What Is Deionized Water and Why Is It Important for Industrial Batteries?

Deionized water (also called demineralized or DI water) is purified water that has had all electrically charged molecules — known as ions — removed. These ions typically appear in tap water as dissolved mineral salts such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, chlorides, sulfates, and others.

While some of these minerals are beneficial to human health when consumed, they are extremely harmful to industrial batteries.

How Is Deionized Water Produced?

Deionization is done through a process called ion exchange. Water is passed through a tank or cartridge filled with positively and negatively charged resin beads. These beads attract and retain ions of the opposite charge, effectively removing them from the water. The result is water that is nearly free of dissolved mineral salts.

It’s important to note that deionization does not remove all impurities — viruses, bacteria, and suspended solids may remain, as they are not ions. For sterile or microbiologically sensitive uses, additional purification methods are necessary.

Difference Between Deionized and Distilled Water

Although both are purified types of water, they are produced differently:

• Distilled water is created by boiling water into steam and condensing it back into liquid. This process removes both charged and uncharged impurities, including bacteria and particles.
• Deionized water uses ion exchange and removes only the charged particles (ions), not the uncharged contaminants.

Deionized water is an excellent and economical choice for battery maintenance, as it lacks the mineral salts that can disrupt electrochemical processes.

Why Is Deionized Water Crucial for Industrial Batteries?

In operating lead-acid batteries, especially in industrial settings, it’s essential to use water that’s free of minerals. Minerals in hard water can:

• Negatively affect cell voltages;
• Increase self-discharge rates;
• Reduce runtime per charge cycle;
• Shorten the overall battery lifespan.

This makes deionized water the preferred choice for topping up and maintaining battery systems. It’s also more cost-effective than distilled water, especially when produced on-site using deionization systems.

Benefits of Using Deionized Water

• ✅ Prevents mineral buildup on battery plates;
• ✅ Reduces corrosion risks;
• ✅ Maintains stable electrochemical performance;
• ✅ Extends battery life and reduces replacement costs;
• ✅ Suitable for heavy-duty and long-term operation in warehouses, factories, and logistics facilities.

Other Applications of Deionized Water

While our focus is on industrial usage, deionized water is also widely used in other areas such as:

• Pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing;
• Chemical laboratories;
• Cleaning of sensitive electronic components and auto parts;
• Humidifier and air conditioning systems;
• Aquariums and hydroponics.

Is Deionized Water Safe to Drink?

Technically, drinking small amounts of deionized water is not harmful. However, it’s not recommended for regular consumption as it lacks the essential minerals our bodies need. Its pure chemical structure may also disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance if consumed over time.

DEMINERALIZED WATER AQUARIS

DEIONIZED WATER

Industrial Batteries Ltd. has installed and commissioned a new production system for high-purity deionized water, achieving specific conductivity below 5 μS/cm (microsiemens). The water, marketed under the brand AQUARIS, meets the strict quality standards required for maintaining industrial batteries and other sensitive systems.

AQUARIS deionized water is suitable for both industrial and household use. It can be used in cooling systems, lead-acid batteries, steam irons, laboratory environments, alcohol dilution, and other systems where limescale buildup can be problematic. Its low conductivity and mineral-free composition help extend the life of sensitive equipment and prevent scale formation.

Deionized Water from Industrial Batteries Ltd.

At Industrial Batteries Ltd., we provide high-quality deionized water tailored to the specific needs of your battery systems. Whether you maintain forklifts, pallet trucks, or stationary batteries, we offer a reliable solution for water refilling and system maintenance.

Contact us for a customized quote or for more information about on-site deionization systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I make deionized water?

Deionized water is produced through a process called ion exchange. The water is passed through a filter or cartridge filled with specialized resins that attract and retain positively and negatively charged ions (like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride). This results in water with very low conductivity, ideal for technical uses.

What is the purpose of deionized water?

The purpose is to provide ion-free water that won’t cause mineral buildup, corrosion, or inconsistent chemical reactions. Deionized water is used in labs, industry, cooling systems, batteries, steam appliances, and more.

What is the difference between distilled and deionized water?

Both are purified waters but use different methods:

• Distilled water is produced by boiling and condensing, removing both ions and uncharged contaminants like microbes.
• Deionized water uses ion exchange to remove only the charged molecules (ions), leaving behind other contaminants.

Deionized water is highly suitable for batteries as it doesn’t contain the salts that can interfere with electrochemical reactions.

Deionized water – properties and applications?

Key properties of deionized water include:

• Very low electrical conductivity (typically under 5 μS/cm);
• Free from dissolved salts and minerals;
• Chemically neutral composition.

Applications range from industrial and lab use to home appliances like irons and humidifiers, and even aquariums — wherever scale prevention and chemical purity are essential.