[FONT=Arial, Sans-Serif]Ion exchangers used in high volume industrial applications generally use a process called continuous de-ionization (CDI), which uses a high-voltage power supply to regenerate the resins to greatly extend their useful life. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Sans-Serif]Ion exchangers can remove >99% of the dissolved solids in water and are frequently used as a final treatment process after reverse osmosis in DI water systems. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Sans-Serif]Activated carbon filters utilize charcoal that has been activated to increase the exposed surface area of the charcoal particles. Activated carbon is ideal for adsorbing organic, non-polar and halogenated substances that might not be filtered out by RO or the ion exchange processes. Charcoal filters remove oils, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorine and other substances that often give water a bad taste or odor. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Sans-Serif]Ultra-violet light is used not only to kill stray microorganisms that might be floating around in the water, but it also helps break down neutral organic compounds that can then be removed by de-ionization. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Sans-Serif]For all of the good things de-ionized and demineralized water have to offer, they have a couple drawbacks as well. Unless you happen to have access to a chemistry lab, DI water may be harder to find and is usually more expensive than distilled water. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Sans-Serif]Another potential concern is that DI water is more corrosive to metal parts than plain old ionized water. It takes a lot of effort and energy to remove the majority of ions from water. Water desires these ions back and will aggressively take them from any available source. Some people will tell you to never use DI water in a PC water-cooling system. Like most things in life, moderation is the key! If you use DI water to occasionally fill your cooling system, the water will immediately strip ions away from the surfaces of all wetted metals. But, no measurable damage will occur.
You would have to continuously fill and drain your system 24/7 for weeks before you might see your waterblock or radiator starting to dissolve. Truly pure, DI water doesn't stay de-ionized very long when exposed to air and poured thru various containers. [/FONT]
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Recommendation: Using DI water is OK but it offers no advantages over distilled water.
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