An ion exchanger cartridge is a pressurized container filled with ion exchange resin. Ion exchanger cartridges have either a top and bottom inlet in which a so-called star distributor, a strainer basket or a baffle plate is mounted. Alternatively, there are also – usually smaller up to approx. 400L – ion exchanger cartridges that only have an inlet at the upper end of the pressure vessel and have a so-called immersion rod inside that simulates a lower inlet.
The purpose of the ion exchanger cartridge is determined by the ion exchanger or ion exchanger resin filled in. This can be, for example, a demineralization cartridge for a mixed bed resin or a selective exchanger cartridge for a selective exchanger resin. A distinction is also made between ion exchanger cartridges to be regenerated externally and stationary ion exchanger cartridges. Those to be regenerated externally are loaded at the customer’s premises and then regenerated in a central regeneration station. The stationary cartridges are usually installed in a demineralization system, an ion exchanger circulation system or a selective exchanger system and are regenerated on site by the regeneration mimic provided. The resulting wastewater is treated in the chemical-physical wastewater treatment plant on site. This is not necessary with cartridges that are regenerated externally. However, the external structure of the ion exchanger cartridge is essentially the same and initially indistinguishable without marking. When using ion exchanger cartridges, please note that they have been designed for a specific purpose. Do not replace the cartridges for other purposes, as this can result in dangerous chemical reactions, see also: What should be observed with ion exchangers?
The ion exchanger cartridge itself consists of GRP with PE inliner, vinyl ester or steel, coated if necessary. The chemical-physical properties vary depending on the material. The plastic bodies have the advantage of higher chemical resistance, but may have a lower temperature resistance of 40°C or 60°C. If, for example, there is a risk of precipitation, a chemical treatment can be carried out in these cartridge bodies to dissolve them back. Depending on the pressurization and size, ion exchanger cartridges expand during operation, this can be up to several centimetres. This effect should not be confused with the volume expansion of the ion exchange resin itself, which can also change its volume during operation, depending on the type and loading of the ion exchanger.
The ion exchanger cartridges are generally limited to 250,000 load cycles and must then be replaced. In addition – depending on the cartridge size and use – regular pressurizations are required for testing in accordance with BetrSichV.
Before an externally regenerated ion exchanger cartridge is dispatched, it is necessary to regularly empty the residual water it contains. Do not turn the cartridge over if it only has one inlet at the head (top), as this can damage the cartridge body. The cartridges can be emptied regularly with compressed air at 0.5 bar. However, the water in the cartridge may still contain contaminants and may therefore only be returned to the corresponding flow of the ion exchanger cartridge or sent for proper treatment (e.g. a chemical-physical treatment plant).
Do you have further questions about ion exchanger cartridges? Please do not hesitate to contact us.
