Treatment Technologies

    Ion Exchange System Companies

    Ion exchange resin suppliers and system builders for softening, demineralization, and targeted contaminant removal.

    253 providers

    This page is a good fit if you need:

    • Ion Exchange or Filtration capabilities
    • Suppliers with utilities sector experience
    • Providers operating in United Kingdom or Netherlands
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    Costain logo

    Costain

    United Kingdom

    Costain works with water and wastewater companies to shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions that improve water quality, affordability and resilience. Population growth, regulatory changes, energy costs and climate change are having a dramatic impact on water usage. The national approach to managing water supply is changing to meet these challenges. The Government and industry regulator are tasked with cutting wastage and preserving an increasingly valuable resource, while protecting consumers from higher water bills. The water sector team offers: Expert input into consultation documents, close work with Government and water companies and innovative delivery, all of which help to minimise costs to water users while meeting national investment needs. A manufacturing mindset: programme optimisation advisory services, standard product development, production controls, whole-life costing and lean delivery processes. Cross-sector best practice: we provide value for our clients by drawing on experience from across the company and by working closely with our decarbonisation experts to drive regional growth strategies. Technology integration: working with some of the UK’s leading asset and data analytics organisations we analyse large volumes of real time data to create greater benefits for our customers through optimised maintenance, pump operation, energy and chemical usage. Current water industry frameworks: Anglian Water – Strategic Pipeline Alliance Severn Trent Southern Water – CMDP JV Thames Water United Utilities – Maintenance Service Provider Yorkshire Water – Technical Services

    Programme Management
    Contractors
    Evergreen Water Solutions logo

    Evergreen Water Solutions

    United Kingdom

    A leading supplier of progressive wastewater treatment systems Evergreen Water Solutions works closely with a number of international engineering companies whose expertise are in scalable wastewater treatment systems and containerised wastewater treatment systems for municipal and industrial application. Evergreen Water Solutions offers a comprehensive engineering service. Our company incorporates initial design and planning, to implementation of projects that are delivered on time and on budget. Our expertise in wastewater treatment covers infrastructure development, package sewage treatment systems and advanced treatment technology for wastewater recycling with the strictest treatment requirements. The goal of Evergreen Water Solutions is to exceed the expectations of our clients, foster long-term relationships, and make a positive impact on the environment and industry standards. Evergreen Water Solutions use innovative products and suppliers to source, design and implement leading environmental water and wastewater treatment products and solutions. All new equipment and suppliers are required to undergo pre-qualification program and a series of acceptances and trials are applied prior to the approval of the vendor. Evergreen Water Solutions’ pre-qualification program guarantees you our clients that the products we source are of the highest standard within the industry, these products along with the expertise within Evergreen Water Solutions ensures that the solution we provide will meet and exceed any expectation you might have.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Contractors
    Glenfield Invicta Ltd logo

    Glenfield Invicta Ltd

    United Kingdom

    From concept to completion, Glenfield Invicta’s end-to-end Project Solutions provide market leading valve and penstock engineering excellence, across a multitude of water utility and non-water utility infrastructure projects. The company combines the strength and unique proposition of Invicta’s site solutions, penstocks, and environmental expertise, with Glenfield’s experience and expertise in specifying and managing large Dams, Reservoirs and Hydropower projects. Supported by the vast product portfolio from the AVK Group of manufacturing companies. We are market leaders distinguished by our industry expertise, we have been designing and manufacturing specialist engineered valves and penstocks for more than 170 years. We stand behind every product we install for life, offering some of the best extended warranties in the industry. Our experienced and multi-skilled project team work closely with our partners and key stakeholders to ensure your project is executed to exacting standards. Our long history in designing, supplying, and installing highly engineered valves and pipeline equipment in projects is what sets us apart. Our projects are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest standards in arduous applications. This specialist capability has made the our brands synonymous with engineering excellence worldwide. We have recently invested over £2m in our Kilmarnock facility which extends to over 200,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing, office, warehousing, and education space. It includes a new purpose-built Learning Academy; which will include an interactive visitor centre. We are committed to training the apprentices and engineers of the future.

    Project Planning & Surveying
    Designers
    Haigh Environmental Company Ltd (Part of the Haigh Group Ltd) logo

    Haigh Environmental Company Ltd (Part of the Haigh Group Ltd)

    United Kingdom

    Suppliers of FujiClean Sewage Treatment Systems & Manufacturers of Inlet Screeners Haigh Environmental is part of the Haigh Group Ltd, an established provider of specialist water and waste services in the UK, employing around 120 people. Providing next-generation water treatment solutions that protect our waterways for future generations is at the heart of our business. Driven by impact, not profit, we pride ourselves on our open-minded, transparent approach, taking a long-term view on the right solutions for our clients and local communities. We supply a range of screens and package water treatment plants, including the pioneering FujiClean system – with excellent results across all relevant metrics. Simplicity is at the heart of our value proposition. As a response to increased environmental permit requirements, complex solutions have emerged across the water industry in a piecemeal fashion, often leading to non-standardised, expensive and over-engineered systems. Working together with utility companies, contractors and communities, we are leveraging the expertise of our experienced team to offer practical, cost-effective and standardised alternatives to septic tanks and conventional chemical dosing treatment options.

