What is an ion exchange?
ion exchange is a chemical process in which ions are replaced between two electrolyte solutions or between electrolyte solution and solid matric structure known as an ionic polymer. When the electrolyte solution reacts with the polymer or resin, the ions are captured and attached to a solid substrate, which in turn releases different ions of the same charge. The cation is exchanged when positive particles are replaced, while the anion exchange occurs when negatively charged particles are exchanged. The level of the cation exchange, which occurs in the soil, can be used as an indicator of soil ability to maintain nutrients. It is also an important factor in determining the purity of groundwater. The polymer of the ion exchange can be made to specifically filter out certain ions from the solution. There are four main types of ionic polymer exchanges that have different ionic affinities and chemical properties: strong basic anionic resins, weak anionic resin, strong acid katioNtic resin and weak acid cationic resin. Chelarage resins are important when filtering toxic cations of heavy metals such as lead and mercury. These resins are used in sewage and groundwater treatment.
Strong sour resin can be used to remove calcium and magnesium cations from water in a process known as water softening. Calcium and magnesium ions from the solution are exchanged with sodium or hydrogen ions. Household products, such as detergent, employ zeolites to soften water to prevent the interference of calcium ions and magnesium cleaning action.
water deionization is another common application of ion exchange. During deionization, mineral salts such as sodium and calcium are removed from the water and replaced the cations of hydrogen or anions of hydroxide, depending on the type of resin used. This process creates a cleaned form of water comparable to d dEstilized water, which is useful in laboratory and industrial processes where high water purity is required.
The reaction of industrial ion exchange is usually carried out by means of columns. This vessel contains a resin bed that holds the ionic resin change while the solution passes. The flow can be controlled by the valves and the device connected to the column. As soon as the solution passes through the resin, the ion is replaced until all places for resin ties are filled and the solution is created.