Recovery Filtration Purpose

Ion exchange regeneration uses acids and caustics generating spent chemical streams. Direct disposal wastes chemicals and creates environmental burden. Filtration removes suspended solids enabling partial chemical reuse reducing consumption and disposal costs.

Filter Design

Vertical pressure vessel with chemical stream inlet, anthracite layer removing larger particles, sand layer capturing finer solids, garnet final polishing, gravel support bed, underdrain system, backwash capability. Design per ASME Section VIII.

Media Configuration

Coarse anthracite 18-24 inches effective size 1.0-2.0mm. Medium sand 12-18 inches size 0.5-0.8mm. Fine garnet 6-12 inches size 0.3-0.5mm. Total depth 36-54 inches. Graded density prevents mixing.

Operating Pressure

Typical 50-100 psig handling regenerant streams. Pressure drop through clean bed 5-10 psi increasing to 15-20 psi at cycle end. High differential triggers backwash restoring capacity.

Material Selection

Stainless steel 316 or specialty alloys resisting concentrated acids and caustics. FRP construction for severe chemical service. Media must withstand chemical exposure without degradation. All wetted parts chemical-resistant.

Filtration Performance

Removes suspended solids, silica fines, iron deposits, and resin particles from spent regenerants. Turbidity reduction to under 5 NTU. Filtered chemical suitable for blending with fresh makeup reducing consumption.

Backwash System

Reverse flow with compatible backwash medium expands bed removing trapped solids. Backwash frequency depends on solids loading typically 1-3 times per week. Waste routes to neutralization before disposal.

Applications

Semiconductor ultrapure water ion exchange regenerant recovery, power plant condensate polishing regenerant recovery, pharmaceutical water system chemical reuse, and any high-purity application with chemical regeneration.

Chemical Compatibility

Concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide common regenerants. Filter materials must resist these chemicals at elevated concentrations and temperatures. Material testing verifies compatibility.

Recovery Economics

Chemical recovery reduces fresh acid and caustic consumption 20-40%. Disposal volumes decrease proportionally. Payback typically 1-3 years depending on chemical usage and costs. Environmental benefits from waste reduction.

Run Length

Time between backwashes depends on regenerant solids loading typically several days to weeks. Pressure drop or turbidity breakthrough triggers cleaning. Automated systems optimize cycles.

Integration

Positioned in chemical recovery loop between resin columns and storage tanks. Filtered regenerant blends with fresh chemical for subsequent regenerations. Level and flow controls coordinate with regeneration sequences.

Performance Benefits

Reduces chemical consumption through recovery and reuse. Decreases disposal volumes and costs. Protects equipment from solids carryover. Simple proven filtration technology.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Materials certified for chemical service. Backwash system design preventing media loss. Complete documentation with chemical compatibility data and performance specifications.

ERGIL chemical cleaning multimedia filters enable chemical recovery reducing costs and environmental impact in ultrapure water system regeneration applications.