    Designers
    Accreditations
    Hayes GFS Ltd logo

    Hayes GFS Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Hayes GFS Ltd are recognised throughout the water industry as experts in the supply, installation and refurbishment of glass-fused-to-steel tanks, epoxy coated tanks and stainless steel tanks, from anaerobic digesters to potable water storage solutions to Nerada tanks. Our experience as framework suppliers to many UK water companies and having worked on projects throughout the Europe, America and the Middle East, has given us an unprecedented insight into the needs and demands of a variety of distinguished clients. Services include: The supply and installation of Permastore glass-fused-to-steel tanks and silos, fusion bonded epoxy, stainless steel tanks and GRP roofs. On-site tank surveys and condition reports. Emergency repairs. Refurbishment and replacement of existing tanks and roofs. Design, manufacture, supply and retrospective fitting of all tank related ancillaries, including access steelwork, decant pipework, tank Insulation and cladding.

    Project Planning & Surveying
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Headlight AI Limited logo

    Headlight AI Limited

    United Kingdom

    Headlight AI is a UK based technology company developing sensing, mapping, and inspection solutions for extreme environments. The company works primarily with Utility companies and contractors to provide condition assessment and geo-location data in subterranean locations, especially for large diameter assets (such as sewers, culverts, and tunnels with diameters >900mm), with a focus on autonomous or semi-autonomous systems that avoid the need for person-entry (in particular NC3 or NC4 confined space entry), improving workers’ health and safety. The company supplies its award winning product, Telesto, to utility companies and contractors in order for them to collect multi-sensor data, including LiDAR, on either robotic or floating platforms. The data is then processed to account for the motion of the system and to produce 3D point cloud and multi-image data for further analysis. Users can access the information via the web-based Telesto application, which provides condition assessment dashboards and statistics relevant to the asset, achieved using novel artificial intelligence (AI) models. The company currently has several other products and features in development to further assist with underground inspections and surveys, and provide new ways to navigate and locate in GPS-denied and extreme environments.

    Smart Water
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Hydro International logo

    Hydro International

    United Kingdom

    Hydro International, a CRH company,  provides advanced products, services and expertise to help municipal, industrial and construction customers to improve their water management processes, increase operational performance and reduce environmental impact. Hydro International can help water companies meet their AMP and environmental obligations, including the reduction of sewer overflows and the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). Hydro International provides total solutions for Inlet Works, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), Stormwater Management, Flood Warning and Prevention, and Water Resource management, from design to supply and installation through to ongoing preventative maintenance, servicing and emergency repair.  These solutions include: Hydrometric data collection, monitoring analysis and reporting for river level, reservoir, network and weather. Continuous water quality monitoring for compliance with Section 82 of the Environment Act. Water resource analysis and consultancy. Stormwater management solutions, including options for Sustainable Drainage Systems. (SuDS) and Smart Maintenance. CSO event duration monitoring. CSO and storm tank treatment and screening. Passive flow controls for flood prevention schemes, SuDS, CSOs and WwTWs. Inlet works screening and grit removal solutions. Sludge screening. Dropping sewage or water safely from height. Hire, repair and maintenance of inlet works screens and screenings handling equipment

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Industrial Pipework Services logo

    Industrial Pipework Services

    United Kingdom

    At Industrial Pipework Services, we provide bespoke engineering services. With over 25 years’ experience IPS can offer complete mechanical engineering solutions including design, manufacture & installation services. Our experienced workforce are trained to the highest standards. IPS is situated within easy access to the M4 corridor approximately 30 minutes North of Cardiff. The company embraces innovative thinking while utilising the latest technology. IPS operating base comprises of 30,000 square foot of workshops, offices and assembly areas.  The Workshops are fully segregated for the manufacture of both carbon steel and stainless-steel products and are serviced by dedicated overhead gantry cranes. With over two decades of engineering experience the company strives to combine first class engineering and design to deliver the high quality that is required.  The Company maintains a proactive approach, working closely with our Clients to achieve our collective aims for each scheme. This ambition is underpinned by an uncompromising commitment to attain the highest standards of health, safety and environmental care. IPS provides continued excellence in design, manufacturing and installation gained from many years experience within the industry. Our In-House design capability allows the company to provide a full engineering design service using the latest Auto CAD software packages. IPS offers a design service for both pipework and steelwork systems from proposal drawings to the production of as built drawings. IPS Design Office provides all relevant AutoCAD drawings for steelwork and pipework, Isometric drawings for fabrication, general layout drawings for plant and equipment and As Built drawings. Structural steelwork calculations and flow characteristics are also provided as required. IPS offer a full 3D surveying services and production of cloud point data for project modelling. IPS operates primarily within the Water Industry and provides services for both clean water and sewage. IPS is a Tier One Mechanical Engineering Specialists Provider to Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and the Strategic Alliance. IPS operate nationally and have delivered projects throughout the UK for many Water Utility companies including Anglian Water, Thames Water and Bristol Water. Continual improvement into our infrastructure and the development of new IT systems has brought us to a level consistent with the requirements of our clients. IPS offers a complete project management service, including operation of Principal Contractor role as well as delivering turnkey projects. Experience gained in the water industry has enabled us to manage the competing demands of cost, quality and safety for all our projects.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Contractors
    Intelect logo

