The demand for drinking water plant among the people is increasing day by day. And along with this, people are becoming more health-conscious and are consuming mineral or packaged drinking water. The reason behind taking mineral water is that it provides easy transportability and assured quality.

Depending upon the technology of the mineral water plant, the treatment process may vary slightly according to different locations. With several experiments on water, many comprehensive and economically viable packages are developed. The water from natural streams like lakes and rivers is taken and then purified under several stages to make mineral water.

Let’s see various water treatment plants that analyze water, remove impurities, and make the water healthy and suitable for drinking.

Purification

Purification is the first step where the water from natural sources is passed through the purification unit and stored in the steel water tank. After that, an alum or a polymer is added to treat the raw water. With the help of alum, all the unwanted particles and dirt get stuck together or coagulate. Furthermore, these particles join together and form larger, heavier particles that become easy to remove from the water.

Flocculation

Once water gets treated with coagulation chemicals, it enters a giant paddle tank. This paddle mixes water and chemicals and forces the dirt particles to form into large pieces. This formation is known as flocculation.

Sedimentation

As the left particles and water progress ahead, it is moved into the sedimentation tank. Here, the water is moved slowly so that the heavy particles get quickly settled at the bottom. Thus, the sludge collected at the bottom is then piped out to drying lagoons. The sedimentation step is not included in the direct filtration method, as dirt is removed directly by filtration.

Disinfection

This process is included in all mineral water plant as it is essential to kill the harmful bacteria and microorganisms present in water. Before the water gets into the distribution system, disinfection occurs to ensure that all the disease-causing bacteria are destroyed. In addition, chlorine is used as it acts as a disinfectant so that all the residual concentration is maintained and no microbial contamination takes place in the water distribution system.

pH Adjustment

After disinfection, the water enters the pH adjustment phase. Calcium oxide makes the water less acidic and also corrosive to domestic water pipes. Moreover, to keep the calcium oxide dissolved, phosphate solution is added to the water. All the packaged drinking water bottles come with adjusted pH that is suitable and convenient for the human body.

Fluoridation

Once water completes sedimentation and pH adjustment, fluorosilicic acid is added to the water. It helps to fluoridate the water supply and prevent dental decay.

Filtration

Filtration is another step where quite good water purifying results occur. At this stage, very little proportion of suspended solids is present in water. The filters in this technique are made in layers of sand and gravel and, in some cases, anthracite. It collects the suspended particles and enhances the effectiveness of disinfection. The filters in this method are washed and cleaned regularly.

Apart from the sand and gravel filter, there is one more essential filter called Micron Filter. It is achieved by filtration series with 1, 5, and 10/20-Micron cartridge filters. This filtered water is consumable and should be replaced after a specific time.

Now, as the drinking water treatment is essential, it is also crucial to see the packaging process as it also plays a vital role in maintaining health.

Mineral water packaging process

There are various steps involved such as:

Bottle manufacturing

The bottles manufactured by PET bottle machines are necessary, available for different sizes, and its semi and automatic operation makes up to 3600 bottles per hour.

Rinsing, Filling, Capping, and Sealing

The bottles are fitted into the machine that automatically rinses, fills water, and screw caps on it for all this work. Afterward, the date of manufacture and expiry is printed on the lid before screwing the caps onto the bottle. The whole process is completed by machine without human contact, making it safe for the drinkers during the ongoing virus.

Labeling

The neck and top of the bottle are covered with plastic or the brand name in the labeling process. This naming is done by passing the bottle into the shrink tunnel and onto the packaging conveyor.

Final packaging

This packaging is done manually by putting all the bottles into the cartoons. After this, the packaged drinking water bottles are supplied to the sellers at different locations to reach out to your water needs.

Hence, the water treatment process is critical, requiring high maintenance and a safe supply of water to the public for commercial use. The above listed are the methods of water treatment carried in every mineral water plant.