2

TABLE OF CONTENT



Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Process Description ..................................................................................................................................... 1

Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Operation of the Downflow unit .................................................................................................................. 3

Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Operation of Upflow unit ............................................................................................................................. 6

Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Quality of water from each Unit ................................................................................................................... 8

Chapter 5 .........................................................................................................................................................10
Water analysis .............................................................................................................................................10

Chapter 6 .........................................................................................................................................................17
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................................17

1
Chapter 1

Process Description

1.0 Demineralizer
Demineralization or deionization is the process of removing dissolved salts from water by
using Ion Exchange Resin . Basically Ion exchange demineralization is a two step process
with both Cation and Anion resin . The raw water called influent water is first passed
through the Cation resin bed containing SAC Resin in H + form . Ca , Mg & Na are
removed and the salts are converted to their respective acids .The corresponding acid
containing anions like Cl , SO4 , NO3 are removed by passing the cation effluent through
Anion column containing Anion resin in Hydroxyl Form. The hydrogen ion from cation
neutralizes the hydroxyl ion and produces pure water.
Ion exchange is an equilibrium reaction which is reversible . In the hydrogen cation Resin
, Cations like Ca , Mg are exchanged for H ions. After some period The resin is not able
to exchange any more ions. The bed is exhausted . The Resin has to be brought back to
its original form . This is done by the regenerating the resin with strong acid and the
process of restoring the resin back to its original condition is called
Regeneration. Similarly the Anion resin is restored back after exhaustion by regenerating
it with Alkali.

CaCl
2
Ca HCl
R SO
3
H + MgSO
4
R Mg +
NaCl Na H
2
SO
4

Ca CaCl
2

R Mg + HCl R H + MgCl
2

Na NaCl

Similarly For Anion Resin
HCl Cl
R OH + H
2
SO
4
R SO
4
+ H
2
O
H
2
CO
3
CO
3

Cl Cl
R SO
4
+ NaOH R OH + Na SO
4

CO
3
CO
3

It is more economical to remove CO2 by mechanical means i.e. by degasser .












2
Technical Data Sheet

Type Up flow / down flow



Parameters unit SAC WBA SBA DGT DGWT
Diameter

mm 1000
Diameter

M
Area

M
2

Bed depth

M
Height (HOS)

M
Resin Type

Liters
Resin Volume


Chemicals required
as 100%
Acid
Caustic
Kgs
OBR

M
3

Min treatment flow

M
3
/ Hr
Max treatment flow

M
3
/ Hr
Service cycle

M
3
/ Hr
Normal flow

M
3
/ Hr
Regeneration Flow

M
3
/ Hr
Backwash flow

M
3
/ Hr
Slow rinse flow

M
3
/ Hr
Fast rinse flow

M
3
/ Hr
Maximum pressure

Kg/cm
2

Minimum Pressure

Kg/cm
2


3
Chapter 2


Operation of the Downflow unit

2.1 Service start up

SAC
Open Main inlet valveV1 & Air Release ValveV6 once water starts coming from V6,
Close V6.
Open rinse outlet valve V5 and rinse the unit for 5 to 10 minutes and take a sample
of water.
Test for FMA and Hardness and if okay close V5 and open the outlet valve V2

Degasser
Start degasser blower before opening the cation outlet valve. Let the degasser sump get
filled.

SBA
Once the degasser sump is filled open SBA main inlet valve V1 & Air Release Valve
V6. Once Water starts coming from V6, Close V6
Open SBA drain inlet valve V10. The unit is Rinsed till the specified conductivity is
obtained. Then close Rinse outlet valve V10 and open SBA Outlet Valve V2
Now the entire System is in Service
















V1 INLET VALVE
V2 OUTLET VALVE
V3 BACKWASH INLET VALVE
V4 BACKWASH OUTLET VALVE
V5 RINSE OUTLET (DRAIN OUTLET)
V6 AIR RELEASE
V7 POWER WATER INLET VALVE
V8 SUCTION VALVE
V1 V4
V3 V2
V5
V6
V1 V4
V3 V2
V5
V7

V8
SAC
DGT
DGWT
SBA

4

After the DM plant has given Specified quantity of Treated Water Or When the
conductivity Of SBA outlet water increases the plant is stopped and both the cation &
Anion units are put into regeneration . The Regeneration steps are as follows .