    Intelect

    United Kingdom

    At Intelect, we have over 25 years experience in providing engineering expertise to clients in process industries. Intelect have worked with Northumbrian Water and its Tier 1 suppliers and partners for over a decade, and during this time, we have provided services in design, electrical installation, control panels and pipework services. Our attention to detail, quality, and attitude to Health and Safety has been consistently recognised by our clients over the years, with us receiving numerous awards for the projects we have completed. Our flexible workforce of apprentices, engineers and project managers allows us to efficiently complete any project to our client’s requirements. On-going innovation and investment in our business means that we have the latest training and technology to execute high quality engineering projects, from design through to commissioning, all whilst maintaining best practices in Health and Safety. Intelect are committed to working in partnership with both contractors and suppliers within the utility sector, sharing our expertise and knowledge to help support companies who provide utilities to homes and businesses across the North East and the rest of the country.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Contractors
    JK Fabrications Ltd logo

    JK Fabrications Ltd

    United Kingdom

    With over 30 years of experience delivering expertise in the industry, JK Fabrications Ltd has become one of the front runners and will keep challenging ourselves and others to improve our Environment as we believe that; Our Environment, is our Future. At JK Fabrications, we are an engineering company that takes pride in our family roots, with an aim to continue to successfully grow our business. Our company values are incorporated into everything we carry out and we seek to work with like-minded companies. Established in 1998, JK Fabrications specialises in efficent, effective, and environmentally sensitive solutions to the Water Treatment, Waste Water, Waste to Energy, and Pharmaceuticals Industry. With over 30 years of experience delivering expertise in the industry, JK Fabrications has become one of the front runners and will keep challenging ourselves and others to improve our Environment as we believe that ‘Our Environment, is our Future’. With the ease of access to Northern Ireland’s principal motorway network and equal distance between both Belfast Airports and Dublin Airport, JK Fabrications’ 50,000 Sq/ft premises in Newry are the perfect location to produce and deliver your project. Design We have a fully equipped in-house design team with over 65 years of combined technical, manufacturing, and sector-specific experience, that are highly skilled and trained using the very latest design software. Manufacture We have built our reputation by producing specialised products for the waste-to-energy, wastewater, water treatment, and pharmaceutical industries. Our experienced welders and fabricators along with our state-of-the-art machinery make sure that each project is carried out to a high standard. Install We have an experienced installation team with a dedicated core team of engineers, mechanical fitters, and coded welders who have over 30 years of experience in the supply and installation of our fabricated products for a wide range of projects throughout the UK and Ireland. Commission Our experienced commissioning engineers will attend the site to oversee the installation of systems, plants, and equipment. They will commission, test, and optimise the equipment as well as provide the operators with operation and maintenance manuals. Products include: Stainless Steel Pipework | Stainless Steel Vessels (inc Pressure Vessels) | Mild Steel Pipework | Lamellas | Picket Fence Thickeners | Rectangular Bridge Scrapers | Half Bridge Scrapers | Conical Settlement Tanks

    Pipeline & Pipework Products
    Accreditations
    JN Bentley Ltd logo

    JN Bentley Ltd

    United Kingdom

    JN Bentley Ltd (JNB) is a leading, privately owned construction services provider in the UK. We now have an annual turnover in the region of £100 million, generated from projects in both the building and civil engineering markets. JN Bentley JN Bentley delivers civil engineering contracting services, together with mechanical and electrical expertise. Founded in 1972, the company has grown largely from repeat work, maintaining a focus on providing construction services with an open and honest approach. The JN Bentley team numbers over 2,000 colleagues. We pride ourselves on our large, directly employed construction workforce, a team that gives us and our clients added assurances for safety and quality. We look to find innovative solutions to traditional construction challenges, applying the latest technologies to drive efficiency and reach sustainable outcomes. Across JN Bentley and our design and build companies MMB and JBA Bentley, annual revenue now exceeds £500 million. Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) MMB provides fully integrated civil engineering feasibility, design, construction and commissioning services to the UK water sector. Established in 1999, it harnesses the contracting strength of JN Bentley and the design specialisms of Mott MacDonald to form a 3,000-strong team – with further expertise brought in from across the Mott MacDonald Group when required. MMB was formed specifically to deliver long-term, high-volume capital programmes collaboratively with water companies. With a focus on innovation, affordability, and flexibility, since securing its first contracts with Yorkshire Water in AMP3, MMB has grown to deliver work for eight of the largest water companies in the UK.

