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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    Siltbuster Group logo

    Siltbuster Group

    United Kingdom

    Established for over 20 years, the Siltbuster Limited provides rapidly deployable, “modular off the shelf” water treatment solutions to the construction, industrial and municipal markets, with a client base ranging from the world’s most recognisable multi-national corporations to small enterprises. Siltbuster provides a wide range of water and wastewater treatment equipment for the industrial and municipal markets, including: Packaged lamella dissolved air flotation (DAF) units. Lamella clarifiers. Packaged biological treatment systems. Oil/water separators. Pipe flocculators. Reaction tanks. Containerised dosing systems. In the UK, Siltbuster has pioneered the concept of offering this plant through our extensive hire fleet. Approximately 20 major contracts and circa 50 smaller projects are undertaken each year for a diverse range of clients, many of which are some of the UK’s best-known companies. In addition to the industrial/municipal sector, Siltbuster has undertaken a number of mine water treatment projects in many countries, for example, the UK, Ireland, Greece, France, USA, Canada, Australia and Slovakia. The Siltbuster team pride themselves in their ability to react rapidly and in compliance with the project constraints, delivering mobile or permanent solutions tailored to meet your individual needs.

    Treatment Process Technologies
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Steve Vick International Ltd logo

    Steve Vick International Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Steve Vick International (SVI) is dedicated to delivering cost-saving solutions for damaged, redundant or outdated underground pipework. Since its foundation in 1981, SVI has been at the forefront in developing products and techniques for the repair, renovation and decommissioning of pipes. Predominantly our work has been in the gas industry but increasingly we are undertaking projects in the water and nuclear sectors. We are the UK’s leading producer of Pipe Coil Trailers and offer a range of Pipe Handling equipment such as Handlers, Crackers and Cutters. Some of our latest innovations include the PE Pipe Cutter, the Pipe Feeder for Pre-Insulated coiled pipe, PE Live Head for Live Mains Insertion, the Perpetual Pipe Pusher, FBOS (Foambag Operation on Stubs) and SMARTester. WATER: For over 20 years water utilities and their contractors in the UK and overseas have used our pipe handling equipment to improve their efficiency and safety. Today our products include Pipe Handlers, Pipe Coil Trailers and Pipe Cutters as well as our patented DRAINBLOCK™ and RATBLOCK™ sealing systems. GAS: In the UK we are major suppliers to all the gas distribution networks. Many of the techniques we have pioneered have become the preferred methods of working in the industry and our resin foam sealant products and associated equipment are key to many of the cost-saving renovation processes used. NUCLEAR: SVI offer solutions to the problems associated with decommissioning and sealing disused pipework, ducts, sleeves and ventilation shafts. Our technology can also be designed for the mass filling of large and complex voids and is a lightweight alternative to cement grout. We have worked at Hinkley, Sellafield, Harwell, Chapelcross and Hunterston. CONTRACT SERVICES: A rapidly expanding part of our business is our Contract Service department who are well known for their work in the field of renewing and repairing underground gas pipes, for the UK Gas Distribution Networks. However, they are becoming increasingly involved in projects being undertaken by water utilities, electricity providers, rail networks, civil engineers, construction companies and local councils. This reflects the range of skills and expertise available to solve on-site problems associated with pipe repair, renovation, and diversion. Located strategically around the UK the highly skilled team can provide a fast response, emergency repairs and a rapid call out service which is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. HIRE: We offer specialist plant and equipment for the Utilities Industries. Products available for hire include our Pipe Handlers, Perpetual Pipe Pusher, Pipe Coil Trailers, Rapid Rotary Cutters, Rapid Window Cutters, MACAW Pipe Crackers, CRACKERJACK and Mini Purge. All our hire equipment comes with onsite support from our highly experienced engineers and our products are fully maintained and serviced at our depots. All equipment is also available to purchase. SMARTester: SMARTester is the wireless pressure test system, that ensures absolute traceability and best practice. The system combines: SMARTester pressure sensor, an intuitive App and a Dashboard database of test evidence. Together the 3 components work to give you confidence that your tests are highly accurate, fully compliant and that evidence is traceable.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Stonbury logo

