Description

The unit consists of two vertical transparent columns containing the cation and anion resins, mounted on a support frame together with the necessary pumps, valves and sensors.

The arrangement of pumps and solenoid valves enables the flow configuration to be changed to demonstrate the various stages involved in the demineralisation or water-softening processes. Each stage of the process is selected by the operator using a PC and a mimic diagram for the appropriate stage displayed on the screen.

Conductivity, temperature and pH of the influent and effluent of the columns are measured using electronic sensors for data logging. The apparatus is supplied with a typical commercial cation and anion resin, but other ion-exchange materials (not supplied) may be used so that their characteristics, exchange capacity etc may be measured and compared.

Union couplings at both ends of the columns enable the column to be easily removed for maintenance and set-up without the need for tools. Regenerant, test and wash solutions are stored in separate containers to avoid cross-contamination, and effluents are fed to a waste-water tank for proper disposal.

Features & Benefits

• Transparent test section for demonstration
• Control and data logging via PC
• Inline or outlet conductivity and pH sensors
• 5 x solenoid valves for automatic selection of each part of the process
• Operational manual with teaching exercises
• Universal single-wire interface

Learning Objectives

• Water softening using cationic resin
• Exchange capacity of a cationic softening system
• Regeneration efficiency of a cationic softening system (regenerated using NaCl)
• Demineralisation using two-bed exchange (cationic resin and anionic resin used in series)
• Regeneration efficiency of a demineralisation system (regeneration cationic resin using HCl and anionic resin using NaOH)
• Exchange capacities of different resin materials (alternative materials not supplied)