    Renewables & Energy Management
    Contractors
    Mott MacDonald logo

    Mott MacDonald

    United Kingdom

    We are proud of being a world-class independent management, engineering and development consultancy. Being independent, wholly owned by our people, puts us in charge of our own journey and allows us to focus on what we believe is important for our clients, our colleagues and the communities we work and live in. We have more than 100 years’ experience in the water sector and are experts in every aspect of water development, with all the skills and commitment to deliver solutions that benefit every stakeholder.  We also established Mott MacDonald Bentley more than twenty years ago to deliver long-term programmes of work through a strategic focus, effective communication and flexibility in different models of working.  We are experts at building a trusted relationship with our clients. From investment planning to operational support, design to capacity building we work with private investors and listed companies, as well as national and local governments across the world in both developing and developed regions. As advisors, we think laterally and find the connections that others fail to make. We are pioneers with a thirst for innovation, who understand the challenges facing the water industry today, including biodiversity net gain, natural capital and ecosystem services, the practicalities of the journey to net zero, nature-based solutions and natural flood management and the need to consider everything from a fresh angle and turn obstacles into sustainable paths for both businesses and the lives they touch every day.

    Renewables & Energy Management
    Designers
    Mott MacDonald Bentley – MMB logo

    Mott MacDonald Bentley – MMB

    United Kingdom

    Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) is a joint venture between JN Bentley (JNB) and global consulting giant Mott MacDonald. It was established in 1999 to provide framework services to water sector clients in AMP3. Since then the joint venture has gone from strength to strength, winning multiple client and industry awards for quality and innovation. By embracing all elements of programme management, investigation and construction in one organisation, the company provides an integrated, efficient service. We purposefully set up to deliver long-term programmes of work, with the appreciation that a strategic focus, effective communication and flexibility in different models of working are important to support a trusted relationship with our clients. Collaboration is therefore central to the way the company operates, with a constant exchange of ideas and information between all members of the team throughout any project. This close level of integration, not only between our design, contract management and site teams, but also with our client partners, sub-contractors and other contract partners, is core to our success.

    Programme Management
    Contractors
    PBJ Engineering Services Ltd logo

    PBJ Engineering Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Do you need Thermal Hydrolysis Plant operational support, training and maintenance? Does your critical water process equipment require contract support and safety assurance? Visualise your assets and maintain operational efficiency through our 360 degree image capture. Invest in your operations through our professional training and technical support services. PBJ Engineering delivers a range of services to support your wastewater treatment and process facilities – we specialise in THP systems and Steam Boiler services, including CEA and BOAS accreditation.  Our team is available nationally to support you, on a contract, project or emergency basis. Supporting your facility and team with a programme custom designed to your needs, typically includes elements of: Whole System Contracts Consultation and Best Practice Commissioning and Maintenance Optimisation and Monitoring Refurbishment and Rebuild Component Fabrication and Supply Training for BOAS and CEA accreditation Some of our typical on-site activities include full capabilities in; Thermal Hydrolysis Plants Steam Boilers Sludge Dewatering Processes Water Treatment Coil and Heat Exchangers Pumps Our ancillary support services includes; 360O Image Capture – Virtual Plant Training and Maintenance Boiler Log Books – Custom design & print Boiler House design – Advice and guidance Equipment – Hire services and component spares Our priority is the safety of all personnel and the operational efficiency of your facilities.  We work with you and your team, to maintain and support your infrastructure – protecting your people, investment and optimising your asset performance. Our team is qualified with CITB / SMSTS, Achilles, and CEA / BOAS. Project involvement includes: Thames Water: Basingstoke THP (commissioning, operation, training, optimisation, maintenance) Beckton THP (energy surveys) Chertsey THP (operation, training, optimisation) Crawley THP (commissioning, operation, training, maintenance, part supply) Crossness THP (operation, optimisation, energy reduction, training, energy surveys) Longreach THP (operation, training, optimisation) Oxford THP (operation, optimisation, fault finding) Riverside THP (water treatment installation, design, energy surveys) Severn Trent: Finham THP (operational support) Strongford THP (operation, training) Southern Water: Goddards Green THP (operational support & performance monitoring) Others: Nestles – Trowbridge – steam boiler operational contract (24 hour call out) Heathrow airport – hot water boiler – scale cleaning

    Renewables & Energy Management
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    PLR Building Services Ltd logo

