Ion Exchange
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Resin Condition Testing
Ion exchange condition testing is essential to ensure the efficiency and longevity of ion exchange systems. Regular testing helps identify resin degradation, fouling, or capacity loss, allowing for timely corrective actions. Key tests include resin capacity analysis, moisture content determination, and visual inspection to assess physical integrity. These evaluations help maintain optimal performance and prevent unexpected system failures.
This can also include chemical analysis to detect fouling from organics, iron, or biofilm, as well as kinetic testing to evaluate ion exchange efficiency. By understanding these parameters, operators can determine if resin cleaning, reconditioning, or replacement is necessary.
Regular monitoring ensures compliance with water quality standards and minimizes operational costs by preventing premature resin exhaustion or excessive chemical usage.
Ion Exchange Routine Testing
Ion exchange studies
Process Auditing
Ion Exchange Characterisation
Resin (bead) Integrity
Resin beads can crack and degrade due to high pressure, osmotic shock or chemical damage. Broken beads fill voids to impede flow and increase bed pressure. Resin integrity uses microscopy to measure the percentage of broken and cracked beads as well as any fouling on the resin surface.
Total Exchange Capacity (TEC)
Over time, ion-exchange resins can lose functionality due to degradation or fouling. Total exchange capacity (TEC) first regenerates the resin to a known ionic form and then elutes these from the resin using an excess of a different reagent. Total Exchange Capacity is used to measure a resin’s deterioration and determine if replacement is required.
Percent Regeneration
Measuring the exchange capacity of a resin directly after a plant regeneration allows us to determine regeneration efficiency. Comparing with the Total Exchange Capacity indicates whether regeneration can be improved or if a resin needs to be replaced. Field regenerated samples are expected to be in the range of 65-80% percent regeneration.
Water Retention Capacity
Measures the inherent water content of a fully hydrated resin by drying it in an oven. Elevated water content indicates regradation of the polymer chain and loss of cross-linking, while depressed water content typically results from accumulation of foulants on the beads. An increase in Water Retention Capacity is a key indicator of oxidative damage.
Organic Fouling
Measures the degree of extractable organic fouling accumulated on the resin. High levels of organics will inhibit exchange, leading to long rinse times.Â
Inorganic Fouling
Measures the degree of extractable inorganic fouling on the resin. The results can help identify fouling or regeneration issues. High-impact foulants such as aluminium, iron and silica are also detected.Â
Salt-Splitting Capacity
Measures the strong base (quaternary amine) sites on an anion resin. Salts plitting sites are necessary to remove weak acid species such as bicarbonate and silica. A reduction in SSC typically indicates an increase in weak base capacity. Most significant loss of % strong base is traceable to organic fouling and leads to poor demineraliser performance
Regular testing of ion exchange resin is recommended to ensure optimum performance of softeners, dealkalisers, condensate polishers, deionisers, ultrapure water systems and/or demineraliser systems. For critical systems an annual resin check is recommended by manufacturers.
Contact Membrane Works today, to discuss how ion exchange testing may help you.