Using commercial resin for ion exchange to remove hardness from domestic water supply

Abstract

The commercially available resins, Amberlite (A) and NuoSep (B), were used as ion exchange softeners for domestic water supply. The image, particle size, swelling, and bulk density of both resins were studied. The functional group of resins was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Batch and continuous experiments were carried out at time 0–180 min and flow rate 10–40 cm3/min, respectively. An increase in contact time increased the percentage of the resins’ ion exchange. In contrast, a higher water supply flow rate decreased the percentage of the resins’ ion exchange. The efficiencies of both resins were slightly reduced after three cycles of regeneration. The equation from the Yoon–Nelson model could also be used to predict the breakthrough curve of ion exchange.