    PLR Building Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Here at PLR Building Services, our team brings extensive experience in the water industry, specialising in top-tier electrical installation work for framework companies across the utility companies. Our primary focus is on ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for water systems. We offer a comprehensive electrical design package and project management services. Our team is equipped with the latest health, safety, and electrical qualifications to meet all your project requirements efficiently. As a NICEIC approved contractor, we excel in both new systems installation and the refurbishment of existing installations. Water treatment Wastewater treatment Sludge treatment Pumping stations Reservoirs Inspection Testing Electrical Design Project managing

    Contractors
    Water Pumping Stations
    Quantum Engineering Developments Ltd logo

    Quantum Engineering Developments Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Quantum Engineering Developments Limited specialises in the design, construction installation and commissioning of surge control systems, compressed air systems and booster pump sets. Surge Control Systems Surge conditions, or ‘water hammer’ can occur due to starting or stopping a pump, or failures in the power supply, controls or valves. Quantum Engineering is the leading UK supplier of surge vessels and related control equipment for the alleviation of this effect. All systems can include a patented QUBE controller, developed especially for surge vessel and accumulator control in complex variable flow rate and multi-pump systems. Packaged Booster Pump Sets The company supplies booster sets suitable for applications in final effluent and potable water booster pumps for sewage and water treatment installations. Control Panels Quantum Engineering specialises in the construction of multi-compartment control panel suites to suit the requirements of most UK water authorities. Electrical control panels are available with relay, PLC and microprocessor controlled logic systems, including variable speed drives and soft start, as well as conventional DOL and STAR/DELTA starters. Accreditation All systems are factory tested in house, and are assembled and fitted to meet current statutory requirements, including UK pressure systems legislation and DWI Regulations 25 and 31. Recent Contracts QED supply and install surge vessels via both main contractors and direct with the end users, to nearly all of the UK water companies on both new and replacement/refurbishment projects. What can Quantum do for you today?

    Accreditations
    R2M Limited logo

    R2M Limited

    United Kingdom

    At R2M, we are driven by a passion for creating innovative solutions that help build a smarter, more resilient water industry. Our mission is to deliver effective, high-quality products and services to UK water utilities and contractors, continually striving to enhance the nation's water supply for future generations. Founded in 2003 as a supplier of pipes and fittings, R2M quickly earned a reputation for reliability through our extensive product range and robust stock levels—ensuring our customers always had what they needed, when they needed it. Over the years, we have evolved from a trusted supplier into a comprehensive manufacturer and installer too. Today, we offer end-to-end solutions—all under one roof—streamlining the process for our customers and providing exceptional value at every stage. We are proud to be used trusted by all water utilities and contractors across the UK. Since 2019, R2M has proudly been a member of the Hawle Austria Group—a global network of like-minded, quality-focused companies including the likes of Hawle Austria, Erhard, Nova Siria, and Özkan. This partnership gives us exclusive access to a wide portfolio of innovative and proven products from across the group, allowing us to offer tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Being a part of this established and experienced group strengthens our capabilities, expands our product range, and ensures we stay at the forefront of the industry—so our customers always benefit from world-class technologies backed by local expertise. Are you ready to discover how our solutions can support your next project? Get in touch with us today on 01282 778 030.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    RammSanderson logo

    RammSanderson

    United Kingdom

    RammSanderson is one of the fastest growing multi-disciplinary consultancies in the UK. Already partnered with some of the largest water infrastructure companies in England, RammSanderson specialises in: Ecology Flood risk management Arboriculture Habitat management Providing a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to projects on either a site-specific or framework basis, RammSanderson is founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence, and pragmatic solution-based consulting. The company was founded in 2014 by Oliver Ramm, Nick Sanderson and Anthony Mellor, since when it has grown from strength to strength, with a diversified client portfolio spanning across infrastructure, utilities, commercial and residential sectors. Initially focusing primarily on ecology, the company has grown to encompass a wide variety of environment-based disciplines. This approach has yielded a multitude of benefits, allowing each individual discipline to effortlessly draw knowledge from a wider set of specialists while also allowing seamless delivery and straightforward accountability on more complex multidisciplinary projects.

    Designers
    Vegetation Management
    Salix River and Wetland Services logo

    Salix River and Wetland Services

    United Kingdom

    Salix River & Wetland Services are bioengineering technical specialists, involved in the supply, contract and design elements of river, wetland and coastal projects. Salix has extensive experience working within all river types across the UK, providing innovative vegetated, sustainable solutions for soil erosion and wetland creation. SUPPLY Our in-house product range specifically developed for erosion control and habitat creation includes Coir Rolls, Coir Pallets, Rock Rolls, Rock Mattresses, Rock Bags and the world’s highest performing range of Composite Turf Reinforcement Mats – VMax C350 & C500. We also provide hydraulically applied solutions such as TerrAffix. We have the largest native wildflower and wetland plant nursery in the UK. Salix are the only company to manufacture coir rolls and pallets within the UK, providing a massive reduction in carbon. Salix rock products allow natural sediment accretion and vegetation establishment, unlike harder solutions such as rock armour or gabions. CONTRACTING Salix’s contracting division undertake works for local authorities, public bodies, utility companies, main contractors & private clients, having been involved in a diverse range of projects across the UK. Salix has unrivalled specialist equipment for fluvial environment, including a Mackenzie ‘Muck’ Spider excavator. The Spider has four independent legs, with the ability to access logistically challenging of sites. Salix also has long reach excavators, floating pontoons, hydroseeders and truxor available for a diverse range of specialist fluvial and intertidal activities.

