Ion Exchange

Ion exchange

Ion exchange is an adsorption phenomenon where the mechanism of adsorption is electrostatic. Electrostatic forces hold ions to charged functional groups on the surface of the ion exchange resin. The adsorbed ions replace ions that are

on the resin surface on a 1:1 charge basis. For example:

Applications of ion exchange in water & wastewater

Ca, Mg (hardness removal) exchange with Na or H.

Fe, Mn removal from groundwater.

Recovery of valuable waste products Ag, Au, U Demineralization (exchange all cations for H all anions for OH) Removal of NO3, NH4, PO4 (nutrient removal).

Ion Exchangers (types)

Natural: Proteins, Soils, Lignin, Coal, Metal oxides,

Aluminosilicates (zeolites) (NaOAl2O3.4SiO2).

Synthetic zeolite gels and most common -polymeric resins

(macroreticular, large pores).

Polymeric resins are made in 3-D networks by cross-linking hydrocarbon chains. The resulting resin is insoluble, inert and relatively rigid. Ionic functional groups are attached to this framework.

These resins are generally manufactured by polymerizing neutral organic molecules such as sytrene (to form polystrene) and then cross-linked with divinyl benzene (DVB). Functional groups are then added according to the intended use. For example the resin can be sulfonated by adding sulfuric acid to get the structure shown above.

Divinylbenzene

Ion Exchange Resin:

Resin classification:

Resins are classified based on the type of functional group

they contain and their % of cross-linkages

Cationic Exchangers:

- Strongly acidic functional groups derived from strong acids e.g., R-SO3H (sulfonic).
- Weakly acidic functional groups derived from weak acids, e.g., R-COOH (carboxylic).

Anionic Exchangers

- Strongly basic functional groups derived from quaternary ammonia compounds, R-N-OH. - Weakly basic - functional groups derived from primary and secondary amines, R-NH3OH or R-R-NH2OH.

Ion Exchange
Ion Exchange Process exchanges undesirable ions contained in the raw water with more desirable ones that produces

acceptable BFW (Boiler Feed Water).

For example, in the softening process, calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions. In

dealkalization, the ions contributing to alkalinity (carbonates,

bicarbonates, etc) are removed and replaced with chloride ions. Demineralization in this process replaces all cations with hydrogen ions (H+), and all anions with hydroxyl ions (OH) making pure water (H+ + OH).

 The ion exchange material needs to be regenerated after a

period of operation.
The operating period will differ from process to process and will depend to some extent on the amount of impurities in the water and the required purity of the treated water.

Regeneration
Regeneration is accomplished in three steps 1. 2. Back washing Regenerating the resin bed with regenerating chemicals

3.

Rinsing

Ion exchange unit

An Ion Exchange Unit Hook Up

 Under operating conditions the raw water is introduced

through the top connection and distributor. The water flows

through the resin bed where ion exchange takes place. The treated water is removed via the bottom connection. Under regeneration operation, raw water as backwash is introduced through the bottom connection and removed from the top connection.

During its passage upward through the resin and support beds it

fluffs the beds and removes any waste material that has adhered to
them. The backwash water is then sent to the plants waste water disposal system. Regenerating exchange chemical is introduced directly above the resin bed through a chemical distributor and allowed to flow downward to be removed at the bottom water outlet. The regenerating cycle is completed with the rinsing of the bed to remove any surplus regenerating chemicals.

 This is done by introducing a stream of raw water at the top

connection and removing it from the bottom connection. This water

is also disposed to waste. Normally ion exchange units are installed in pairs. When one is

operating the other is being regenerated.

An automatic switch over of electronically controlled valves takes the pair of units through the correct cycles at the prescribed time

intervals, without disrupting the treating process

Ion Exchange
The interior is generally treated to protect the tank against corrosion

from the salt.

The units are normally of the downflow type, and the size and volume of the units are dictated by the hardness of the water and the volume of treated water needed to be produced between each regeneration cycle. Resin is supported by an underdrain system that removes the treated water and distributes brine evenly during regeneration. Minimum depth of resin should be no less than 24 inches above the underdrain.

Ion Exchange
Ion-exchange does not alter the waters pH or alkalinity.

The stability of the water is altered due to the removal of calcium

and magnesium and an increase in dissolved solids. For each ppm (parts per million) of calcium removed and replaced

by sodium, total dissolved solids increase by 0.15 ppm.

For each ppm of magnesium removed and replaced by sodium, total dissolved solids increase by 0.88 ppm.

Special Ion Exchangers - Commercially Available