    Stonbury

    United Kingdom

    Stonbury is an agile, direct delivery specialist contractor to both the water industry and wider water environment, with an emphasis on delivering innovative, low carbon and high-quality reliable solutions. Currently holding over 30 Frameworks, we work with most of the UK’s water companies and the EA – either directly or through their major supply chains – to deliver high value, low carbon solutions across their asset estates. This includes works on potable water, wastewater treatment centres and nature-based ‘green’ and ‘grey’ solutions that deliver smart, low carbon environmental engineering. In recognition of the intensified global focus on the effects of carbon emissions and their impact on the climate and biodiversity we have reassessed our Purpose, Vision and Strategic Goals, putting sustainability at the heart of our culture and everything we do.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK Ltd logo

    SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Unique integrated water solutions and unrivalled expertise. Suez Advanced Solutions UK deliver innovative methods of water and wastewater management throughout the UK. Working with a wide range of customers in the industrial and utility sectors, SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK are focussed on tailored and integrated process solutions for measurable results. Suez Advanced Solutions UK’s suite of environmental technologies and services deliver optimised methods of water network management for the water sector. Utilising a wealth and depth of experience in water and sewerage networks, a wide range of pioneering and innovative process solutions are now successfully providing commercial benefits to water companies, and improving service quality for the end user. Our industrial water specialists deliver bespoke solutions based on the specific needs and process requirements of the customer, to provide reduced costs, energy and water consumption. Committed to continuous development through technical innovation, Suez Advanced Solutions UK transfer knowledge and expertise from a diverse range of industrial sectors, offering a comprehensive understanding of processes and relevant environmental and industry legislations.

    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Asset Management
    Technocover Ltd logo

    Technocover Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Technocover is an approved ISO 14001:2004 Environmental and ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accredited Company, dedicated to the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Physical Security Access Solutions for protection to all industrial sectors. Our extensive in-house design and manufacturing facilities are home to well established research and development unit and comprehensive testing facility. Our commercial offices incorporate our design team who utilise the latest computer aided design technology and work alongside our dedicated planning section who oversee everything from surveying, scheduling and contract reviews, to the management of framework agreements. We have been designing and manufacturing innovative steel products since 1993. In that time, through organic growth, planned expansion and acquisition, we have gained a reputation as the UK’s leading supplier of Physical Steel Security Access Products. We have a range of aperture security solutions for virtually every application, establishments in the UK and overseas have sought our expertise in providing security products for asset protection. We operate a Total Service Philosophy and can handle complete projects from site survey to final installation, whether for new or refurbishing projects, the adaptability of our galvanised steel access products means the most complex design criteria can be met. Our range of high quality access products offer custom built operational and security solutions to prevent unauthorised persons gaining access, securing key assets against all levels of trespass, malicious vandalism, theft, extortion, contamination or terrorism. Many of our access system products have been tested and approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)  to LPS 1175 issue 5 or above, Security Rating Levels 2, 3, 4 or 5. Frameworks We hold both exclusive and shared framework agreements with most of the major UK water companies. Framework Security items include: LPCB Level 2 Universal Gas Cylinder Clamps LPCB Level 3 Mesh Cage Systems LPCB Level 3 Flush Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Upstand Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Padlockable Access Doors LPCB Level 4 Key Entry Doors LPCB Level 4 Enclosures/Kiosks/Cabinets LPCB Level 4 Walk-In Modular Buildings LPCB Level 4 Window Bar Sets LPCB Level 5 Louvres

    Security Solutions
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Total Automation & Power logo

    Total Automation & Power

    United Kingdom

    Total Automation & Power (TAP) is a formal joint venture between Cougar Automation Ltd and Technical Control Systems Ltd. Formed in 2005, it has delivered hundreds of projects worth tens of millions of pounds. Current water and wastewater frameworks include Severn Trent, Thames, Welsh & Yorkshire Water. Working with TAP is just like working with a single company. Every project has a dedicated project manager who coordinates all the work and gives you a single point of contact. You place a single order for all of your electrical and control system design, supply and installation so you can concentrate on delivering your project without having to worry about placing and managing separate orders for MCCs, a control system and electrical installation. Unlike separate orders, both companies stand behind the whole scope and unlike a contract/sub-contract arrangement we don’t mark up each other’s price. Projects are easy to manage, secure and competitively priced. Supporting clients from initial concept design stage through to on-site commissioning, TAP collaborates with clients at every stage to evaluate designs to optimise TOTEX outcomes. When you choose TAP as your partner you get an unrivalled combination of expertise: Control System, SCADA & PLC expertise from Cougar Automation in six regional offices throughout the UK. MCC, low voltage assembly and panel expertise from Technical Control Systems’ manufacturing facility in Leeds.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Trant Engineering Ltd logo

