What is the Difference Between Deionized and Distilled water?

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Deionized and distilled water are both purified forms of water, but they differ in their production processes and purity levels. Here are the main differences between the two:

  1. Production Process: Distilled water is produced by boiling water and then collecting the steam, which conditions and leaves most impurities behind. Deionized water, on the other hand, is created through an ion-exchange process that removes nearly all ions, including dissolved mineral salts.
  2. Purity: Deionized water is considered purer than distilled water, as it has had all dissolved mineral particles removed from it. Distilled water, while still very pure, can contain some trace elements.
  3. Electrical Conductivity: Deionized water does not conduct electricity, while distilled water does. This property makes deionized water preferred in certain industrial and scientific applications where electrical conductivity needs to be minimized.
  4. Drinking Water: While both distilled and deionized water are safe to drink, distilled water is more commonly used for drinking purposes due to the presence of naturally-occurring, beneficial minerals. Deionized water has had most of these minerals removed, making it less suitable for everyday drinking.
  5. Applications: Deionized water is commonly used in scientific applications, industry, and automotive processes, where extreme water purity and low conductivity are required. Distilled water is typically used for drinking, sterilizing medical equipment, and in cosmetic products.

In summary, distilled water is produced through boiling and condensation, while deionized water undergoes an ion-exchange process to remove ions and dissolved minerals. Deionized water is generally purer and more suitable for applications requiring low electrical conductivity, while distilled water is more commonly used for drinking due to the presence of beneficial minerals.

Comparative Table: Deionized vs Distilled water

Here is a table comparing the differences between deionized and distilled water:

Property Deionized Water Distilled Water
Purification Method Ion exchange or membrane filtration Evaporation and condensation
Purity Purest form, free of ions and most dissolved solids Less pure than deionized water, contains some minerals
Electrical Conductivity Non-conductive Conductive
Bacteria and Viruses Removal of bacteria and viruses not guaranteed Most bacteria and viruses removed
Production Time Faster and more efficient Slower and less efficient, especially on an industrial scale
Cost Generally cheaper than distilled water More expensive than deionized water
Uses Cooling agent in medical devices, cleaning industrial machinery, some aquariums, and cosmetics Drinking water, laboratory applications, and various industrial processes

Both deionized and distilled water are purified forms of water, but they are produced through different methods and have different properties.