Water is the basis of pharmaceutical procedures. It acts as a solvent, an ingredient of many formulae and it is used for cleaning certain equipment, so it is vital that the quality of the water is free from pollutants and contamination. The water comes from our taps as drinking water – but needs further purification to ensure that any microbes, metals and chemicals are removed.
Various processes may be used including reverse osmosis RO, ion exchange and distillation. Water treatment plants are installed for pharmaceutical water systems for treated water. Not only does the water have to be purified to a very high standard – but then has to be stored. For this, the tanks must be able to hold the water and prevent any further degradation or contamination. Conical storage tanks are used in water purification systems as they allow easy drainage and cleaning of the tank.
Purified vs Distilled vs Regular Water: What is the Difference?
Purified water is water that has been treated to remove impurities such as chemicals or micro-organisms. These include:
- Chemical pollutants
- Algae
- Parasites
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Metals including lead and copper
However, some contaminants still remain and where very pure water is required distillation may be needed. In this process, the water is boiled and the steam allowed to condense back into the water.
Distillation removes chemicals and metals like lead as well as protozoa, viruses and bacteria. This form of purified water is suitable for pharmaceutical purposes, in laboratories and where micro-organisms are handled.
It may also be beneficial to be used for drinking by people with compromised immunological systems as occurs in certain cancers and other conditions.
For most of us, the purified water we get from our taps is best for drinking because it contains trace amounts of fluoride which protects our teeth and calcium for our bones.
Purified water systems
There are various purified water systems such as:
Coagulation and flocculation
Chemicals are added to the water to make the molecules clump together and form larger particles called flocs.
Sedimentation or settlement
The heavier particles sink to the bottom of the tank where they can be removed.
Filtration
Larger particles including flocs can be filtered out. Sand gravel or charcoal may be used to separate out the cleaner water from the sediments. Dust and chemicals as well as micro-organisms can thus be removed.
UV light
Ultraviolet light can kill off various viruses and bacteria to help to disinfect the water.
Disinfection
Chemicals such as chlorine are added to the water. This kills any bacteria or viruses till present in the water.
Purified water systems for the pharmaceutical industry
Further purification is needed when the water is to be used in the pharmaceutical industry. Processes such as reverse osmosis and ion exchange as well as distillation will produce very pure water, that then has to be stored in tanks designed to keep it free from fresh contamination and degradation.
What qualities does a tank for storing purified water need?
- It must be non-reactive and corrosive resistant.
- It must be easy to clean. Degradation of the water can be a problem over time so complete emptying is necessary – and this can be achieved with cone-shaped tanks.
- It must have protection against contaminants –the right fittings and flanges for effective protection against airborne pollutants.
- A properly airtight lid might be required to prevent airborne contaminants.
- It must be accessible – the right fittings and plumbing need to be available and accessible.
- The tanks must be durable.
- The tanks need to have monitoring and testing facilities
Enduramaxx purified water tanks
Enduramaxx conical purified water tanks are made from rotationally moulded food-grade / WRAS potable water grade plastic which is non-reactive and does not corrode. The inside of these water storage tanks is smooth and the cone shape makes complete emptying and cleaning easy. We can offer a range of slope angles from 5 degrees to 45 degrees and capacities from 250- 30,000 litres.
Welded fittings reduce any possibility of contamination. You can choose to have sample take-off or racking points, fittings for sockets and flanges. Bolt down airtight lids can be provided and we can provide the tank best suited for your purpose.
Our range of purified water tanks is designed to be meet the needs of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. They are available in various colours – black, boat blue, dark green or natural. They can be engineered to your specifications and they come with a 10-year guarantee.
You can see our range here – and many are available immediately. But do give us a ring on 01778 562810 for further information
