Invention Review

Critical and Objective Review of Interesting Inventions

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Diamond Water System: A Scientific Review

Science [14]: Knowledge ascertained by observation and experiment, critically tested, systematized and brought under general principles, esp in relation to the physical world (Chambers Dictionary, 12th Edition, 2011)

[A] What is the Diamond Water Treatment System?

Figure 1. Diamond Exhibition Booth

 
Video 1. Claiming the many benefits
of the Diamond Water Treatment System ((in Mandarin)

In essence, this is a drinking water treatment system (Figure 1, Video 1).

The following are various website relating to Diamond Water System and it is unclear who is the primary franchisee and whether the distributorship is exclusive in Singapore:
  • http://www.diamond.com.sg
  • http://sg.diamondew.com/
  • http://diamondsingaporemarketing.com
  • http://www.diamondwater.asia/sg
  • http://www.diamondwaterweb.com

[B] Anecdotal evidence

This is a collection of anecdotal evidence from people who used this product:
  • Diamond water livened up my dying plant
  • Diamond water lengthen the lifespan of my fishes (in comparison to use of Singapore tap water)
  • ... post a comment if you have other anecdotal evidence (preferably 1st hand) and I'll add it here
Forum discussions:
  1. http://forums.cozycot.com/health/15055-diamond-energy-water.html
  2. http://hongkong.geoexpat.com/forum/115/thread255862.html
  3. http://sgforums.com/forums/14/topics/114804
  4. http://sgforums.com/forums/8/topics/430363
  5. http://singaporebrides.com/weddingforum/threads/diamond-water.2728
  6. http://singaporemotherhood.com/forum/threads/2012-08-aug-2012.1474/page-31
  7. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176721&page=13
  8. http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=4141&start=40
  9. http://www.mummysg.com/forums/f77/water-filter-better-hyflux-cleansui-28822
  10. http://www.mycarforum.com/topic/2081428-diamond-energy-water
  11. http://www.mycarforum.com/topic/2638056-diamond-energy-water
  12. http://www.mycarforum.com/topic/2644302-any-comment-on-diamond-water-filters
  13. http://www.mycarforum.com/topic/2652325-recommendation-for-water-filter
  14. http://www.myhometown.sg/Forum/PublicForum/tabid/189/aft/47243/Default.aspx
  15. http://www.punggol.sg/forum/general_discussion/water_filtration_system_for_homesrecommendations_reviews_and_comments_welcome-t6501.0.html
  16. http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/7977-water-filter-system
  17. http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?148959-Water-Purification-sytem-for-the-home/page8
  18. http://www.usj.com.my/bulletin/upload/archive/index.php/t-16718.html
  19. http://www.usj.com.my/bulletin/upload/archive/index.php/t-7636.html
  20. https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1086658/all
  21. https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1174917/all
  22. https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1668611/all
  23. https://www.google.com.sg/search?q=forum+diamond+water+filter&oq=forum+diamond+water+filter
Blog discussions:
  1. http://warforscience.blogspot.sg/2010/02/sceptical-towards-pseudoscience-diamond.html
  2. http://littletigergrowingup.blogspot.sg/2012/12/health-choosing-water-filter.html
  3. http://chips.imutroom.com/2010/06/26/diamond-water-its-not-just-the-product-but-the-after-sales-care-as-well
  4. http://malaysiawater.blogspot.sg/2007/05/malaysians-water-filters-diamond-etc.html
  5. http://diamondwaterfilterscam.blogspot.sg

[C] Dissecting the 6-filter "Diamond Spring Water System" (DSWS)

At the heart of the DSWS is a 6-filter system [1]:
  1. F1 (Filter 1): "The world's best impregnated ceramic filter, which has been awarded NSF Certification, thoroughly removes bacteria and impurities like dirt, silt and rust." [1]
  2. F2 (Filter 2): "Activated carbon removes unpleasant odours and colours, while natural mineral stones regulate mineral content." [1]
  3. F3 (Filter 3): "Composed of Grade A activated carbon and a KDF metal ion converter (meeting the standards stipulated by the FDA and EPA of the United States), this filter completely removes heavy metals, chlorine, and other chemical contaminants." [1]
  4. F4 (Filter 4): "The CE3000PI Energy Conversion technology of Japan effectively breaks water molecules into the smallest possible clusters; making it easier for our body to absorb. It also increases the dissolved oxygen content in the water." [1]
  5. F5 (Filter 5): "A high-tech ID3 energy stabilizer with far infrared technology stabilizes energy in the water to keep water molecule clusters at the smallest size for a prolonged period of time." [1]
  6. F6 (Filter 6): "High-density activated carbon combined with natural magnetic stones help balance the water to a mild alkaline level and increase the number of calcium ions to further enhance health." [1]
Let us dissect each of the filter and see what the literature say about them:

F1: Ceramic filter [2], a known technology.