    Trant Engineering Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Trant provide high quality engineering and project delivery services to the municipal & industrial process & water treatment markets in the UK and Internationally. We have 60 years’ experience in the successful delivery of complex water, wastewater and process treatment solutions for the main UK process & water companies. We develop innovative, cutting edge process and water solutions using advanced technology. Working closely with our technology partner SFC Umwelttechnik, we are able to utilise proven advanced technology resulting in optimal solutions for our water and process industry clients in the UK and internationally. Our in-house design teams understand the stringent regulatory challenges faced by our clients and ensure that efficiency, resilience and sustainability are factored into all design solutions. Our design studio use the latest software including BIM, augmented and virtual reality to develop and detail high tech treatment process outputs. Our control & automation and offsite manufacturing & assembly facilities enable us to provide full in-house capability from project conception through to commissioning.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Accreditations
    ACWA Services Ltd logo

    ACWA Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    ACWA is one of the leading UK players delivering innovative sustainable process solutions and technologies for both municipal and industrial clean water, wastewater and bio-solids treatment. ACWA design and execute resilient cost-effective technologies which address the needs of our clients and their regulatory drivers whilst helping to address climate change. ACWA provides expert technical products and services to the water, wastewater and industrial sectors. Our expertise combines practical experience with academic knowledge across a wide range of specialisms. These include: Design and build (digital delivery and off-site manufacture) Commissioning Project management We apply our extensive expertise to help our clients find the best sustainable, cost-effective solutions that meet all their requirements. We serve our wholesale water, wastewater and biosolids markets plus industrial food and beverage clients with their water needs. Our primary specialist areas are: Water treatment Wastewater treatment Industrial effluent Food and beverage TECHNOLOGIES In finding the best solutions we look at innovative ideas and turn them into reality producing some of the most sustainable technological solutions on the market. Our technologies include: Nitreat® Ion Exchange: This is a reversible nitrate removal process by which ions are interchanged between a solid and a liquid with no substantial structural changes in the solid. AquaPyr™ Tertiary Solids Removal Filter: This process is a simple filter that can also remove phosphorous using innovative cleaning technology producing low waste and using less power than other filters. Amtreat® High Rate Ammonia Removal: This process is a high-rate activated sludge process designed to treat wastewater streams and sludge liquors containing high concentrations of ammonia. DESIGN & BUILD ACWA’s in-house design capability is the architecture on which each project is meticulously built. The latest 3D models create precision imaging of all types of installations from a complex water or effluent treatment plan to a single piece of equipment to be integrated into an existing system. Through in-house engineers ACWA deliver a complete range of technical design and build expertise across projects and programmes of work that include, civil, mechanical, process and electrical, instrumentation and control and automation. PROJECT MANAGEMENT ACWA’s team of highly-experienced project managers, engineers and technicians work closely with clients and key project team members to deliver solutions in an efficient, timely, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible manner. Project management includes ensuring complete compliance with all relevant regulations, both European, national and where relevant, international, while at all times maintaining a clear focus on the project remit. Our responsibility is to ensure each project is a complete success, both for our client and for the environment. We actively identify and manage risks, issues, changes to requirements and quality standards to guarantee the best possible outcome. COMMISSIONING For hands-on commissioning services, ACWA is an industry leader, focussed on complex water and wastewater facilities for municipal and industrial clients. Commissioning is an essential step in project delivery. Without it we cannot have assurance of a quality outcome. Our in-house team provides comprehensive commissioning services getting involved at project start-up to take the project through planning design, construction and turnover, on time and on budget. ACWA’s multi-disciplined knowledge and expertise includes, system design, electrical testing, operations and maintenance (incl. training) as well as systems and process diagnostics, providing an authoritative and effective resource. WATER TREATMENT Our water expertise comprehensively covers the filtration spectrum from conventional strainers and filtration systems to the most advanced reverse osmosis and ion exchange technologies. Microfiltration Ultrafiltration Nanofiltration Reverse Osmosis / Desalination Ion Exchange Conventional Water Treatment Pressure Filters Gravity Filters Chemical Treatment Granular Activated Carbon WASTEWATER TREATMENT The days of wastewater disposal by methods that had no consideration for the implications to the environment are over. As water scarcity increases and the pressure to comply with ever increasing environmental legislation for effective effluent treatment intensifies, it has never been more important to choose the right wastewater partner who can provide a range of effective processes. ACWA can deliver those solutions. Preliminary Treatment Aerobic Biological Treatment Anaerobic Treatment Membrane Bio Reactor High-Rate Ammonia Removal (Amtreat®) Scrubber Effluent Treatment Plant Effluent Re-use Tertiary Treatment Sludge Treatment

