Water quality
Water quality affects the result of every mechanical reprocessing cycle. In a WD, water is used in several steps: pre-rinse, cleaning, disinfection and final rinse. Different requirements apply to each step.
The final rinse is most critical, because whatever is dissolved in the water then remains on the instruments after drying. Hard water causes limescale deposits, chlorides can cause pitting on stainless steel, silicates leave stains that are hard to remove. That is why demineralised water is recommended for the final rinse.
Validation also checks whether the water supply suits the device. If water quality fluctuates, for example because a cartridge is exhausted, the result can suffer.
Limescale and salt deposits are among the most common causes of faults in thermal disinfectors and premature wear of instruments. Suitable water treatment protects device and instruments. More: Water treatment · Water Plus
Related terms: Demineralised water · Reverse osmosis · Washer-disinfector
