Ultrapure water vs. distilled water: differences and uses

Ultrapure water is used as critical reagent in many industrial, scientific and technological processes in which it is essential thanks to its high purity and its ability to eliminate contaminants.

This type of water It is obtained in specialized plants thanks to the use of advanced purification techniques such as filtration, deionization, distillation and Inverse osmosis.

What is ultrapure water?

Ultrapure or ultrapure water (UPW) is water that It has undergone several processes to remove particles, ions, organic compounds, microorganisms and any other type of impurity or contaminant.

It is a type of water from exceptional purity, which does not contain dissolved heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, pesticides or herbicides, and which is used in the health, pharmaceutical, food and electrical industries.

Characteristics of ultrapure water 

Ultrapure water has some very high quality standards.

Its purity is measured through three key parameters: electrical conductivity, electrical resistance, and the amount of impurities detected. 

For technical reference purposes, This water must contain: 

• Electrical resistance of 18,2 MΩ•cm. which indicates the total absence of dissolved ions and minerals. 
• Total organic carbon (TOC) content less than 10 ppb. 
• Bacterial count less than 10 CFU/ml.
• Extremely low conductivity, less than 0,055 µS/cm.
• pH close to 7 (it is practically neutral).
• H⁺ and OH⁻ ion balance

In addition, ultrapure water It contains only H₂O molecules, and is free of detectable endotoxins.

How is ultrapure water obtained?

Ultrapure water goes through different processes:  

1. Filtration. Filters of different sizes are used for to remove and trap large particles and suspended solids in water.
2. Deionization. It consists of removing ions from water: Mineral salts and other contaminants adhere to ion exchange resinsleaving the water free of impurities. 
3. Distillation. Basically, it's about Heat the water to the boiling point and let the steam condense. The process is very effective at separating impurities and ensures the removal of most contaminants present in the water. 
4. Reverse osmosis. Crucial for obtaining ultrapure water, this technique employs semipermeable membranes for removing salts, heavy metals and organic compounds, which guarantees maximum neutrality and purity.  

Discover ➡️ How does an industrial wastewater treatment plant work?

What is its use? Examples

The characteristics of ultrapure water ensure that its use makes sense in biomedical research, biotechnology, and industries that demand extra purity in their processes. 

Some examples are: 

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies. Production of medicines, cosmetics, personal care products, and sterile solutions. Cleaning of laboratory equipment for the manufacture of medicines and preparation of reagents, media, and solutions for tests and experiments.
• Sterilization of medical equipment. Cleaning and sterilization of medical equipment, devices, and surgical instruments. Laboratory testing, wound cleaning, and kidney dialysis.
• Food and beverage industry. Applications where a minimal amount of contaminants compromises product quality, such as baby formula, dairy products, soft drinks, and beer.
• Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Cleaning and rinsing of semiconductors and printed circuit boards. Cleaning of circuit boards during the assembly of electronic and microelectronic devices with sensitive components.
• Chemical industry. Chemical synthesis, production and quality control to avoid reactions with impurities and ensure accurate and objective results in analytical tests.
• Power plants. Steam generation and feeding of cooling systems and high-pressure boilers (the lack of minerals in this type of water reduces equipment corrosion, increases its efficiency, reduces downtime and prolongs its useful life).

Is ultrapure water safe to drink?

Ultrapurified water It is not intended for human consumption. because It lacks essential minerals from a nutritional point of view, such as calcium, magnesium, or potassium.

By doing so, we put our health at risk: due to its purity, this water has a high dissolving capacity that It can disrupt the electrolyte balance, causing dehydration. and negatively affecting muscles and the nervous system. 

Furthermore, The taste of ultrapure water is not pleasant either. so it's not very appealing.

What is the difference between distilled water and ultrapure water? 

Distilled water and ultrapure water They undergo several processes to remove their impurities and solutes: In the first case, the most important is distillation (evaporation and subsequent condensation of water); in the second, reverse osmosis, which allows obtaining a higher point of purity. 

Due, Distilled water can contain volatile organic compounds and heat-resistant microorganisms, which limits (and reduces) its use compared to ultrapurified water. 

Moreover, Producing and storing distilled water is cheaper and simpler because it is not necessary to go to specialized plants or maintain the strict storage conditions (high quality containers and controlled atmosphere) that set the quality standards for ultrapure water.

Is it sustainable to produce ultrapure water?

Ultrapure water is indispensable in industries, especially those "sensitive" to pollution.

Its purity and quality are exceptional And, by removing impurities and residues from the water, they allow some processes become more efficient. 

The use of advanced purification technologies ensures obtaining this type of water is efficient and sustainable in terms of consumption and use of resources.

However, the production of ultrapure water also presents some challenges, such as high cost of applying specialized technologies, maintaining purification equipment or handling the waste generated during the process appropriately. 

Moreover, The transport and storage of ultrapurified water must comply with very strict conditions. which can pose a logistical challenge for companies. 

In SITRA We develop water purification and treatment projects attending to the demands of our clients. 

We are involved in all phases of the process to offer quality solutions that meet standards and current regulationsand that positively benefit companies and businesses.

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