plan for emergencies such as equipment failure or water quality problems. Ensure that operators can respond to emergencies properly and quickly and take the appropriate actions.

Industry Scenarios for using Deionized Water Equipment

The following industries use deionized water, each having specific applications where deionized water equipment is used.

• Industrial manufacturing

  This industry uses deionized water in manufacturing processes to prevent contaminating products that have mineral content. Deionized water is used in water cooling towers, boilers, and heat exchangers to reduce scaling and improve operational efficiency. The automotive industry also uses deionized water for battery electrolyte and automotive parts rinsing and washing. Deionized water is used in the production of semiconductors in microelectronics. It is used as a solvent, reagent, and cleaning solution in pharmaceuticals and chemicals manufacturing industries.

• Healthcare

  Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on deionized water for clinical and laboratory diagnostics, dialysis machines, and sterile equipment cleaning and autoclaving. Deionized water is used in laboratories to prepare buffer solutions, reagents, and culture media without impurities interfering with experimental outcomes.

• Cosmetics and personal care

  Water treated by deionization is widely used in producing personal care products and cosmetics. Using deionized water ensures formulations are free of minerals that could affect the quality and purity of the products.

• Food and beverage

  Deionized water is also used in the food and beverages industry to process liquids such as juices, beer, and soft drinks. Using deionized water in food production ensures compliance with water quality standards and prevents mineral-related issues during processing and packaging.

• Agriculture and horticulture

  Deionized water is also used in agriculture, specifically horticulture and hydroponics, where the absence of mineral buildup in nutrient solutions is crucial for plant growth.

How to choose deionized water equipment

• Needs analysis:

  The first step in selecting deionized water equipment is to assess specific needs. Consider factors such as application, required water quality, flow rate, usage frequency and available budget. This helps determine whether it is suitable to choose a portable or fixed deionized water device and what level of water purity high-performance equipment meets.

• System components:

  Understanding the basic components of deionized water equipment, including pre-filters, mixed-bed ion-exchange resins, reverse osmosis membranes, post-filters and purification monitors, helps one appreciate how each part functions to remove different types of ions and impurities from water.

• Purification technology:

  Various deionized water devices use different purification technologies, each of which is distinguished by its merits and limitations. For instance, reverse osmosis followed by ion-exchange demineralization, distillation, and electrodeionization may feature varying efficacy and energy consumption. Therefore, buyers should carefully choose the proper technology according to their specific requirements and situational conditions.

• Space and installation:

  Dependent on the model of the DI water equipment, the requirement for space and the way of installation may vary. For instance, some portable devices are more convenient for users to carry and use, while fixed installations are more suitable for continuous use in certain locations. Hence, the device's spatial adaptability should be considered so as to enable a proper selection according to a specific use environment.

• Operation and maintenance:

  Deionized water equipment is operated and cleaned through a typical way of operation. As a result, influences on the use and expenditure of future maintenance are considerable. Therefore, what type of equipment should be chosen is in accordance with the easy-to-use and maintain requirements.

Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between distilled water and deionized water?

A1: The primary difference between distilled water and deionized water is the purification process. Distilled water undergoes distillation, which involves boiling the water and condensing the vapor into a separate container. This process removes impurities, such as minerals and microorganisms. On the other hand, deionized water is produced through ion exchange, removing ionized substances, including salts and minerals.

Q2: What types of industries use deionized water equipment?

A2: Several industries require deionized water. Some of them include the pharmaceutical industry, laser manufacturing industry, food processing industry, power generation industry, semiconductor fabrication industry, chemical manufacturing industry, and laboratory research industry, among others.

Q3: Is deionized water the same as purified water?

A3: Deionized water is not the same as purified water. Purified water refers to water that has been purified to remove contaminants, which may include the removal of non-mineral contaminants. On the other hand, deionized water refers to water that has undergone the process of removing mineral ions.