What process is used to remove dissolved mineral salts from water?

Demineralization is the process specifically designed to remove dissolved mineral salts from water, achieving a high level of purity. This process typically involves ion exchange methods, which swap out undesirable ions, such as calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, with hydrogen and hydroxide ions. The end result is water that is free from dissolved minerals, making it suitable for specific applications, such as in boiler operations where mineral deposits can cause scaling.

In contrast, softening primarily targets removing hardness-causing minerals like calcium and magnesium but may not eliminate all dissolved salts. Filtration involves the separation of particles from liquids but doesn’t specifically address dissolved salts. Coagulation is a chemical process used to remove suspended solids from water but is not focused on dissolving minerals. Each of these other processes has its own specific applications and functions, but demineralization is the most effective and comprehensive method for achieving pure water free from dissolved minerals.