    River & Coastal Flood Protection
    Contractors

    Ion Exchange Resin Selection, Capacity Design, and Regeneration Cycle Optimisation

    Ion exchange (IX) resins remove dissolved ionic species from water by exchanging them for ions from the resin matrix. Strong acid cation (SAC) resins (sulphonate functional groups, Na-form for softening, H-form for demineralisation) exchange calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other cations. Strong base anion (SBA) resins (quaternary ammonium functional groups, OH-form) exchange sulphate, chloride, nitrate, bicarbonate, and silica. Weak acid cation (WAC) and weak base anion (WBA) resins have higher regeneration efficiency (80 to 90 percent vs 30 to 50 percent for strong resins) but operate only within specific pH ranges. Total exchange capacity for a typical SAC resin: 1.8 to 2.0 eq per L of resin; working capacity (useful before breakthrough) typically 50 to 70 percent of total capacity.

    Column design parameters: empty bed contact time (EBCT) of 2 to 6 minutes for softening, 4 to 8 minutes for demineralisation; service velocity 5 to 15 m per hr; bed depth minimum 0.75 m (to ensure adequate contact time even at minimum EBCT). Dual-train systems (two columns, one in service, one regenerating) ensure continuous supply. Regeneration uses: SAC resin with NaCl (softening, 80 to 120 g NaCl per L resin) or H2SO4 (demineralisation, 100 to 150 g H2SO4 per L resin); SBA resin with NaOH (50 to 60 g NaOH per L resin); nitrate-selective resin with NaCl brine (requires high salt doses, generates high-chloride regenerant). Regenerant waste requires neutralisation before sewer discharge (typically to pH 6 to 10).

    Speciality resins extend IX beyond basic softening and demineralisation. Chelating resins (iminodiacetic acid) selectively remove heavy metals (Ni2+, Cu2+, Pb2+) from high-TDS brine streams where SAC would saturate on Ca2+. Nitrate-selective resins achieve below 10 mg per L NO3-N in drinking water (EU DWD 2020 limit 50 mg per L as NO3, WHO 50 mg per L). Arsenic-selective resins (iron-oxide-based or hydrous zirconium oxide) achieve below 10 micrograms per L As. PFAS-selective resins (single-use or regenerable) achieve below 70 ng per L sum PFAS (US EPA health advisory). Borate-selective resins for seawater RO permeate polishing achieve below 0.5 mg per L B (WHO guideline). Each speciality resin has unique regeneration chemistry and waste handling requirements.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between water softening and deionisation?

    Water softening uses strong acid cation (SAC) resin in sodium (Na) form: calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions, removing hardness while leaving total dissolved solids unchanged (hardness salts replaced by equivalent sodium salts). Product water has near-zero hardness (below 0.5 mg per L CaCO3) but still contains all other dissolved ions. Deionisation (DI) uses SAC resin in H form plus strong base anion (SBA) resin in OH form: all cations are exchanged for H+ and all anions for OH-, producing pure H2O. Product water conductivity is 1 to 5 microS per cm (two-bed DI) to 0.055 microS per cm (mixed-bed). DI is used where total ion removal is required (pharmaceutical, semiconductor, high-pressure boilers). Softening is used where only scale prevention is needed. Cost: softening regenerant (NaCl) costs $0.10 to $0.20 per m3 treated; DI regenerants cost $0.50 to $2.00 per m3 depending on feedwater TDS.

    How often does an ion exchange resin need to be regenerated?

    Regeneration frequency depends on resin working capacity and treated water volume. For a SAC softener treating 500 mg per L hardness water at 10 m3 per hr with 1,000 L of resin (capacity 1.8 eq per L, working capacity 50 percent = 0.9 eq per L): total working capacity = 900 eq; hardness load = 500 mg per L as CaCO3 divided by 50 mg per mEq = 10 meq per L; throughput before regeneration = 900 eq divided by 10 meq per L = 90 m3. At 10 m3 per hr, regeneration required every 9 hours. For low-hardness water (150 mg per L), throughput extends to 30 hours before regeneration. Ion exchange control systems use inline conductivity meters to detect breakthrough (rising product hardness or TDS) and trigger regeneration automatically, optimising chemical consumption versus treating water beyond capacity.

    Can ion exchange remove nitrate from drinking water?