    Designers
    AE Yates Group logo

    AE Yates Group

    United Kingdom

    Established in 1870, AE Yates is a progressive civil engineering contractor with an enviable track record of successfully delivering technically demanding high quality works to the complete satisfaction of a wide variety of public and private customers. An Integrated Construction Company A E Yates has grown to be an integrated construction company with a turnover of £50m, employing over 170 managerial, professional, technical and operational staff. Our company headquarters, based in Bolton, are strategically located to serve and communicate with clients throughout the United Kingdom with immediate access to road, rail and air transport facilities. We also have an operating base in Sheffield. AE Yates Group The group companies add value for customers not just in their specialism. When working together they can offer an integrated service through resource sharing and joint management of activities. Operational interfaces are removed eliminating potential co-ordination, management and programming issues for customers. AE Yates Civil Engineering Ltd AE Yates Directional Drilling Combined Soil Stabilisation Side Grip Piling SPI Piling Tritech Ground Engineering AE Yates Haulage Equipment and Skills Investment in the development of highly skilled operational teams up to date equipment has reinforced and enhanced our capability in all areas of operations. We own and operate an extensive fleet of general civil engineering and specialist plant and equipment. Experienced and Dedicated We are a highly experienced and respected civil engineering contractor operating to an Integrated Management System which is fully accredited to IS 9001:2015, ISO14001:2015 and ISO45001:2018 by BSI. We are fully committed to meeting the required standards of quality, customer care, environmental awareness, safety, health, time and cost demanded by our clients. We are fully supportive of the UK industry’s drive towards Continuous Improvement, Best Value and Constructing Excellence.

    Renewables & Energy Management
    Contractors
    Aquability OPS Ltd logo

    Aquability OPS Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Aquability OPS Ltd was established in 2015 and is a leading technical consultancy providing optimised process solutions in the wastewater treatment industry. We are trusted partners of water companies, contractors and consultants and a member of British Water - the trade body representing the supply chain to government and the water companies. Director, Nicola Henderson is a chartered Chemical Engineer with over 27 years experience in the water industry and is one of the UK’s leading SBR experts. She is well known in the industry and previous tenures include Director of British Water and Chairman of British Water’s Technical Forum and Municipal Group. After graduating from Bath University in 1990 with a degree in Chemical & Bio Process Engineering, Nicola started her career in wastewater treatment at British Steel, responsible for the operation of their water and wastewater treatment systems. She then spent 24 years working in the design and build arena where she gained widespread experience in the water industry across a number of fields. Aquability OPS draw on Nicola’s extensive experience to offer technical expertise and bid support in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. We combine a mix of technical knowledge and practical application, providing comprehensive, tailored services across four areas to provide: Process expertise to solve our clients’ wastewater treatment challenges. Leading SBR expertise to ensure your SBR plant is a success. Commissioning and operational support for effective commissioning and trouble free operation. Bid support to develop innovative cost effective solutions, focused and persuasive bid writing and creative, engaging presentations. Our services help our customers to win work, build knowledge, reduce delivery and operating costs and avoid compliance issues. Our goal is to deliver successful outcomes for our Clients and develop trusting and long lasting relationships.

