Ion Exchange Resin Solutions
IX-a versatile specialist
The selection of the most suitable ion exchange resin for a particular situation requires a careful balance of physical and chemical properties of the resins as well as of the strem that is to be treated. For example, the hydraulic properties of the resins will dictate selection in cases where high flow rates are involved. In many cases the resin volume will be based on flow rate limitation rather than on capacity. Thermal stability, particularly of anion exchangers, will be a major consideration in some installations while the ability to resist organic fouling may be a major consideration in other cases. Increased resistance to attrition and to osmotic shock is required for resins in processes where such problems are likely to be encountered. The ability to produce ultrapure water is a frequent requirement in the manufacturing of semiconductors and in the electric utilities. The demand to meet more stringent quality specifications is a continual challenge to ion exchange resin suppliers.
Ion exchange resins have applications in many other areas of technology. Processes to recover and purify antibiotics are frequently encountered in the pharmaceutical industry. Hydro- metallurgical recovery of valuable minerals including gold, silver, platinum and uranium have found wide acceptance throughout the world. Ion exchange resins have been used extensively to reduce the concentration of toxic elements such as PFAS, cadmium, cobalt, copper and zinc in waste streams. Many analytical methods including those for amino acids, trace metals and nucleic acids are based on ion exchange chromatography.