    Yes. Nitrate-selective anion exchange resins (based on Type II quaternary ammonium with longer alkyl chains, e.g. tributylamine quaternary ammonium) preferentially remove nitrate over sulphate, unlike standard Type I SBA resins which have higher affinity for sulphate than nitrate. Standard SBA resins exhibit the 'nitrate chromatographic peaking' problem: when sulphate-loaded resin regenerates, it temporarily ejects previously captured nitrate at concentrations above the inlet, risking product water nitrate spikes. Nitrate-selective resins avoid this problem and achieve product water below 10 mg per L NO3-N (WHO and EU DWD limit: 50 mg per L as NO3, equivalent to 11.3 mg per L as N). Regenerant waste from nitrate IX contains high-nitrate brine requiring specialist disposal or agricultural land application under permit.

    What causes ion exchange resin to degrade?

    Resin degradation causes: (1) Oxidative degradation from free chlorine above 0.1 mg per L (particularly for SBA resin, causing loss of quaternary ammonium functional groups; anion resin requires dechlorination to below 0.05 mg per L before IX); (2) Osmotic shock from rapid changes in ionic concentration during regeneration (size of resin beads cycles, causing cracking); (3) Fouling by iron (above 0.3 mg per L) and manganese (above 0.05 mg per L) oxidising on the resin surface and blocking exchange sites; (4) Biological fouling in warm, nutrient-rich water (requires biocide treatment of feedwater or periodic resin sanitisation with NaOCl); (5) Physical attrition from backwash hydraulics (bead breakage at velocities above design). New resin loses 3 to 8 percent of capacity per year under normal operating conditions; expected service life 8 to 15 years.

    Case Study·Semiconductor manufacturing
    Challenge

    A semiconductor component manufacturer in Scotland required ultrapure water (UPW) at below 0.1 microS per cm conductivity for rinsing operations. The existing two-bed IX system was consuming 1,200 kg of H2SO4 and 800 kg of NaOH per month and producing regenerant waste that attracted high trade effluent surcharges. Resin was being replaced every 4 years due to chlorine damage from inadequately dechlorinated mains supply.

    Approach

    Retrofitted a dechlorination step (sodium metabisulphite dosing plus activated carbon guard filter) before the existing cation vessel, eliminating chlorine damage to anion resin. Replaced the two-bed IX with an RO pre-treatment stage (removing 97 percent of TDS) followed by a single-pass CEDI unit, reducing IX regenerant consumption by 85 percent. The CEDI unit regenerates electrochemically using applied DC current with no added chemicals.

    Outcome

    Regenerant chemical consumption fell from 2,000 kg per month to 180 kg per month (for residual mixed-bed polishing only). Trade effluent surcharges for brine disposal fell by 22,000 GBP per year. Resin service life extended from 4 to an expected 12-plus years with no chlorine exposure. UPW conductivity consistently below 0.055 microS per cm (pure water theoretical value).

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    1. 1

      What is the TDS and ionic composition of our feed water, and have you modelled the optimum combination of softening, RO, and IX to minimise total lifecycle cost?

      For feedwater above 300 to 500 mg per L TDS, RO as a pre-treatment stage before IX or CEDI typically reduces chemical consumption by 80 to 95 percent and extends resin service life dramatically. The economic crossover point between IX-only and RO plus IX depends on feedwater TDS, flow rate, and local chemical and energy costs. A supplier who proposes IX-only without analysing RO integration may be defaulting to the familiar rather than the optimal.

    2. 2

      What chlorine removal and iron removal pretreatment are included in the system design, and how will these be maintained?

      Free chlorine above 0.1 mg per L irreversibly damages SBA anion resins, shortening service life from 10 to 15 years to 3 to 5 years. Iron above 0.3 mg per L fouls resin exchange sites. These pretreatment steps (activated carbon, sodium metabisulphite dosing, iron removal filter) must be included in the design and maintained proactively. A supplier who does not explicitly address these in the design is exposing you to avoidable accelerated resin replacement cost.

    3. 3

      What is the regenerant chemical waste volume and composition, and have you confirmed the trade effluent consent limits for discharge from this site?

      IX regenerant waste (high-chloride NaCl brine, spent acid, spent caustic) must be discharged within trade effluent consent limits. Sites in high-chloride or low-pH sensitive receiving areas may have restrictive consent limits that make large IX systems impractical without regenerant neutralisation and dilution. CEDI or RO-based alternatives may be preferable specifically to avoid consent-limit constraints.

    4. 4

      For specialty resins (nitrate-selective, PFAS-selective, arsenic-selective): what is the regeneration waste classification, and what are the approved disposal routes for spent regenerant from this application?

      Specialty resins used for selective contaminant removal concentrate the target contaminant in the regenerant waste. Nitrate-selective resin regenerant contains high-nitrate brine that may require agricultural land application under Environment Agency permit. PFAS-selective resin spent regenerant, if thermally regenerated, produces high-temperature destruction residues requiring specialist incineration. Disposal routes and costs for specialty resin regenerants must be confirmed before design is finalised.

