Did you know a TDS controller handles water with up to 1500 TDS, but a mineraliser can work with up to 2000 TDS? This simple fact shows the big difference in what these two do to clean water. Knowing about TDS controllers and mineralisers matters a lot for people in India. It helps in choosing the right way to make water better. Despite having the same goal of improving water, they work in very unlikely ways. I will explore these differences to guide you in choosing your best choice.
Understanding TDS Controllers
A TDS Controller is key in the water purification field, especially for managing TDS levels. Its role is to balance and control TDS in RO water. This ensures water is safe, tastes good, and has healthy minerals.
Functions and Benefits of TDS Controllers
TDS Controllers blend RO water with raw water to control TDS levels. They keep important minerals in the water, improving the taste and health benefits. These controllers are affordable, costing about Rs. 50, and don’t require much extra care. So, they are a good choice for many people.
Limitations and Considerations
Yet, TDS Controllers have limits. They can’t get rid of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury which are harmful. Also, the water they produce is not 100% pure if the source water is already contaminated.
It is not an ideal way to add essential minerals to purified water. In RO purifiers with a TDS Controller, 100% of the input water does not pass through the RO membrane. This means that the water may contain harmful heavy metals like lead and arsenic, which can only be removed by an RO membrane
Should you Buy an RO with a TDS Controller or MTDS?
You should only consider buying an RO purifier with a TDS Controller or MTDS if the TDS level of the input water is low (lower than 900 ppm) and the water does not contain heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
Table: TDS Level and Ideal Choice
| TDS LEVEL | IS WATER MUDDY? | PRESENCE OF BIOLOGICAL IMPURITIES? | IDEAL CHOICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 – 900 ppm | No | No | RO+TDS Controller/Mineralizer |
| 500 – 900 ppm | No | Yes | RO+UV+TDS Controller/Mineralizer |
| 500 – 900 ppm | Yes | No | RO+UF+TDS Controller/Mineralizer or RO+UV+UF+TDS Controller/Mineralizer |
| 500 – 900 ppm | Yes | Yes | RO+UV+UF+TDS Controller/Mineralizer |
| Over 900 ppm | No | No | RO |
| Over 900 ppm | No | Yes | RO+UV |
| Over 900 ppm | Yes | No | RO+UF or RO+UV+UF |
| Over 900 ppm | Yes | Yes | RO+UV+UF |
Exploring Mineralises
Mineralisers are key in RO water systems. They add back important minerals removed during filtration. This keeps the water balanced and healthy for drinking.
What is a Mineraliser?
A mineraliser is part of RO water purifiers. It puts back minerals like calcium and magnesium. These are lost during the filtering process. This action does more than adjust the TDS. It keeps water rich in nutrients with a balanced pH, making it taste better.
Advantages of Using Mineralisers
Mineralisers have several benefits in water systems. They help keep the water’s pH in check for health. They also make sure all water is clean, preventing metals. This process keeps good nutrients and removes bad chemicals, improving the flavour.
Technology Behind Mineralisers
Mineralisers use high-tech methods like ionisation and electrolysis. Ionising releases ions that kill bacteria. This keeps water fresh and safe.
For instance, Livpure water purifiers use a mineralizer that adds calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals to the water, ensuring that the water is not only free of impurities but also rich in essential minerals, can handle water with up to 2000 TDS. Similarly, AO Smith water purifiers use a unique RO filter membrane and an efficient 5-8 stage purification technology to retain essential minerals while removing impurities
Related – Compare SCMT, RO, UV, MF and UF Water Purifiers
TDS Controller vs Mineraliser: Key Differences
The TDS Controller and Mineraliser are two distinct technologies used in water purification systems. The TDS Controller is designed to control the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level in water by adjusting the flow of water from two inputs.
This device is suitable for water sources with TDS levels below 1500 ppm and does not remove heavy metal impurities like arsenic, lead, or mercury. On the other hand, the Mineraliser is a technology that infuses essential minerals lost during the Reverse Osmosis (RO) purification process.
