What is demineralized water?

Demineralized water is a liquid from which minerals and dissolved salts have been completely removed. To obtain such water for cleaning windows and facades, reverse osmosis and/or deionization filtration methods are used.

You can prepare demineralized water in advance at home and transport it to the job site, or demineralize it on the fly with a special device. An example of such equipment is the Reos ONE system which consists of the necessary components for washing with purified water.

Water Fed - modern window and facade cleaning system

Water Fed is a technology for cleaning windows and facades with demineralized water and a telescopic pole. The complete system consists of a water demineralization device and a carbon fiber pole with a brush. Washing is done with low water pressure thanks to this specially dedicated brush. This way, you will easily rinse all the dirt from the frames and all the nooks and crannies of the windows. Water Fed is used to wash smooth facades up to 24 meters high, glass, photovoltaic panels, advertising pylons, blinds and metal structures.

An important aspect of washing glass and facades with demineralized water is the lack of the need to use chemicals. It has better cleaning properties than ordinary tap water and it is sufficient to remove dirt like dust, atmospheric deposits or road deposits. In addition, it does not adversely affect people, plants or animals. It also does not damage the facade and reduces electrostaticity. After washing, you do not need to remove the water with a squeegee, as it is free of all minerals and does not leave streaks and stains after evaporation.

Read also: How to wash windows and facades with demineralized water?

How does washing windows and facades with Water Fed technology using a mobile device?

We use hoses to connect the system to the water source. Then we unfold the telescopic pole leaning the brush against the wall. When washing a facade with Water Fed technology, we always do it in horizontal strips.

The pole should be set at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees to the wall. Do not start washing from top to bottom (with vertical strips). Always start cleaning from the highest elements and move in horizontal strips from left to right or right to left. First, clean the window frame or the gap between the panels all the way around the entire section, then go back to the beginning and clean the following element without raiding the previously cleaned one with the brush. By following this order, you will avoid leaks from under a damaged seal or window nook.

When cleaning the glass, use vertical and steady movements. Step back and approach the surface being washed so that the brush can reach every nook and cranny. Make enough movements to wipe each spot at least several times. Rinse the entire window with water from the brush pulling it away from the glass.

How long does it take to clean the facade with the Water Fed demineralization system?

The efficiency and speed of cleaning a facade with this method depends on many factors - size, condition of the facade, amount of dirt or weather conditions. An experienced worker will be able to wash up to 150 m² of facade per hour.

What are the advantages of using Water Fed technology?

The most important benefit of this method is employee safety. They do not have to work at heights, so there is no risk of falling. Another advantage is environmental friendliness due to the use of demineralized water devoid of chemicals. 

Water Fed reduces the cost of cleaning facades and windows - it does not require specialized lifts.

Another advantage is the working time, which can be significantly shorter in many cases compared to the use of traditional methods (washing with a washer and squeegee) in rope access, from a ladder or from a lift.

How to obtain demineralized water? Which facade washing system to choose?

There are two methods of obtaining demineralized water, so you can choose the method that suits your needs and financial possibilities. Pay attention to consider the cost of purchase and operation, as well as the frequency of equipment use or filter replacement.

Method 1 - reverse osmosis and deionization process (RO/DI)

Water flowing from the source enters the system where with the help of pre-filters it is subjected to purification from volatile substances and chlorine. At the same time, they protect the membrane from damage. Then the water goes to the membrane where a reverse osmosis process takes place, during which the water is divided into clean and dirty. The clean is practically demineralized and goes to the final deionization filter. The dirty one, however, goes through a separate outlet and goes into the sewage system.

At the deionization stage the water is filtered and completely demineralized, after which it is transferred to the brush stick. Demineralized water at the outlet of the system with new filters should be 0 PPM (0 particles other than water per 1 million water molecules).

The operating costs of using this method are practically negligible and replacement of filters (pre-filters and deionization filters) should take place on average every ~60 working days. This filtration method has a higher purchase cost than a filtration unit based on the deionization process alone. You can find a table showing operating and purchase costs on the Reos system subpage. This system will work well when cleaning windows and facades 2 or more times a month and in areas with higher PPM (a parameter determining water hardness).

Method 2 - deionization process (DI)

This technique is characterized by a shorter water demineralization path. As in the first case - it flows from the source and enters the system. It contains a deionization resin that filters out all the dirt and completely demineralizes the water. It is the same filter as in the reverse osmosis method (after the reverse osmosis membrane) except that here it has to filter out all the dirt, so it wears out much faster. Then the water goes directly to the stick with a brush which significantly improves the cleaning of windows or facades.

Deionization method means higher operating expenses but lower purchase cost. Therefore, take this into account when choosing the right type of filter unit. If you plan to use the system one or fewer days a month or you are just starting to provide services - this type of demineralization is worth considering. It is recommended for a region with soft water, when you plan to use the system for home use, or when you want to start providing demineralized water washing services.

Hence, before the purchase, be sure to verify the hardness of the water in the area where you intend to work. For this purpose you will need a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter i.e. the total amount of dissolved substances in the liquid. The result given in PPM (parts per million) i.e. the number of particles dissolved per million.

Vehicle-mounted water demineralization systems

Using both reverse osmosis and deionization processes, as well as deionization alone, you can obtain demineralized water in advance or directly during operation. The most popular method is to filter the water on the fly while you are working - you are then dependent on the water source at the job site. A less popular and more expensive solution is to filter the water into a tank located in the vehicle (e.g. at night between one working day and the next), then pump out the already demineralized water using 12-volt battery-powered pumps. This solution allows full independence from the water source at the work site - you don't have to worry about whether your hoses are long enough, whether the water quality is good, where the water source is, and whether it exists at all. This speeds up the work considerably and does not generate problems. You always “refuel” demineralized water at the place where you park your vehicle for the night. Solutions work well if you intend to provide services regularly at least a dozen or so days a year. The tanks have a capacity of 250 to 1,200 liters, while a full working day consumes 300-500 liters/person.

Check also: How to wash windows and facades with Water Fed technology ? Washing with demineralized water

What are the costs of cleaning facades with Water Fed technology?

Just as with the time it takes to wash a facade, the cost of Water Fed technology will depend on several factors. We take into account the wear and tear of the equipment, the price of water or the cost of replacing consumable items.

If you decide to demineralize the water yourself, you will have to include filters and energy in the cost. At the end of the day, cleaning facades with this method will be much more beneficial than using lifts or working at heights.

Water Fed - cost calculation

When deciding which demineralization system to choose, cost should also be taken into account. As we mentioned, the DI system is cheaper but its operation requires a regular investment in replacing the deionization resin. In the case of an RO system, the purchase cost is more expensive, but you will save on operation. Consequently, take into account the frequency of operation of the demineralization system and the hardness of the water. On our website you will also find a comparison of both systems: winshop.pl/reos.

Remember also that to complete the system you will also need a pole and a water fed brush. The choice of equipment depends on the height of the window you need to wash. Short poles are cheaper because the rigidity of the individual sections is not so important. The longer it is, the stiffer the parts must be, which increases the cost. Brushes vary in bristle type and shape and their selection depends on the surface to be cleaned. You can find all accessories at winshop.co.uk.