2.2 Regeneration
After the unit has given specified quantity of treated water , it has to be regenerated.
Backwash
Open V3 & V4 . After 10 minutes close V3 & V4. Once should be careful with this
operation because resin can escape if flow rate is very high.
Injection
Required quantity of chemical is taken in chemical measuring tank and water is added to
make the chemical of required concentration.
1) Open power water valveV7 and open drain valve V5
2) Slowly open suction valve V8 and the brine should be injected in 20- 40 minutes
3) Close V8 and all water to pass trough for some time to flush out the pipeline.
4) Close V7 & V5
Final Rinse
Open V1 and Valve V5 and after 20 minutes start checking the quality of water and if
satisfactory close valve V5 and open V2 to take the unit into service.

5











INLET TO ION EXCHANGE UNIT

















Chemical
Tank
ION
EXCHANGE
V1 V4
V3 V2
V5
Outlet
V7
V8

6
Chapter 3


Operation of Upflow unit

3.1 Service start up

SAC
Open main inlet valveV1 and final rinse valveV4 and rinse the unit for 5 to 10 minutes
and take a sample of water.
Test for FMA and Hardness and if okay close V4 and open the outlet valve V2

Degasser
Start degasser blower before opening the cation outlet valve. Let the degasser sump get
filled.

SBA
Once the degasser sump is filled open SBA main inlet valve V1 and final rinse valveV4
and rinse the unit till the specified conductivity is obtained. Then close rinse outlet valve
V4 and open SBA outlet Valve V2. Now the entire system is in Service

3.2 Regeneration
In upflow system the regeneration is always counter current i.e. the regeneration flow is in
the opposite direction of service flow.

Injection
Open power water Valve V5 and Drain Valve V3
Open Chemical injection valve V6 in such a way that the Chemical is injected in 20
40minutes
Slow Rinse
After the chemical (acid/caustic) has been injected close chemical suction Valve V6.
After 2040minutes Close V5 & V3
Final rinse
a) Open V1 and V4
b) Check the quality of water from the unit at the outlet of V4.
c) If satisfactory close V4
d) If the unit has to be taken for service open V2 or close the pump

7










Regeneration line



















Ion exchange
unit
V1 V3
V4
V2
V5
V6
chemical
Tank

8
Chapter 4

Quality of water from each Unit

4.1 Strong Acid cation
1. It will contain free mineral acidity (FMA ) nearly equal to equivalent Mineral
acidity (EMA) in the feed water.
2. It also contains free CO2 generated by the alkaline salts present in raw water.
3. Hardness of cation effluent will be nil.
4. The only cation from the feed that is present in the effluent is the sodium ion that has
slipped through column .
5. The difference between the EMA in the feed and the FMA in the effluent gives the
sodium slip from the cation unit .
6. The sodium slip from cation unit is a function of Regeneration level, the sodium
content of the raw water and the EMA of water .
7. Therefore For a given water & Regeneration level the sodium slip is fixed. This is
the average value of the sodium slip over a cycle .
8. The actual slip characteristics shows high slip at the start of a run and thendrops to
a constant value for a major portion of the run and then rises again near exhaustion .
9. This pattern of slip is true for Co flow units .
10. The slip for countercurrent unit is constant throughout the run .
11. The FMA in the effluent drops at exhaustion and the pH rises indicating that
exchanger should be removed from service .

4.2 Degasser
1. The function of degasser is to remove CO
2

2. The residual CO2 in degassed water corresponds to the solubility of CO
2
in water
at that temperature . The analysis of degassed water will be same as that of cation
effluent but the CO
2
content will be about 5 ppm, depending
upon the actual ambient condition .

