Optimizing the replacement ratio of ion exchange resins in polishing plants by characterization and cost evaluation

An ion exchange process in a power plant was investigated to provide a means to lower operating costs by optimizing exchange ratios of used resins. Ion exchange resins were obtained and tested according to ASTM standards to find the difference of capacity after long term use. Moreover, we used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) methods to identify the adsorbed impurities and exhausted functional groups. The cation and anion exchange resins showed a drop of 0.39 and 0.53 eq/L in total capacity, respectively, also corresponding to the drop and increase of peaks found through FT-IR. Finally, a cost analysis was conducted to optimize the performance of ion exchange resins with the lowest cost possible. Our results showed that ion exchange processes are heavily related to operation costs. A proposed total cost of ownership model will help stakeholders decide on cost-effective ion exchange processes while being able to maintain ultrapure quality. Moreover, results conducted through standardized tests will be able to compare with the results provided.