F2: Activated carbon [3, 4], another known technology

F3: Activated carbon [3, 4] + KDF Compounds [5, 6]; known technologies. The KDF invention are patented and a list of their patents can be downloaded from this link

F4:"CE2000PI Energy Conversion", a hocus pocus proprietary invention:
  • Definition of molecule [7]: a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction
  • Definition of atom [7]: the basic unit of a chemical element
  • Breaking water molecules [8] is possible but it is not relevant to water treatment
F5: "ID2 energy stabilizer with far infrared technology", another hocus pocus proprietary invention:
  • Electromagnetic absorption [9] by water is also possible and again it is not relevant to water treatment
F6: Activated carbon with Magnetic stones for generating alkaline water:
  • Use of magnetic stones to generate alkaline water is interesting but largely unscientific [9, 10, 11, 12]
  • Inconclusive evidence after a cursory review of papers in PubMed & ScienceDirect
  • However, I found an interesting paper supporting the benefit of alkaline water in PubMed:    Koufman, J.A., Johnston, N., 2012. Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease. Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol. 121, 431–434
  • Overall, the technology in F6, in particular the benefits from the consumption of alkaline water is yet to be proven -  randomised controlled trials would be helpful

[D] Science, Pseudoscience, Quackery, Scam, Snake Oil and Water

Water-related pseudoscience fantasy and quackery
http://www.chem1.com/CQ/index.html

Water Pseudoscience involving Water Clusters, Water Memory, Splitting Water, Alkaline Water
http://www.lenntech.com/water-pseudoscience.htm


Physical water treatment science & pseudoscience
http://www.watertechonline.com/articles/physical-water-treatment-science-pseudoscience

Penta Water: Water clusters of fewer molecules than normal water; enters cells 14% faster; easier to drink than normal water; Helps houseplants grow; helped clear up skin problems; reduce the side effects of chemotherapy treatment for cancer; Scavenges free radicals
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penta_Water

Sites critical of Penta Water
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penta_Water#External_links


Gallery of water-related pseudoscience
http://www.chem1.com/CQ/gallery.html

"Ionized" and alkaline water: Snake Oil on Tap
http://www.chem1.com/CQ/ionbunk.html

Magnetic water treatment and pseudoscience
http://www.chem1.com/CQ/magscams.html

Magnetized water: pseudoscientific snake oil
http://www.chem1.com/CQ/magwatscams.htm

Energized Water: pseudoscientific snake oil  
http://www.chem1.com/CQ/EnergizedWater.html


[E] Conclusion

Revisiting the basics of drinking water.

Fact: If your source of water is polluted and is deemed to be unsafe for drinking, then it make sense to invest in a water treatment system, one that is based on proven technology rather than hocus pocus technology.

Is the tap water in Singapore unsafe for drinking and therefore justifying the need to invest in a home or office water treatment device? The short answer is that tap water from Singapore is safe for drinking (Video 2, Figure 2): Singapore Drinking Water Quality 2013: http://www.pub.gov.sg/general/watersupply/Pages/DrinkingWQReport.aspx

Video 2: "Do we need to filter our water from the tap?" (Source: PUB)

Advice for drinking water treatment manufacturers, to conduct similar tests that PUB has done and show that by using your device, we get even better quality water, see the partial report below:

Figure 2. Singapore Drinking Water Quality 2013. Full image here


Declaration of Interest (Disinterest): For the record, PUB is neither my employer nor my client (3 May 2014).