4.3 Strong Base Anion
1. All Anions including silica are absorbed by Strong base Anion exchanger .
2. The effluent is demineralized water having trace cation & Anion .
3. The SBA effluent will Not contain chloride and sulphate.
4. At normal regeneration level , the silica of SBA outlet water will be less than 0.5
ppm as SiO
2
.
5. Silica leakage is a function of regeneration level, temperature of regenerant SiO
2
/ TA
ratio and the sodium slip from the cation unit .
6. There will be some amount of P Alkalinity which will be depend upon the sodium
slip from the preceding cation unit.
7. P Alkalinity directly reflects the sodium slip from the cation unit . A slip of ppm
sodium gives P value of 1 ppm.
8. Conductivity and pH are also dependent on sodium slip . One ppm of sodium slip
will give a conductivity rise of 5 to 6 Micro siemens / cm
2
and a pH of 8 to 9

9
9. The functioning of anion unit is largely depend upon the functioning of the preceding
cation unit.
10. A conductivity of 30 micro mhos and pH of 8- 9 is considered satisfactory for a
two bed system.
11. A rise in conductivity at anion outlet will indicate exhaustion of either cation or
anion unit .
12. Rise in conductivity with a drop in pH of anion effluent indicate exhaustion of anion
unit .
13. Rise in both conductivity and pH indicates exhaustion of cation unit .
14. If silica is considered for determining the breakthrough point of anion bed than
actual silica determination must be done at regular intervals .
15. Basic titration equipment are necessary for smooth operation of DM plant .



10
Chapter 5


Water analysis

5.0 Introduction
The following water analyses are done for smooth operation of Demineralizing
plant.
a) Hardness
b) Chloride
c) Sulphate

5.1 Methods of testing hardness
5.1.1 Hardness
Hardness is defined as a soap consuming capacity of water. Hardness is mainly due to
presence of calcium and magnesium salts. There are two kinds of hardness Temporary
and Permanent. Temporary hardness also called carbonate hardness is due to presence of
carbonates and bicarbonates. Permanent hardness is mostly due to chloride, sulphate and
nitrates.
5.1.2 Method
EDTA forms a chelated soluble complex when added to a solution of certain metal ions if
EBT(Erichrome Black T) is added to water containing hardness the colour of the solution
turns wine red. This solution when titrated with EDTA will complex all the calcium and
magnesium and when this happens the colour turns blue from Red wine. The point at
which colour change takes place is known as END POINT.

5.1.3 Reagents
1. Ammonia buffer solution .
2. 0.01M solution of EDTA
3. Erichrome Black t Indicator

5.1.4 Apparatus Required
1. Burette
2. Graduated cylinder
3. Conical flask (Erlenmeyer Flask)
4. Wash bottle
5. Distilled water

5.1.5 Procedure
Step -1 : Take 50ml of sample in an Erlenmeyer
Step -2 : Add 2ml of Ammonia buffer solution.
Step -3: Add 3 to 5 drops or tablet of Erichrome black T indicator.
Step -4: The color becomes wine red
Step -5: Immediately titrate against EDTA solution.

11
Step -6: Carry on titration till the end point is reached i.e. when the color changes to
blue.
5.1.6 Calculation
Volume of 0.01 EDTA Solution
Total Hardness as CaCO
3
= ------------------------------------------------- X 1000
(mg/liter) Ml of sample

The permanent hardness is found by boiling the water. IT is cooled and then above
procedure repeated. Temporary hardness is given by the difference of two readings.

5.1.7 Interference
If bicarbonate exceeds 250 PPM it is advisable to add 1ml of 2N HCL before adding the
buffer solution. Any other metal ions chelating with EDTA can interfere with the result
provided they are in excess then mentioned below

Al
++
> 20ppm, Cu
++
> 20ppm, iron (Fe
++
or Fe
+++
) > 10 PPM PO
3
>
25ppm.

5.2 Calcium Hardness
The water sample is titrated against EDTA solution using MUREXIDE INDICATOR
(Ammonium purpurate) in highly alkaline medium.

