ASTM Type 2 Purified Water for Laboratory: Production, Application, and Advantages

Production:

ASTM Type 2 purified water is a slightly lower grade of water purity compared to Type 1, as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). It is produced through a series of purification steps that remove impurities to meet the specific requirements of Type 2 water. The production process for ASTM Type 2 purified water typically includes:

1. Pre-Treatment: Similar to Type 1 water production, the process begins with pre-treatment steps such as sediment filtration and removal of chlorine and organic contaminants.
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO): The pre-treated water undergoes reverse osmosis to remove dissolved salts, minerals, and impurities, producing water with relatively low levels of conductivity.
3. Deionization (DI): Type 2 water may also undergo deionization to further reduce the levels of ions and conductivity. However, the standards for Type 2 water allow for slightly higher levels of impurities compared to Type 1.
4. Optional Treatments: Depending on the specific laboratory requirements, additional treatments such as UV disinfection or final filtration may be employed.
5. Quality Control: Throughout the production process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the water meets the ASTM Type 2 specifications. Parameters such as conductivity, resistivity, and microbial content are monitored.

Application:

ASTM Type 2 purified water is suitable for a range of laboratory applications that do not require the highest levels of water purity but still demand a certain degree of quality and consistency. Some common applications include:

• Buffer and Reagent Preparation: Type 2 water is often used to prepare buffers, reagents, and solutions for various laboratory experiments.
• General Lab Equipment: It can be used in laboratory equipment like glassware rinsing, autoclaves, and general cleaning where high levels of purity are not critical.
• Media Preparation: For microbiology and cell culture applications where strict purity isn’t necessary.
• Feed Water for Type 1 Systems: In some laboratories, Type 2 water serves as feed water for producing Type 1 water through additional purification steps.
• Heating and Cooling Systems: In facilities, Type 2 water can be used in heating and cooling systems that don’t require the stringent purity levels of Type 1 water.

Advantages:

Using ASTM Type 2 purified water offers several advantages for laboratory applications:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Producing Type 2 water involves less rigorous purification steps compared to Type 1 water, making it more cost-effective while still maintaining acceptable quality for certain applications.
• Sufficient Purity: Type 2 water is suitable for applications where high-purity water is not critical, yet a certain level of water quality is required.
• Flexibility: Laboratories can choose the appropriate water grade based on their specific needs and budget constraints.
• Reduced Equipment Maintenance: Using Type 2 water in equipment like autoclaves and heating/cooling systems can help reduce scaling and deposits, minimizing maintenance requirements.
• Meeting Intermediate Requirements: Type 2 water can be used as an intermediate step in laboratories that have both Type 1 and Type 2 water needs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Laboratories that adhere to ASTM Type 2 water standards can maintain compliance with quality control and regulatory requirements.