It ensures 100% RO-purified water and does not contaminate the water with heavy metal impurities. The Mineraliser is suitable for all RO water purifiers, regardless of the TDS content, and is more expensive than the TDS Controller.
Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the TDS Controller and Mineraliser:
| TDS Controller | Mineraliser |
|---|---|
| Suitable for TDS levels below 1500 ppm | Suitable for all RO water purifiers |
| Does not remove heavy metal impurities | Removes heavy metal impurities |
| Users can control TDS levels | Users do not have control over TDS levels |
| Less expensive | More expensive |
| Mechanical arrangement | Chemical reaction |
Based on the key differences, the Mineraliser performs better in terms of removing heavy metal impurities and ensuring 100% RO-purified water. However, the TDS Controller is a more affordable option for water sources with lower TDS levels.
TDS Controller Features and Capabilities
The TDS Controller, used by top brands like Kent and Aquaguard, adjusts water’s TDS levels. It keeps the essential minerals while purifying the water. This helps ensure that the water is safe for drinking. You can find this device for about Rs. 50, making it an important tool for water purifiers.
Adjusting TDS Levels
This device allows us to change the TDS levels manually. Water purifiers remove most dissolved solids, including good minerals. By adding these minerals back in, the water becomes healthier to drink. This feature lets us adjust the TDS to what’s best for our health.
Suitability Based on Water Quality
The TDS Controller is very useful, especially for water with low TDS after purification. This water may lack essential minerals. But, if the source water has over 900 ppm TDS or contains heavy metals, a TDS Controller might not work. In such cases, a mineraliser provides more comprehensive help.
Choosing between a TDS Controller and a Mineraliser depends on the water you have. Understanding your water’s quality is key. This way, you can pick the best option for your family’s safety and health.
Mineraliser Benefits and Considerations
The mineraliser in water purifiers is a crucial component that enriches drinking water with essential minerals. Livpure Smart Bolt Mineraliser, for instance, is equipped with a copper cartridge that adds the benefits of natural copper to the purified water. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who consume water with low TDS levels, as it can help replenish essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Related – Alkaline Vs Copper Water Purifier
According to the National Institute of Hydrology, most people in India suffer from micronutrient deficiency, making mineral-rich water essential for overall health. The mineraliser in water purifiers can help address this issue by infusing beneficial minerals into the water.
For example, the Livpure Smart Bolt Mineraliser can add up to 2,000 ppm of TDS, which is suitable for most households (Source: Livepure.com). However, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks of mineralisers. Some experts argue that the addition of minerals can be arbitrary and may not meet the human body’s requirements.
Rajesh Singh from the National Institute of Hydrology notes that humans get most of their minerals from grains and vegetables, rather than water (Source: downtoearth.org.in). Additionally, the WHO has not given significant importance to the health effects of TDS in water, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Conclusion
Making an informed choice for water purification is key, especially in India. Here, water quality varies significantly. Choosing between a TDS controller and a mineraliser depends on several factors. These include water quality issues, your personal preferences, and health concerns.
A TDS controller lets you adjust the mineral content in water. This helps in areas with light to medium contamination. Remember, water from the city usually has TDS between 100 and 500. Sea water can go over 35,000. In India, homes get water with TDS from 50 to 5000. The ideal TDS levels for drinking water, according to the WHO, are 150 to 250. Managing TDS carefully is very important.
Mineralisers provide essential minerals and keep the water’s pH stable. The right pH value for water is between 6.5 and 8, as the WHO advises. For water with low TDS, adding a mineraliser is crucial. This method focuses on the health and safety of water. It protects against harmful metals and other pollutants.
Reviewing your water supply and understanding these differences is vital. It allows you to choose the best water purification technology. Whether you go for a TDS controller for finely tuned mineral levels or a mineraliser for complete water quality, making the right choice is crucial for your well-being.
