Demonstration of a New, Highly Perchlorate-Selective Ion Exchange Resin Coupled with Resin-Optimized, Single-Vessel Engineering Design

ER-200542

Objective

The objective of this project is to demonstrate a new technology for the removal of perchlorate from groundwater. The technology consists of a highly perchlorate-selective, ion exchange resin using a single-vessel design. Full-scale demonstrations will be conducted in partnership with the City of Rialto, City of Colton, and the West Valley Water District in California.

Back to Top

Technology Description

The ion exchange system to be demonstrated is based on reverse-flow, packed-bed design and operation. The Rohm and Haas Company's AMBERPACK™ vessel design employs flat nozzle plates inside the pressure vessel to ensure good distribution and collection of liquids. This design maximizes installed resin utilization and maintains the resin in a packed-bed state, which prevents early breakthrough of contaminants. The system operates in an upflow manner to avoid compaction of the ion exchange bed and the resulting channeling, by allowing the bed to de-compact with any stoppage in service. The vessel design for this demonstration will employ elements of the standard AMBERPACK™ vessel, while allowing for the partial withdrawal of exhausted resin from the bottom of the vessel. This procedure leaves the unexhausted resin at the top of the bed (i.e., polishing zone) undisturbed. Amberlite® PWA2 is a strongly basic anion exchange resin developed specifically for the removal of low levels (less than 500 parts per billion) of perchlorate from drinking water.

Back to Top

Benefits

By avoiding the operational limitations of downflow resin beds, this new technology will combine the advantages of an optimized single-bed, upflow vessel design with the performance of a highly selective perchlorate removal resin. The technology is expected to reduce treatment costs (capital and operating) by up to 25% versus current ion exchange-based approaches. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2010)

Back to Top

Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Jim Summerfield

Dow Water and Process Solutions

Program Manager

Environmental Restoration

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.