When your facility needs water treatment, it can be hard to know which direction to take. One way to treat water that has numerous benefits is electrodeionization, also called Continuous Electrodeionization (CEDI). Unlike mixed bed ion exchange, electrodeionization systems work to remove ions from water by using chemical-free technology. For reference, an industrial reverse osmosis system is often used in combination with electrodeionization systems to produce ultrapure water.
However, there are some common misconceptions about electrodeionization systems. To help clear the air, here are three of the top myths about electrodeionization and the real truth behind these incredible systems.
Myth #1: CEDI is new and unproven
Electrodeionization was invented in the 1950s, and the first commercial system was installed in 1987. Over the past 34 years, CEDI has become a proven and successful system. It is estimated that over 100,000 CEDI systems have been installed in all global regions. Today RO-EDI is the standard choice for engineers and end users who want to guarantee high quality ultrapure water is available when required.
Myth #2: CEDI is complicated or risky
A major benefit of electrodeionization systems is the continuous operation. In other words, you do not have to shut down the system for regeneration, as it runs continuously. This allows for more time operating and less effort put into maintaining your water system. EDI or CEDI provides an easy-to-use technology that will do its job with little interference on your part. Continuous operation means that more can get done with less work from you. Electrodeionization systems actually have very little impact on the environment and are simple to use, which makes these systems ideal for industrial use. Not only does the system have no stream of hazardous waste and no dangerous chemicals, but it also has low energy consumption and no resin disposal. This makes electrodeionization systems a viable option for environmentally-friendly water treatment services.
Mixed Bed ion exchange is the primary competitor for EDI to polish RO permeate. The mixed bed process is intermittent because regenerated resin has a limited cycle before resin becomes exhausted. The process of thoroughly and properly regenerating mixed bed resin is one of the most complicated sequences in industrial water treatment. Because the acid and caustic are corrosive, the pumps and valves often fail and need to be troubleshooted which requires unplanned time and expense. Service DI takes the liability off the end user, but the user can not know with absolute certainty how well the resin was regenerated, where the resin was used before, and whether the service DI provider will be onsite when needed. CEDI takes these risks away and the user can rest assured the system will produce reliable water in a safer way with less maintenance.
Actually operating CEDI can be very simple, but requires experienced and knowledgeable experts to design and review feed water requirements and system operations. Agape Water Solutions personnel were pioneers in the commercial development of several EDI manufacturers, and has been the Master Service Provider for Ionpure since 2005. Many end users and water treatment companies rely and trust Agape Water Solutions for their CEDI needs.
Myth #3: CEDI is expensive
Electrodeionization systems are extremely cost-effective. Their consistency and reliability make them have low operating costs, meaning that once you buy them they will not require much funding. This makes electrodeionization systems a good investment as they do not require much effort or resources after they are purchased. When used in combination with an industrial reverse osmosis system, electrodeionization systems can be a very cost-effective way at achieving ultrapure water.
Water treatment is an important aspect of creating ultrapure water. Some of the benefits of electrodeionization systems are their consistent operation, environmentally friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. To learn more about electrodeionization, contact Agape Water Solutions today.