What Are Purifiers and How Does Purification Work?

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how water purifiers work to provide you with safe drinking water? With increasing concerns over water contamination, choosing the right purification system has become essential. Whether you need a domestic RO, a non electric water purifier, or a commercial water purifier, understanding the purification process will help you make an informed decision.

Water purifiers remove impurities such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, ensuring that the water you consume is free from harmful substances. These systems use advanced filtration technologies to make sure the water is not just clean but also healthy to drink. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the different types of purifiers and how they function step by step, helping you understand which type best suits your needs.

Types of Water Purifiers

Water purifiers come in different types based on the purification method they use. Below are the main categories:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Purifiers

A domestic RO purifier is one of the most effective water filtration systems. It works by passing water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes up to 99% of dissolved contaminants, including TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), bacteria, and viruses. RO purification ensures that the water is free from harmful elements that could impact health, making it one of the most popular choices for households and businesses alike.

How RO Purification Works:

• Water is pushed through the RO membrane under pressure.

• The membrane filters out dissolved impurities, heavy metals, and salts.

• The purified water is stored in a tank for consumption, while the waste water containing impurities is discarded.

• Some advanced RO purifiers also come with TDS controllers that retain essential minerals, ensuring a balanced pH level in the drinking water.

• These systems are suitable for areas where the water supply has high TDS levels and requires complete filtration for safe consumption.

2. Ultraviolet (UV) Purifiers

UV purifiers use ultraviolet rays to kill bacteria and viruses in water. They are ideal for areas where water has a low TDS level but carries microbial contamination. UV purification is widely used in both domestic and commercial settings where there is a risk of bacterial or viral outbreaks in the water supply.

How UV Purification Works:

• Water flows through a chamber where it is exposed to UV light.

• The UV rays destroy the DNA of bacteria and viruses, making them harmless.

• Unlike RO purifiers, UV purifiers do not remove dissolved solids but are highly effective against microbiological threats.

• The purified water is then stored or used immediately for consumption.

• UV purifiers are commonly used alongside RO or UF purifiers to provide a comprehensive purification process.

3. Ultrafiltration (UF) Purifiers

A non electric water purifier like UF uses a membrane filtration process without requiring electricity. It is suitable for filtering water with low TDS but high microbial contamination. UF purifiers are often chosen for areas where power supply is unreliable but clean drinking water is still a necessity.

How UF Purification Works:

• Water passes through a hollow fiber membrane that traps bacteria, viruses, and suspended particles.

• The purified water is collected without any need for electricity, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

• UF membranes are more durable and require less maintenance compared to RO membranes.

• Since UF does not remove dissolved salts, it is best suited for water sources that do not have high TDS levels.

• These purifiers are widely used in rural areas where access to electricity is limited.

4. Activated Carbon Purifiers

These purifiers use activated carbon filters to remove chlorine, pesticides, and organic impurities that cause bad taste and odor in water. Carbon filters are commonly used as an additional filtration layer in multi-stage purifiers.

How Carbon Purification Works:

• Water passes through an activated carbon filter that absorbs contaminants such as chlorine, chemicals, and organic compounds.

• The filter improves the taste and odor of water, making it more pleasant to drink.

• Carbon filters are often used in conjunction with RO or UF purifiers to enhance purification efficiency.

• Regular replacement of carbon filters is necessary to maintain optimal performance.

• They are an essential part of multi-stage purification systems for both domestic and commercial use.

5. Sediment Filters

Sediment filters remove large particles such as sand, dust, and rust, acting as the first stage of filtration in many purifiers. These filters are essential for protecting the main purification components from clogging and damage.

How Sediment Filtration Works:

• Water flows through a fine mesh filter that traps large impurities.

• The filtered water then moves to further purification stages, such as RO or UV treatment.

• Sediment filters help extend the lifespan of other filtration components and improve overall purification efficiency.

• These filters are particularly important in areas where water contains high levels of physical debris and contaminants.

Step-by-Step Process of Water Purification

1. Pre-Filtration: The water passes through a sediment filter to remove large particles like dirt and rust, ensuring that further filtration is more effective.

2. Primary Filtration: The water is treated using activated carbon to remove chlorine, organic chemicals, and unpleasant odors, improving taste and smell.

3. Main Purification Stage: Depending on the type of purifier, the water undergoes RO, UV, or UF treatment to remove harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and dissolved solids.

4. Mineralization: Some purifiers add essential minerals like calcium and magnesium back into the water, balancing its pH and improving health benefits.

5. Storage & Distribution: The purified water is stored in a tank and dispensed for consumption whenever needed. Some advanced systems also include UV sterilization in the storage tank to keep the water fresh and contamination-free.

6. Final Quality Check: Some commercial water purifiers come with advanced monitoring systems that ensure the water meets safety and health standards before consumption.

Choosing the Right Water Purifier

• If your water has high TDS levels, a domestic RO purifier is the best choice, as it effectively removes dissolved salts and heavy metals.

• If electricity is unavailable or inconsistent, a non electric water purifier like UF is a great alternative, providing safe drinking water without relying on power.

• For large-scale water consumption in businesses, hospitals, or industries, a commercial water purifier is required to handle large volumes of water efficiently, ensuring purified water for multiple users.

• If your water is mostly contaminated with bacteria and viruses but has a low TDS level, a UV purifier would be the ideal solution.

• If you’re looking to improve water taste and remove odor-causing substances, activated carbon filters are an essential addition to your purification system.

Conclusion

Understanding how different water purifiers work helps you choose the right one for your needs. Whether you require a domestic RO, a non electric water purifier, or a commercial water purifier, each type has its own advantages. Investing in a reliable water purification system ensures that you and your family have access to clean and safe drinking water at all times.

Have questions about which water purifier is best for you? Explore our recommendations and make an informed choice for better health and wellness!