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Overview

The DEMI Unit is designed to remove dissolved salts and ionic contaminants from water, producing high-purity demineralized water suitable for industrial utilities, process applications, and protection of downstream equipment.
The system typically combines Ion Exchange (IX) and Electrodeionization (EDI) technologies to achieve stable and consistent outlet water quality. Ion Exchange is commonly used for primary demineralization, while EDI units provide continuous polishing without the need for chemical regeneration, ensuring high efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
DEMI Units are widely used in Oil & Gas facilities, power plants, and industrial water treatment systems where strict water quality specifications are required.

System Scope

DEMI Units are engineered as fully integrated water treatment packages and typically include the following main components:

  • Ion exchange vessels (cation, anion, or mixed bed)
  • Ion exchange resin media suitable for targeted ions
  • EDI modules for continuous polishing and ultra-pure water production
  • Service, regeneration, and rinse piping systems
  • Regenerant chemical storage and dosing systems
  • Backwash and regeneration systems
  • Neutralization and waste handling systems
  • Transfer and recirculation pumps
  • Instrumentation and water quality monitoring systems

Subsystems

Ion Exchange Vessels and Resin Media

Engineering of ion exchange vessels and selection of resin media to achieve effective removal of targeted ions, ensuring stable performance and required outlet water quality.

Engineering of piping systems to manage service, backwash, regeneration, and rinse cycles in a controlled and safe manner.

Engineering of regenerant chemical storage, dosing, and handling systems to support resin regeneration while ensuring operator safety and process reliability.

Engineering of backwash and regeneration systems to restore resin capacity and maintain long-term performance.

Engineering of neutralization and waste handling systems to manage spent regenerants and rinse water in compliance with environmental requirements.

Engineering of pumps and instrumentation to control flow, monitor water quality, and track system performance.

Engineering Approach

The engineering of DEMI Units follows an integrated and chemistry-driven design approach focused on treatment efficiency, operational reliability, and environmental compliance. Engineering activities begin with the definition of the design basis, including feed water composition, flow rate, temperature, target conductivity, and operational requirements.
Key engineering activities include:

  • Selection of appropriate resin types and EDI configuration
  • Sizing of vessels, EDI modules, and regeneration cycles
  • Engineering of chemical handling and neutralization systems
  • Integration of pumps, instrumentation, and automation systems
  • Definition of safety, isolation, and protection philosophy
  • Skid layout optimization for operability and maintenance
  • Compliance with applicable IEC standards and water treatment guidelines

This engineering approach ensures stable demineralized water quality, reduced chemical consumption, and reliable long-term system operation.

System Integration

DEMI Units are not standalone units but integral components of the overall water treatment and water reuse infrastructure.
The system is engineered to interface seamlessly with:

  • Upstream treatment systems (pre-treatment, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis) to receive conditioned feed water
  • Downstream utility or process systems requiring high-purity water
  • Chemical dosing systems, supporting resin regeneration and water conditioning
  • Pumping and transfer systems, managing service and regeneration flows
  • Plant automation and control systems, enabling monitoring, sequencing, and operational control
  • Safety systems (ESD) ensuring safe shutdown during abnormal conditions
  • Mechanical and piping systems, ensuring integrity of vessels, modules, and piping networks

This integrated design philosophy ensures that variations in feed water quality or operational conditions are managed in a controlled and coordinated manner, maintaining consistent water purity and protecting downstream processes.

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