[Appendix A] FAQ from PUB [13]
Is the use of filters necessary? Why are there stained deposits on our filters?
As PUB produces water that is well within international guidelines, there is no need to install the filters at your taps. It is safe to drink the water straight from the tap. For people who choose to add filters on their taps, they may see darkish coloured deposits on their filters overtime. This is because our tap water contains minute amounts of minerals including iron and manganese. Although the minerals’ contents in the water are very low, discolouration of the filter will eventually be noticeable when large quantities of potable water passes through the filter overtime.
Do we need to boil water for drinking?
In the old days, Singapore did not have such high standards of sanitation and public hygiene. Added to that the fact that not everyone had access to safe, piped water, people were encouraged to boil water in order to kill any pathogens that might be present. As every household in Singapore now has access to safe drinking water, it is no longer necessary to boil the water before drinking.
Why does tap water appear milky? Is the water safe for consumption?
In rare instances, dissolved air in tap water may sometimes appear as tiny bubbles making it milky or cloudy. Similar to dissolved gas in carbonated and fizzy drinks, these bubbles are much smaller and will disappear after a minute or so. While this may affect the appearance of the tap water, it is safe for consumption.
Is NEWater safe for human consumption? How does NEWater compare with PUB drinking water?
Yes, NEWater is safe for human consumption. Test results from the two-year comprehensive physical, chemical and microbiological study showed that the quality of NEWater consistently exceeds the requirements stipulated in the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WHO guidelines. In fact, NEWater is cleaner than PUB water. NEWater is purified using a double membrane barrier system that will screen off viruses and bacteria in the water. The same types of membrane process system have been used for production of bottled drinking water and for desalination of seawater. In addition, NEWater will also pass through an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation barrier as a final safeguard before the NEWater is passed for use.
- See more at: http://www.pub.gov.sg/general/watersupply/Pages/DrinkingWQReport.aspx#sthash.Lf1a8Eqt.dpuf
Q1. Is the use of filters necessary? Why are there stained deposits on our filters?
As PUB produces water that is well within international guidelines, there is no need to install the filters at your taps. It is safe to drink the water straight from the tap. For people who choose to add filters on their taps, they may see darkish coloured deposits on their filters overtime. This is because our tap water contains minute amounts of minerals including iron and manganese. Although the minerals’ contents in the water are very low, discolouration of the filter will eventually be noticeable when large quantities of potable water passes through the filter overtime.

Q2. Do we need to boil water for drinking?
In the old days, Singapore did not have such high standards of sanitation and public hygiene. Added to that the fact that not everyone had access to safe, piped water, people were encouraged to boil water in order to kill any pathogens that might be present. As every household in Singapore now has access to safe drinking water, it is no longer necessary to boil the water before drinking.

Q3. Why does tap water appear milky? Is the water safe for consumption?
In rare instances, dissolved air in tap water may sometimes appear as tiny bubbles making it milky or cloudy. Similar to dissolved gas in carbonated and fizzy drinks, these bubbles are much smaller and will disappear after a minute or so. While this may affect the appearance of the tap water, it is safe for consumption.

Q4. Is NEWater safe for human consumption? How does NEWater compare with PUB drinking water?
Yes, NEWater is safe for human consumption. Test results from the two-year comprehensive physical, chemical and microbiological study showed that the quality of NEWater consistently exceeds the requirements stipulated in the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WHO guidelines. In fact, NEWater is cleaner than PUB water. NEWater is purified using a double membrane barrier system that will screen off viruses and bacteria in the water. The same types of membrane process system have been used for production of bottled drinking water and for desalination of seawater. In addition, NEWater will also pass through an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation barrier as a final safeguard before the NEWater is passed for use.
- See more at: http://www.pub.gov.sg/general/watersupply/Pages/DrinkingWQReport.aspx#sthash.Lf1a8Eqt.dpuf


References
[1] http://www.diamondwaterweb.com/products_dew_features.html
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceramic_water_filter
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_filtering
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activated_carbon
[5] Heskett, D.E., 1987. United States Patent: 4642192 - Method of treating fluids. 4642192.
[6] http://www.kdfft.com/products.htm
[7] Press, O.U., 2010. New Oxford American Dictionary, 3rd edition. ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford ; New York.
[8] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_splitting
[9] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_absorption_by_water
]10] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_ionizer
[11] http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303404704577314182468322256
[12] http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/alkaline-water/faq-20058029
[13] http://www.pub.gov.sg/general/watersupply/Pages/DrinkingWQReport.aspx
[14] http://invreview.blogspot.sg/2014/05/science-vs-pseudoscience-what-where.html

28 comments:

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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Would you have accompanied scientific studies on the efficacy of your alkaline water?

      Delete
  2. For those who are planning to post advertisement to sell your product will have your comment deleted.

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  4. It provides water filtration for the entire house. Meaning, anywhere in the house that has a faucet, the water comes out is filtered. My review here

    ReplyDelete
  5. The KDF invention are patented and a list of their patents can be downloaded from this link. Fred R

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Invention Review,

    Thanks for your insight. I am looking for a proper water filter set that can remove fluoride and chlorine , heavy metal at reasonable price. Near alkaline pH water. Prefer to rely on science evidence for reliability and assurance. Could you recommend a couple products ? Maybe you could email me if you prefer this communication mode. Hope to hear from you soonest.

    Cheers
    EJ

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Invention Review,

    Thanks for your insight. I am looking for a proper water filter set that can remove fluoride and chlorine , heavy metal at reasonable price. Near alkaline pH water. Prefer to rely on science evidence for reliability and assurance. Could you recommend a couple products ? Maybe you could email me if you prefer this communication mode. Hope to hear from you soonest.

    Cheers
    EJ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. btw i am based in Singapore. It would be easier to for me to apply for warranty and have access to the customer services. Thanks!

      Delete
  8. How much the price of a 1 set water refill for commercial and house use?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the detailed analysis!

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