Not all water purifiers are built the same. Here are all the different types of water purifiers available in the market today. Find out which one is right for ...
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Not all water purifiers are built the same. Here are all the different types of water purifiers available in the market today. Find out which one is right for you.
With water pollution and contamination steadily on the rise, the demand for clean and safe drinking water has never been higher. While some of us rely on the 20L mineral water cans for our daily supply of drinking water, it isn’t always the most economical nor the most environment-friendly option.
Therefore, water purifiers have emerged as a reliable alternative. From dependable and accurate solutions like reverse osmosis (RO) water purifiers to ultraviolet systems that provide advanced features like microbial control, the world of water purifiers offers diverse options.
Here, we look at different types of water purifiers and break down their functions and features that set them apart. From home purifiers to exploring larger-scale water treatment methods, understanding your needs, and identifying the right water purifier is key to your journey towards healthier and safer hydration.
RO water purifiers are the most common type of water purifiers. A widely used technology that purifies water using a semi-permeable membrane to remove the vast varieties of impurities, including dissolved salts, heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, and viruses.
This process involves pressure being applied to force water molecules through the membrane, leaving behind pollutants and delivering clean and potable drinking water safe for consumption. RO purifiers are particularly beneficial in areas with high TDS (total dissolved solids) in water and are one of the most used types of water purifiers in a household due to its low cost and convenience.
As the name suggests, ultraviolet water purifiers use ultraviolet (UV) radiation to disinfect water and convert it safe for consumption. These UV rays penetrate the cell walls of these microscopic contaminants and prevent them from multiplying. UV water purifiers aren’t effective against non-biological contaminants or particles but are seamless in eliminating bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. UV filters are often used as an added layer along with other types of water purifiers to filter water thoroughly.
Ultrafiltration water purifiers apply the same principle as conventional RO purifiers. UF purifiers, though, use a hollow fibre membrane to separate impurities. This results in higher water flow while still maintaining an effective purification process. This membrane is highly effective against bacteria, viruses, colloidal particles, and high molecular weight contaminants.
Activated carbon or charcoal-based water purifiers use carbon filters to hold organic compounds and chemicals that are responsible for unwanted odours and tastes in water. This type of water purifier is effective in improving qualities like the taste and smell of the water, making it more palatable. Like ultrafiltration, activated carbon purifiers are often used in combination with other water purifying technologies like RO or UV water treatment systems.
A water purifier that doesn’t require electricity, gravity-based water purifiers are the most accessible and are designed for portable and easy use. It consists of two containers, an upper reservoir for untreated water and a lower reservoir which collects purified water. The purification process capitalises on the gravitational flow of water through a filtration system which usually consists of activated carbon and sediment filters. These water purifiers come in handy, especially in locations where the electricity supply isn’t consistent or for outdoor use.
Ion exchange water purifiers deploy a resin or zeolite bed which helps remove hardness in water by eliminating magnesium and calcium ions and replacing them with sodium or potassium ions. The process softens the water, making it suitable for various applications and even extending the lifespan of appliances like water heaters and washing machines.
A rather straightforward method that involves heating water to create steam and then condensing it back into liquid form. By heating water, it removes contaminants that have higher boiling points than water, such as heavy metals and minerals. Distillation water purifiers efficiently produce pure water safe from bacteria, viruses, and dissolved solids.
As the name suggests, it’s a method where ozone gas is used to disinfect water and make it safe to consume. Ozone is an effective oxidising agent that seamlessly eliminates bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. This type of water purifier is particularly used in large treatment plants and industries for large-scale water purification.
The choice of purifiers eventually bogs down to factors such as water quality from the source, budget and available resources. Understanding various types of water purifiers allows informed decisions and is the ideal way to get a water purifier.
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