Performance analysis of cation and anion exchangers in water treatment plant: an industrial case study

Performance of cation and anion exchangers was evaluated by carrying out breakthrough analyses of pH, conductivity, free mineral acid (FMA) and various dissolved solids for an industrial water treatment plant of 700 gpm capacity. The breakthrough curves showed no leakage of calcium, magnesium and chloride throughout the operating period of the train, however, they indicated the early leakage of sodium, potassium, sulphate and silica. The operating/breakthrough capacity, total capacity and degree of column utilization were determined. The column utilization was found to be 67.85%, 38.93% and 16.78% against the design values of 90%, 85% and 85% for cation, primary and secondary anion exchangers respectively. The operating time of the water treatment train was significantly increased by achieving adequate capacity utilization of secondary anion exchanger. The low capacity utilization of secondary anion resin due to early silica slippage, has been discussed in the paper.