Can DI Water Be Re-Ionized Safely to Prevent Rust in Stainless Steel?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the need for a source of clean water for a tool, preferably distilled water but only high grade DI water is easily accessible. However, the DI water is causing rusting in the stainless steel parts of the tool. The solution suggested is passivating the stainless with hydrogen peroxide, making sure to vent the apparatus well when using strong concentrations. It is also advised to aerate the water before running it into the stainless to prevent oxidation. The conversation also mentions examining the system for mixing of alloys.
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The tool I am working on needs a source of clean (cleaner then city water) water, ideally we would use distilled water, but what we have easy access to is a high grade DI water. Unfortunately our tool has stainless steel valves and tubing. It seems (as would be expected) the DI water is quickly rusting some of the steel parts. Is there a easy way to re ionize DI water without contaminating the upstream source? (The DI engineer would not be happy if we did that!)
 
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You can try passivating the stainless with hydrogen peroxide; be certain the apparatus is well vented if you use 10% or stronger, the decomposition is catalyzed by stainless and rapid enough to build up significant pressure.

Is the process sensitive to oxidation? Aerate the water before running it into the stainless. SS is stainless as a function of the oxide film on the surface. The passivation with peroxide, nitric acid, other solutions thickens that a bit, but if you can tolerate atmospheric oxygen, that's about all you need to maintain the "stainless" film. You might also examine the system for mixing of alloys.
 
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Thanks a lot, That is the kind of info I am looking for.
 

What is re-ionization of DI water?

Re-ionization of DI water is the process of restoring the ions in deionized water. Deionized water, or DI water, is water that has had its ions removed through a process called ion exchange. Re-ionization involves adding ions back into the water to create a conductive solution.

Why is re-ionization necessary for DI water?

DI water is often used in scientific experiments and industrial processes because it has a very low concentration of ions, making it highly pure. However, this lack of ions also means that it is a poor conductor of electricity. Re-ionization is necessary to make the water conductive, allowing it to be used in various applications.

How is re-ionization of DI water accomplished?

Re-ionization of DI water can be achieved through several methods, including passing the water through an ion exchange resin, using an electrolysis process, or adding specific salts or acids to the water. The method used depends on the specific needs and requirements of the experiment or process.

What are the benefits of using re-ionized DI water?

Re-ionized DI water has many benefits, including its high purity and conductivity. It is also free of impurities, making it ideal for use in sensitive experiments and processes. Additionally, re-ionization allows for the customization of the water's ion concentration, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Are there any potential drawbacks to re-ionizing DI water?

While re-ionization of DI water has many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The process can be time-consuming and costly, and there is a risk of introducing impurities during the re-ionization process. It is important to carefully monitor and control the re-ionization to ensure the desired concentration and purity of the water is achieved.

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