Buying a water purifier in today’s times can be challenging as one has to look out for a lot of factors like filters, water supply connectors, valves, etc. Moreover, it requires regular maintenance and frequent check-up of TDS.
But what is TDS? Can it be controlled?
Yes, it can be done by a TDS controller. Read ahead and find out how this system works in a water purifier.
What is a TDS Controller in a Water Purifier?
Definition of TDS Controller
A TDS controller is a device that can control the TDS level of the water. Unlike the cartridges, membrane, and filter, the TDS controller does not purify the water further. The RO process reduces water hardness by almost 90%.
It is a screw-oriented small device that keeps the salt level in the water in control. It operates through a bypass valve that passes a percentage of water to the UF, carbon, or UV chamber without letting it pass through the RO membrane. The total number of sequences and the filtration method varies from product to product.
How does a TDS Controller operate?
TDS controller is a manual device that comprises two water inputs, one output for water, and a TDS controlling screw. It operates in the following way.
Water Input Type 1
This is the output of the purified water that passes through the RO membrane.
Water Input Type 2
Purified water from the activated carbon filter enters through this input in the case of RO+TDS+UV water purifiers. In the case of RO+UF+UV+TDS or RO+TDS+UF purification system, purified water from the UF membrane enters through this input.
Water Output
Through this output, you will get the mixture of the two water inputs in the ratio according to your requirement.
Screw for Controlling TDS
TDS controlling screw helps in keeping in check the TDS of the output water by a manual adjustment of the water flow and the two inputs of water. If the TDS needs to be decreased, then the input water from the RO membrane should be increased. In the case of a machine with UF or UF chambers, the input water from those filters should be reduced.
If the TDS needs to be enhanced, the input water flow from the RO membrane should be reduced, and the water input from the UF or Activated Carbon filter should be increased. In simple words, turn the TDS controller screw clockwise or anti-clockwise to decrease or increase the TDS level. In most of the water purifiers, the TDS controller is fitted inside the machine. Thus to adjust it, you have to open the outer cover first.
Benefits of a TDS Controller
Below are some of the other benefits of the TDS controller apart from making the water healthy.
Economical:
TDS controller is an economical and cheap device that might cost you 50 to 100 INR. It is a one-time investment that you need not change for many more years.
Eco-Friendly:
A RO water purification system with a TDS controller wastes less water during the filtration procedure. This makes it more eco-friendly and efficient.
Flexible:
Including a TDS controller in the water purifier will give you complete freedom to control the TDS level as per your will. You can also completely close the output coming from type 2 water input, and you will get 100% purified RO water.
Natural:
Since TDS controllers add the required minerals to the water input source, therefore the result contains more nutrients and minerals in them.
Drawbacks of TDS Controller
The resultant water from the RO purification system with the TDS controller device may not be completely 100% pure. Since the controller mixes the water that does not pass through the RO membrane to the output source, it will include all the chemicals and minerals that were originally there in the input water in a small amount. Generally, this is not a problem unless the principal water source includes heavy toxic metals like nitrate, cadmium, arsenic, and lead. If the output water includes these metals under the safe limit, then you can consume the water from the TDS controller with no worries.
Is it Safe to Buy a RO Water Purifier with TDS Controller?
You can purchase a RO water purifier with a TDS controller if the TDS level of the raw or input water is less than 900 PPM and more than 300 PPM. It should not contain any heavy metals like arsenic and lead. If the primary water source contains heavy metals, then this device is not ideal for you.
Conclusion
TDS controller is perfect for enhancing the TDS count in a RO water purifier. Which one will you choose will depend on your personal choice, TDS count, and heavy metal in the water source? We would suggest both the TDS controller and RO filtration system if you have a TDS level lower than 1200 mg/liter with a small number of heavy metals.
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.