We explain what is distilled water and how is the composition of this liquid. In addition, its properties, characteristics and various uses.
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What is distilled water?
The distilled water is a form of said liquid (H 2 O) which has been subjected to procedures distillation to withdraw all added and dissolved into a state of maximum purity. This process can occur in multiple ways, but in general the distillation consists of selective vaporization and condensation to separate any solid or liquid phase that is dissolved in the water.
However, drinking water should not be confused with distilled water. The latter, often used in laboratories and in various manufacturing industries , has also been stripped of electrolytes and mineral salts that, precisely, are what the human body requires to stay hydrated.
Human consumption of distilled waters can be a source of diarrhea and other forms of transient condition, since they do not provide the hydration that drinking water does.
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Composition of distilled water
Distilled waters is not molecularly different from ordinary water, as it is composed of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen (H 2 O) . However, it has been stripped of the mineral salts that usually accompany it, such as florides and other electrolytes. In fact, commercially re-distilled and commercially reclaimed waters are enriched with many of these elements once they leave the distiller.
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Characteristics and properties of distilled water
Depending on its degree of distillation, many of the ordinary properties of water, such as its electrical conduction , are reduced when leaving the distiller. This is due to the elimination of the metal ions dissolved in it , and that is why in addition to being insulating, distilled waters also acts diamagnetically (repels magnetism ).
Similarly, the boiling point of distilled waters is much higher than that of ordinary water, its taste and smell properties are radically null, since in some cases the water we drink has traces of calcium, chlorine and other elements in proportions minimum
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What is distilled water for?
Although there are those who encourage its consumption , based on its purity, distilled waters is actually a product for industrial use. It is used in laboratories, to prepare mixtures that require high margins of uncontamination in water, or that require its insulating and diamagnetic properties.
For example, distilled water is used in the manufacture of batteries , in the manufacture of cosmetics and analytical reagents. It is also used in the glass and glass industry, and even as a starting point in the production of edible products and beverages.
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Where do you get distilled water?
Distilled water is normally marketed, so it can be obtained bottled or bottled . Again, it should not be confused with bottled mineral water or purified water through ozonation techniques, chlorination, among others. Generally distilled water is for sale in laboratories and chemical stores.
On the other hand, ordinary water can be distilled to obtain distilled water . This is carried out by means of a distiller or by hand, by means of a distillation container that is a bottle with a curved neck and extended to the side, so that when the water boils inside the steam flows to the other side and can be collected in another container when precipitating by change of temperature.
There are also homemade recipes to distill water using a large pot, which should be filled with half running water. Inside, there should be a clean glass container, and the pot should be closed with the lid upside down, on which ice will be placed. When boiling, ordinary water vapor will condense on the ice-cold metal and drip into the glass container, which will gradually fill with freshly distilled water.