    Designers
    Bollfilter UK Limited logo

    Bollfilter UK Limited

    United Kingdom

    Bollfilter UK is a team of highly motivated, positive and professional people with extensive knowledge and experience of the filtration industry. Here are some recent testimonials. As the dedicated technical sales arm of Boll & Kirch – Europe’s leading manufacturer of automatic water filters – Bollfilter UK provides complete filtration solutions and expertise through the supply of quality equipment, servicing, spares and support. Boll automatic filters are widely used by the UK water treatment industry thanks to their reliability, performance and durability. Featuring unique backflushing technology, they are provide low maintenance filter protection for tertiary waste water systems and primary potable water treatment plant and are ideal for unmanned sites. For potable water applications, Boll automatic filters can protect water treatment plant, such as membrane, UV disinfection, DAF recycling and ion exchange systems with a typical filtration level of 10-500 microns. For waste water treatment, Boll automatic filters can screen final effluent down to 50 microns for intermediate wash water equipment, such as screens, belt thickeners, filter presses and centrifuges. They can also protect NSAF and sand filters and be used with disc filters to prevent spray nozzles from blocking. For final effluent washwater booster pump protection, where overall pressure in the system is low but high pressure washwater is available, a Boll automatic filter fitted to the washwater feed will remove particulates to ensure efficient performance of pumps and keep downstream nozzles free from blocking. Where automatic filtration is not required, i.e. on cleaner systems or for very coarse filtration, Boll & Kirch also offer a range of simplex and duplex manual strainers. Bollfilter UK is dedicated to meeting and exceeding customer’s expectations from the first point of contact to the selection and supply of equipment, commissioning, after-sales support, spare parts advice recommendation and timely supply, on-site service/maintenance and training, and work for continual improvement through training and development. See some of our Case Studies: Automatic river water filtration for protection of the turbine cooling system National Oceanography Centre, Southampton Offshore wind parks: Filtration for Cooling of the Converter Platform BorWin Beta Chalton WRC Tertiary Treatment Plant for Ammonia & Solids Reduction HVAC: Art Gallery Liquid to Air Cooling & Heating System Roetgen Germany Potable Water Membrane Protection Pressured Far Baulker Potable Water Nitrate Reduction Plant (Ion Exchange) Keldgate Potable Water Membrane Protection Pressured Banwell Potable Water Membrane Protection Submerged Grimsbury Potable Water Nitrate Reduction Plant (Ion Exchange) Lound Potable Water DAF Saturator Protection Vines Cross Final Effluent Wash water Filtration Pump Protection Beckton Final Effluent Wash water Filtration Pump Protection Cranleigh Effluent Nitrifying Submerged Aerated Filter Protection Marchwood Power Station Cooling Water Salzbach-Salzberg Power Station Cooling Water Glendoe Power Station Cooling Water Reuter-Berlin Protection of Water Cooling System

    Treatment Process Technologies
    Bramley Engineering (Lifting Gear) Ltd logo

    Bramley Engineering (Lifting Gear) Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Bramley Engineering ltd was established in Ivinghoe in 1981 by John & Davina Bramley following John’s apprenticeship and early career in South Africa. Now based in Leighton Buzzard and run since 2007 by Graham and Emma Bramley the company remains a family run business encompassing a hardworking, fun, and fair working ethos that benefits our customers, suppliers, and staff. Over the last 40 years the company has evolved to ensure it meets health and safety requirements, is up to date with legislation and has safe working practices. We became ISO registered in 2004 following a large project for the nuclear power sector, we have continued to develop our systems as demands and in-house practices have required it. Bramley Engineering manufactures many forms of lifting equipment including overhead cranes, gantries, monorails, jib cranes and davits. We specialise in bespoke lifting solutions and have over the years provided solutions for many varied situations. Using the latest in CAD technology Graham continues to improve and adapt his knowledge to the needs of the customer. Our customers are many and varied and include the water industry for whom we have been working for twenty-five years, construction companies both large and small and the rail sector. In 2018 we won a contract to provide a grid system of 18 cranes in Lincoln for Siemens rail, this project saw us win our first award for ‘working as one’ with the customer. This award was greatly appreciated as not only did it show the customers appreciation it reminded us that our working practices and ethos are in line with ‘lifting your expectations’. We are members of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) whose knowledge and expertise are always on hand should we require assistance. They audit us annually and ensure we are up to date with latest legislation and that our working practices meet the needs of our customers. As well as the cranes and lifting solutions we provide LOLER examinations and sell all ‘below the hook’ lifting accessories. We have an online system that keeps records of all the equipment we have examined. Our customers can always have access to their certificates ensuring they are compliant with health and safety requirements. We hold stock of web and round slings, shackles and chain slings and welcome customers to visit our premises to discuss their needs. Bramley Engineering always welcome new and exciting challenges with both existing and new customers.  We relish the chance to expand our bespoke lifting portfolio and to use our extensive knowledge and innovative outlook to help others find their perfect lifting solution.  We are always striving to lift expectations.

    Contractors
    Overhead Cranes & Hoists
    Cadar Ltd logo

    Cadar Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Filter nozzles, spray nozzles, resin traps and filter floors Since 1985 Cadar has firmly established itself within the municipal and industrial water treatment markets as well as the food, pharmaceuticals and chemical industries where liquids that require processing through either media filters such as sand, ion-exchange resins and carbons. As a well known designer and supplier of filter nozzles and distribution systems, Cadar has used this platform to develop new products and systems. These include the highly successful monolithic cast in place concrete filter floor and more diverse products such as resin traps, air scour systems, header and lateral under drains, and spray nozzles. Whichever the product, Cadar will continue to maintain its reputation for personal services both before and after sales.

    Treatment Process Technologies

    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.