5.2.1 Reagents
1. 1N Sodium Hydroxide Solution
2. 0.01M Standard EDTA Solution
3. Murexide Indicator

5.2.2 Apparatus Required
1. Porcelain dishes 100ml capacity.
2. Burette 25 to 50ml
3. Pipettes
4. Stirring rods (Glass)
5. Graduated cylinder.

5.2.3 Procedure
Step -1 : Prepare standard solution as described in chapter.
Step -2 : Prepare a color comparison blank in a porcelain dish. The dish should be of
white color 2.0ml of 1N NaOH and 0.2g (4 to 6 drops of indicator) solid indicator is
added to 50ml of distilled water with constant stirring 0.05 to 0.1ml of EDTA titrant is
added to produce unchanging purple color.
Step -3 : 50ml of sample solution is pipetted into similar white dish.
Step -4 : Add few drops of 0.02 N HCL to neutralize the alkalinity.
Step -5 : Boil for 2 to 3 minutes to expel CO
2
and then cool to room temperature.

12
Step -6 : Add 20ml of 1N NaOH or volume sufficient to produce pH of 12 13 and
mix.
Step -7 : Add 0.2gm of powdered indicator or 4 to 6 drops of solution.
Step -8 : Stirring constantly titrate with EDTA solution to the colour of comparison
blank.
Step -9: Add 1 to 2 drops of titrant in excess to be sure that no further deepening of
colour takes place.
5.2.4 Calculation
(A-B) X C X 1000
Calcium as ppm CaCO
3
= -----------------------------
Ml of sample
Where A = ml of EDTA required for titration of sample.
B .= ml of EDTA required for titration of blank.
C = mg of CaCO
3
equivalent to 1.0 ml of EDTA.

5.2.5 Magnessium Hardness
The difference between Total Hardness and Calcium Hardness is magnesium Hardness

Caution
Laboratory Testing should be done by qualified personnel only. The person should
verify the method before testing.



13
5.3 Determination of Chloride
5.3.1 Method
Chloride is determined in neutral water or in slightly alkaline solution by titration with
standard silver nitrate solution and potassium dichromate as indicator. Silver chloride is
precipitated and at the end point red silver chromate is formed.

5.3.2 Reagents
1. Silver nitrate standard solution.
Dissolve 4.791 gram silver nitrate in distilled water and dilute to 1 litre.
Store in brown glass bottle .( 1 ml = 1 ml Cl
-
).
2. Sodium chloride standard solution
Dissolve 1. 648gram dried sodium chloride NaCl in about 200 ml of distilled water
in a beaker . Rinse the beaker twice with distilled water and pour the rinsing into
volumetric flask. Make up to the mark with distilled water. .( 1 ml = 1 ml Cl
-
).
3. Potassium chromate indicator .
Dissolve 5 gram Potassium chromate K2 CrO4 in 100 ml of distilled water . Add
silver nitrate solution drop by drop to produce a slight red precipitate of
Silver chromate , and filter .

5.3.3 Procedure
1. Take 100 ml sample in an Erlenmeyer flask.
2. Add 5 drops of phenolphatlein indicator .If the sample turns pink add 2 drops of .02
N HNO
3
. If acidic add a small amount of AR grade calcium carbonate.
3. Add 1 drop of potassium chromate indicator solution and stir. The solution will turn
red .
4. Titrate with standard silver nitrate solution with constant stirring until only the
slightest perceptible reddish colouration persists . If more than 25 ml is required take
50 ml of sample and dilute it 100 ml .
5. Repeat the procedure with 100 ml distilled water blank to allow for the presence
Of chloride in any of the reagents and for the solubility of silver chromate.

