The most distinguishing drawback of the RO water purifiers is that it cannot differentiate between the excellent and impure particles in the water. RO also gets rid of the necessary and significant minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water supply. Thus it becomes vital to re-mineralize the water again by adding the essential nutrients and minerals eliminated at the time of the purification process. One of the most successful ways to accomplish this is to use a TDS controller or a Mineralizer. In this write-up, we will discuss the significant differences between the two to help you determine which device is right for your water supply.
TDS Controller Vs Mineralizer
What is the Definition of a TDS Controller?
TDS controller is the equipment used in a water purifying system to mix up the water from the RO purifier along with the non-treated water to achieve the perfect TDS level of the water. Almost every RO water purifier comes with a TDS controller to reduce the total dissolved salt level of nearly 90% to fit human consumption. For instance, if a water source has a TDS of 600, the RO purifier, along with the TDS controller, will bring down the water TDS level to almost 60.
Mode of Operation of a TDS Controller
The mode of operation of a TDS controller to maintain the TDS balance is as follows.
- The pressurized water enters the pre-filter, sediment and carbon filter with the help of a pump
- The machine then divides the water into two sections through the T extension
- The first section of the water passes through the RO membrane chamber, where they achieve the TDS’s low levels.
- It then enters into the UV chamber.
- The second segment of the water is sent to the TDS controller and later into the UV chamber.
- Both the water segments now together get treated by the UV lamp to terminate all viruses, bacteria, microorganisms, and toxic chemicals.
- Finally, you can store the treated water inside a storage tank for drinking purposes.
What Do You Mean by a Mineralizer?
A Mineralizer is one of the latest features that top-class water purifiers offer to their customers. It mainly operates on the concept of ionization and electrolysis. To accomplish electrolysis in the water, the variable DC voltage passes through the ionization chamber. Here, with the help of silver and copper, the device releases the positively charged ions in the water. Since both copper and silver include antibacterial properties, they can kill the germs and prevent any algae from distribution.
Advantages of a Mineralizer
There are innumerable advantages of a mineralizer that are discussed in detail below.
- Water enters the ionization chamber and releases positively charged ions to purify the water.
- The copper and silver acts as a natural toxin for the bacteria and eliminates any algae.
- The positive terminal of the mineralizer generates acidic water, while the negative one creates alkaline water.
- Because of anti-toxic properties of copper and silver, there are no side effects in this process
- The smell and taste of the water also get improved due to this procedure.
Difference between TDS Controller and Mineralizer
The significant differences between Mineralizer and TDS controller are as follows.
| TDS Controller | Mineralizer |
|---|---|
| Ensure the TDS level of the water should be maintained at an optimum level | Ensures retaining the minerals and nutrients that are lost in the RO purification process |
| Not the entire water passes through the RO membrane | 100% of the water passes through the RO filter to get treated |
| The device is small and affordable too | Regular cartridge or filter size and is little expensive |
| Not ideal for water supply with heavy metals like arsenic, lead, nitrates, and cadmium | All the toxic metals get removed from the water completely |
| The TDS level needs to be regulated manually to enhance or decrease it | There is no other alternative to regulate the TDS level of a purified water |
| Ideal for water supply with 1200 mg/liter TDS | Ideal for water sources up to 2000 mg/liter TDS |
| Complete control on the TDS of the resultant water | No control over the resultant water |
| Environmental friendly option | Not so eco friendly |
| Only 50 to 100 INR | 1500 to 2500 INR is the annual maintenance cost of the RO water purifiers with mineralizer |
Conclusion
Both Mineralizer and TDS controllers come with their significance in the water purification and should be included in all purification systems. They offer excellent advantages and high-quality performance if implemented appropriately. If the water supply includes heavy metals like arsenic, then purchasing a RO water purifier with a TDS controller will not be an ideal decision.
On the other hand, RO water purifiers that come with inbuilt mineralizers are suitable for treating water that includes high toxic chemicals. Thus if you were given a choice between a Mineralizer and a TDS controller, then the selection should be based on factors like user preference and inclusion of manufacturing impurities.
After completing this graduation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Manipal University in 2013, Ankit began rummaging the current Indian market of technology and science. At apolloedoc, Ankit’s job profile consists of cumulating, researching, testing, and verifying products related to tech.
He has a knack for details and catches even the tiniest advantages and flaws that can make or break the product. Since last year, he has been writing for apolloedoc and has been our knight in shining armour when reviewing home appliances.
Ankit’s favourite pastimes consist of jamming onto his guitar with a couple of friends and constantly updating and learning new things! He is also a big-time pet lover and has a cute little pug named Oreo back in Chandigarh. He has bagged many achievements in his college by participating in multiple extracurricular activities.
Writing is something that comes to Ankit naturally. He has his own blog where he posts about coding languages and even provides coaching to students from 12th grade to 2nd year of college. At apolloedoc, Ankit beautifully showcases his knack for the written word by lucidly explaining information in an unbiased way.