Dealkalization by Ion Exchange

Dealkalization is the reduction of Alkalinity in water. Alkalinity is caused by bicarbonates, carbonates or hydroxides in water. Two primary methods of Dealkalization by Ion Exchange are executed using the ff:

a. Weak Acid Cation (WAC)
b. Strong Base Anion (SBA) Chloride Form

Strong Base Dealkalization method utilizes SBA resins in the Chloride (Cl) form and is the most commonly used method for Dealkalization in the USA. The SBA method is most commonly used to dealkalize water for commercial applications such as boiler feed or RO pretreatment. It can also be used to dealkalize water for residential applications.

Weak Acid Dealkalization is preferred when the influent water is high in hardness and alkalinity and has hardness to alkalinity ratio of 1 or more. This process uses weak acid cation resin to exchange hydrogen for hardness that is associated with alkalinity. The treatment is most effective if followed by degasification to remove CO2.