5.3.4 calculation
1000 (V1 - V2)
Chloride as Cl - = ------------------------------ mg/ litre
Volume of sample

V1 = Volume of silver nitrate required by sample (ml)
V2 = Volume of silver nitrate required by the blank (ml)

5.3.5 Interference
If sample is highly coloured add aluminum hydroxide and let it settle and then filter. This
is possible only for raw water .
If sulfide , sulfite or thiosulfate is present , add 1 ml of H
2
O
2
and stir for 1 minute.For
Bromide , iodide and cyanide register as equivalent chloride concentration.
Conductivity And pH are measured online .



14
5.4 Silica
The silica content of natural waters will vary to a considerable extent depending on the
locality. The presence of silica is particularly objectionable in water used for boiler feed
purposes as it may lead to the formation of hard dense scales. In addition, a very serious
problem encountered in high pressure operation, is the deposition of siliceous materials on
turbine blades and super heaters.
The gravimetric method is the standard applicable above 20mg./litre SiO
2
content. This
method is followed for standardization of standard silicate solution used in colorimetric
methods. The heteropoly blue colorimetric method is adaptable for the range of 0 to 2
mg./litre. Blank reagent should always be used in all the three methods.

Method A (Gravimetric Method)

5.4.1 Procedure
Take a sample to contain at least 10mg.of Sio
2
. If necessary, clarify by filtration. Acidity
with 2 to 3 ml. of conc.HCl and evaporate to dryness in a platinum dish on a water bath.
At regular intervals add 2 or more portions of 2 to 3ml.conc.HCl warm and add
50ml.distilled water. Loosen the clinging residue from the sides and bottom of the dish
and filter collecting the filtrate. Wash the dish and residue with hot 1:50 HCl and finally
with distilled water until the washings are free from chloride. Return the filtrate and
washings to the platinum dish and again evaporate to dryness.
Repeat as previously, collecting the residue in another filter paper. Dry the two filter
papers with residue, burn, ignite at 1000-1200
0
C in a platinum crucible and weigh.
Moisten the residue with a few drops of distilled water, add 2 drops of H
2
SO
4
and
10ml.48%HF. Cautiously evaporate to dryness on a steam bath in a fume cupboard.
Again ignite at 1000-1200
0
C, cool and weigh. Carry out a blank.

5.4.2 Calculation
(A-B) (C D) X 1000
SiO
2
,mg./litre = -------------------------------
Ml. of Sample
Where:
A = Weight of crucible and sample residue in mg. after first ignition.
B = Weight of crucible and sample residue in mg. After HF treatment and second
ignition. C = Weight of crucible and blank residue, in mg. after HF treatment and second
ignition.

Method B

5.4.3 Colorimetric estimation of Silica
Ammonium molybdate as approximately pH 1.2 reacts with silica and any phosphate
present to produce heteropoly acids. Oxalic acid is added to destroy the molybdosilicic
acid but not the molybdosilicic acid. Even if phosphate is known to be absent, the
addition of oxalic acid/highly is desirable and is a mandatory step. The intensity of the
yellow colour is proportional to the concentration of molybdate-reactive silica. The
yellow molybdosilicic acid is reduced by means of 1-amino-2-napthol-4-sulphuric acid to
heteropolyblue. The blue colour is more intense than the yellow colour and provides
increased sensitivity. In at least on of its forms, silica does not react with molybdaet even

15
though it is capable of passing through filter paper and is not noticeably turbid. The
presence of such a molybdate unreactive silica is undesirable in raw water. It will not be
removed in the water treatment plant and will find its way to high pressure steam system
where it will be converted to molybdate-reactive silica. Such increase in silica content
will give rise to scale problem. Chromate and large amounts of Fe,Po
4
,sulfide, tannin,
colour and turbidity are potential interference. Inorganic sulfide can be removed by
boiling an acidified sample. The addition of 1ml.of 1% EDTA solution after molybdate
reagent overcomes high Fe and Ca concentrations.

5.4.4 Colorimetric estimation of silica-0-20ppm SiO
2

Reagents
1. Ammonium molybdate solution
2. 2 N. Sulphuric acid.
3. 10% Oxalic acid.
4. Lovibond comparator with standard silica disc.