    5. 5

      What is the expected capacity loss per year for the proposed resin under our feedwater conditions, and at what remaining capacity will you recommend resin replacement?

      Resin replacement should be triggered by capacity measurement (breakthrough volume declining to a specified fraction of initial capacity, typically 70 to 75 percent) rather than by a fixed time interval. A fixed-interval replacement schedule may replace resin prematurely (wasting expenditure) or too late (allowing product quality exceedances). Ask for the annual capacity testing protocol and the defined replacement trigger.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    Feedwater TDS and flow rate

    A 10 m3 per hr IX demineralisation system treating 200 mg per L TDS feedwater requires approximately 15 to 25 kg of acid and caustic per m3 of resin per regeneration cycle. At 500 mg per L TDS, chemical consumption more than doubles. At TDS above 300 mg per L, RO pre-treatment (capital 30,000 to 100,000 GBP for 10 m3 per hr) reduces IX chemical consumption by 85 percent, typically paying back in 2 to 4 years on chemical cost savings alone.

    Resin service life and replacement cost

    Standard SAC and SBA resin costs 500 to 1,500 GBP per m3. A 1,000 L vessel requires 1,000 to 1,500 GBP of resin. Under good operating conditions (dechlorinated feed, iron below 0.1 mg per L), service life is 10 to 15 years. With chlorine damage or iron fouling, service life falls to 3 to 5 years, increasing annualised resin cost by 3 to 5 times. Specialty resins (PFAS-selective, chelating) cost 5,000 to 20,000 GBP per m3, making pretreatment and operating conditions critical for economic performance.

    Regenerant chemical and waste disposal cost

    A 1,000 L IX system (SAC plus SBA) treating 200 mg per L TDS water at 10 m3 per hr requires approximately 500 to 800 kg of acid and caustic per month in regenerants at 1,500 to 3,000 GBP per month in chemical cost. Regenerant brine disposal to sewer adds 2,000 to 8,000 GBP per year in trade effluent surcharges. CEDI eliminates regenerant chemicals entirely but requires 3 to 8 kWh per m3 of electrical energy.

    Water quality target and downstream system requirements

    Softening to below 1 mg per L hardness costs 0.05 to 0.15 GBP per m3. Two-bed demineralisation to below 5 microS per cm conductivity costs 0.20 to 0.80 GBP per m3. Mixed-bed polishing to below 0.1 microS per cm adds 0.30 to 1.00 GBP per m3. CEDI to below 0.1 microS per cm costs 0.15 to 0.50 GBP per m3 in energy (lower than IX at equivalent quality if RO pre-treatment is included). The step change in cost between softening and high-purity demineralisation (5 to 10 times higher per m3) means that UPW quality should only be specified where genuinely required by the process.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 -- WRAS Approval for IX Equipment

    Ion exchange equipment used to treat drinking water or water for food production must be approved under WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) or listed on the DWI List of Approved Products for use with drinking water. WRAS approval (based on BS EN 14652 and related standards) ensures that resins, vessel materials, and regenerant chemicals do not impart taste, odour, colour, or toxicologically significant compounds into the treated water supply.

    Environment Agency Trade Effluent Consent -- Regenerant Discharge Limits

    IX regenerant brine discharge to sewer requires trade effluent consent under WIA 1991 Section 118. Common consent limit parameters affecting IX systems: chloride (typically 1,000 to 5,000 mg per L limit, which high-brine IX regenerant may exceed), pH (6 to 10 range, which acid regenerant violates requiring neutralisation), and conductivity (indirect TDS indicator). Systems producing out-of-consent brine must collect and arrange specialist disposal rather than direct sewer discharge.

    EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184) and UK Implementation -- Nitrate and Arsenic Limits

    The EU DWD 2020 (retained in UK as the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, amended) sets parametric values for nitrate (50 mg per L as NO3), arsenic (10 micrograms per L), and fluoride (1.5 mg per L). Ion exchange systems used to achieve these limits in drinking water (nitrate-selective, arsenic-selective resins) must comply with DWI product approval requirements and must demonstrate consistent compliance with these limits under a validated monitoring programme.

    COMAH 2015 -- Chemical Storage for IX Regenerants Above Threshold Quantities

    IX regenerant chemical storage of concentrated H2SO4 (above 30 percent, SG 1.22) and concentrated NaOH (above 32 percent) above COMAH lower-tier threshold quantities (H2SO4: 50 tonnes, NaOH: not COMAH-listed but PIC Directive-notifiable) requires COMAH safety report and emergency planning. Most IX installations hold below these thresholds (typically 5 to 10 tonne IBC or day tank), but larger industrial water treatment plants require COMAH compliance assessment as part of site design.