Water Demineralization with WAC and SBA Ionic Exchange Resins
Faculty Mentor Information
Megan Jacobson, College of Southern Idaho; and Matthew Sargent, Amalgamated Research LLC
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Demineralization of process streams is fundamental in the purification of bioproducts and industrial equipment conservation. In this test two different resins were used: the weak acid cation (WAC) and the strong base anion (SBA) exchange resins. For the stirred beaker test, the WAC presented calcium selectivity over magnesium after being in contact with a 25mN solution of both cations and the following ionic backgrounds: Cl, SO4. The WAC resin did not bind significantly monovalent cations as NH4, K, and Na when competing with Mg and Ca in the same solution. However, the WAC resin reported affinity for Mg at a lower concentration of 0.1998 mN solution of Mg and Ca sulfate and carbonate salts. The SBA resin capacity in the flow through test did not drop at a higher flow rate, maintaining 0.69 mEq/mL of resin at 15 and 30 BV/hr.
Water Demineralization with WAC and SBA Ionic Exchange Resins
Demineralization of process streams is fundamental in the purification of bioproducts and industrial equipment conservation. In this test two different resins were used: the weak acid cation (WAC) and the strong base anion (SBA) exchange resins. For the stirred beaker test, the WAC presented calcium selectivity over magnesium after being in contact with a 25mN solution of both cations and the following ionic backgrounds: Cl, SO4. The WAC resin did not bind significantly monovalent cations as NH4, K, and Na when competing with Mg and Ca in the same solution. However, the WAC resin reported affinity for Mg at a lower concentration of 0.1998 mN solution of Mg and Ca sulfate and carbonate salts. The SBA resin capacity in the flow through test did not drop at a higher flow rate, maintaining 0.69 mEq/mL of resin at 15 and 30 BV/hr.