5.4.5 Procedure

1. Fill one Nessler tube to 50ml.mark with sample and place in the left hand
compartment of Lovibond comparator.
2. Fill the other Nessler tube with 50ml. Of sample, at 25-30
0
C. Add 2ml. Of acidified
ammonium molybdate solution. Mix thoroughly, add 4ml. Of oxalic acid again mix
thoroughly. Place in the right hand compartment and allow to stand for 10 minutes.
3. Stand the comparator facing a uniform source of light, and compare the colour of the
sample with the colours in the disc. Rotate the disc until the colours are matched.

5.4.6 Calculation
SiO
2
in mg./litre =Disc reading X 20

Note
1 Should the colour in the test solution be deeper than the deepest standard, a fresh test
should be carried out using a smaller quantity of sample, and diluting to 50 ml. With
distilled water before adding the reagents.
2 Silica free water
Distilled water from an all-metal still or water which has been passed successively
through a mixed bed deionization unit and strongly basic anion exchanger such as
Tulsion A-27 MP unit regenerated with a regeneration level of 320gm. Per litre NaOH
has been found to be suitable.
Prepare and store in a polyethylene bottle a large batch of water containing not more than
0.005 SiO
2
,
Determine the silica content of the water by treating it as sample. This water is used to
prepare reagents and standards, and to dilute samples when necessary.


16
5.4.7 Colourimetric estimation of silica 0-2ppm SiO
2

Reagents
1 Acidified ammonium molybdate solution.
2 10 % Oxalic acid.
3 Amino-napthol reducing agent.
4 Lovibond comparator with standard silica disc or spectrophotometer suitable for
measurement at 815 mu wave length.

5.4.8 Procedure
1. Fill one of Nessler tube to the 50ml.mark with sample, and place in the left
compartment of Lovibond comparator.
2. Fill the other Nessler tube with 50ml. Of sample, at 25 30
0
C. Add 2ml. If acidified
ammonium molybdate solution. Mix thoroughly, stand for 5 minutes. Add 4ml. Of
oxalic acid and mix well. Then 2ml. Of reducing agent, mix well and wait for 10
minutes. The blue colour of the sample is compared with that of a blank comprising
the same water without reagents, using a spectrophotometer (wavelength 815mu).
Compute the silica content from the standard graph prepared from the standard silica
solution.

Method C
5.4.8 Determination of Total silica (Molybdate reactive and unreactive silica)
1 1 Sodium bicarbonate
2 1N sulphuric acid.
3 Other reagents as per previous method.

5.4.9 Procedure
Take 100ml. Of sample or lesser quantity(20-100 mu.SiO
2
) but made upto 100ml. With
distilled water in a platinum dish. Add 200mg. Silica free sodium bicarbonate and digest
on a steam bath for one hour. Cool and add slowly, with stirring, 2.4ml. sulphuric acid
(1N). Do not interrupt the analysis but proceed at once with remaining steps. Transfer
quantitatively into a plastic container. For development of colour and calculation refer the
previous procedure.













17
Chapter 6


Troubleshooting

6.1 Cation Exchanger

Problem Cause Action
Loss of Capacity Improper regeneration Carry regeneration as per
specification
Change in raw water
characteristics, Increase in
Na/TC.
Increase acid quantity

Over exhaustion of unit Normal acid will not restore
capacity increase acid quantity.
Channeling Remove resin fines Replace
broken strainer or laterals
Faulty distribution system-
check and rectify.
Loss of Resin Inspect resin bed depth
Control Backwash flow
Resin fouling 1.Get Resin analyse
2.Clean with acid
3.Replace if analyse too much
decross linking and broken
beads.

