Applications
Ion exchange resins and adsorbents are widely used, from the domestic uses to almost every industry. The main applications are in processing liquid feed streams and typically they are used as a fixed bed contained in a pressure vessel.
In some applications, they are used in a combination with different ion exchangers and adsorbents. The key technical advantage is the ability to exchange or adsorb specific ions or non-ionic materials at extremely low levels.
They are used to:
Protect
protect equipment and machinery against scale and corrosion
Remove
remove unwanted contaminants from process and waste waters
Recover
recover valuable metals from process, waste and hydrometallurgical streams
Catalyse
catalyse specific processes
Provide
provide ultrapure water to critical systems
Improve
improve the efficiency of operation, saving substantial amounts of energy and water
Food and Potable Water Production
Ion exchange resins have been used in potable water and food applications for over 50 years, and the number of applications continues to grow.
For industrial applications in potable water and food, the synthetic ion exchangers and adsorbents are not only specially washed, but in some cases undergo different manufacturing procedures to ensure they are “fit for purpose” and, in some cases, also undergo special post-production treatment. This ensures the products are safe in the specified applications.
Other Applications
Ion exchangers and adsorbents are also used in the following sectors:
- Pharmaceuticals water purification
- Oil and petroleum production processes
- Pulp and paper
- Food and beverages
- Chemical processes and fertilizers