Poor Quality of treated water Valve leakage
Higher flow greater than
normal design range increases
leakage
Increase Na/TC has more
profound effect on leakage
from increased flow rate
Low flow rate The flow rate should be
maintained above 0.5 GPM/ft3
of resin.
Temperature Does not have much effect
except for very low
temperature
Increased TDS Increased leakage (Analyze
and correct).Add resin if
required.
Hardness in Raw water Valve leakage, High flow rate,
change in Raw water
composition . Inefficient
regeneration
High sodium slip in treated
water
Over exhaustion (Double
injection)
Improper regeneration
(Correct)



18
6.2 Weak Base anion

Problem Cause Action
Loss of capacity Increase in EMA in raw water Add more Resin, Increase
regenerant chemical for plant
in use.
Rinsing time increases Resin oxidized to weak acid
(Retains Na), Replace resin,
Try regeneration by Ammonia,
Recycle rinse water.
Silica Fouling Problem normally occurs when
WBA / SBA combination is
used. Clean with hot caustic,
In thorough fare regeneration
of WBA/SBA drain 1/3 of
spent of caustic before feeding
it to WBA.
Flow rates Operate at specified flow rate
Precipitation by Ca, Mg etc Use decationised or
deminieralised water for
dilution of regenerant. Check
cation unit functioning.
Improper working of cation
leads to anion problem.
Poor treated water quality

Chloride in treated water Check cation, Analyse
regenerant for chloride,
Regenerant valve leaking
(Check). Chloride leaking to
sodium leakage normal.
High pH Cation not operating properly.
Leaking valve (normally the
regenerant valve).
Low pH, High conductivity Backwash valve leaking
Treated water contains
hardness
Check cation, check degasser
(especially water treatment
plants suited near cement
plant.) Hardness in regenerant
and Regenerant dilution water

High sodium content in treated
water
Resin escapes from cation unit
to WBA unit due to Broken
laterals. Check, give more
rinse.
Ion leakage Valve leaks, channeling, High
or low flow etc.
Fouling Chemically clean, carryout
pretreatment





19
6.3 Strong Base anion

Problem Cause Action
Loss of capacity Increase in Ionic load Put more resin, use more
regenerant. check for Degasser
functioning
Long Rinsing time Cation not working,
Organically fouled resin. Give
brine treatment.
Increase in Alkalinity Check. Add resin or reduce
output
Fouled Resin Chemically clean with hot
caustic for silica & brine
treatment for organic fouling
Precipitation by Ca, Mg Check Regenerant for Ca/Mg
etc. Check cation if
regenerated by H
2
SO
4
. Use
Decationised or DM water for
dilution.
Resin ageing Use specified concentration of
NaOH
Bacterial contamination Unit idle. Do not keep unit
idle. Very important where
high purity water required.
Heavy metal fouling Iron in regenerant or through
leakage from cation. Damaged
Rubber lining.
Poor treated water quality High pH, high conductivity Check cation. Do more
Rinsing Check conductivity
meter
Low pH, High conductivity Check anion. Regeneration
not carried. properly. Organic
fouling, check pH meter
High silica Resin organically fouled.
(Clean chemically). Carry
regeneration as per
specification. Regenerant
temperature low (carry
regeneration by hot caustic).
High service water
temperature, check.
Chloride leakage Valve leakage, chloride in
regenerant WBA not working
silica precipitation in WBA.
Rectify.
Hardness Check cation. Use cation or
DM water for dilution and
rinsing.
Sodium leakage Check raw water for sodium,
check cation for sodium slip,
Na slip give rise conductivity.


20
DEGASSER SYSTEM

Problem Cause Action
High residual CO
2
from
Degasser.
Choked suction filter Check and Clean
Improper air flow to Degasser Check damper, blower speed
discharge pressure.

Degasser blower not Switched
on during service run
Check and operate blower.
Broken air seal. Air seal not
fit. Results in Short circuiting
Check and replace fitting
provide air seal.
Flooding in Degasser Very high flow rate Reduce flow
Packed tower choked due to
director broken packing
material
Open and check, Replace
broken packing
First layer of packing Not
arranged properly
Arrange as per instructions.

Dirt/Dust in air(Normally in
Cement and Allied Industries
Degasser sucks dust and dirt
into water This can lead to
clogging of Anion unit.
Chokes suction filter
Install air filter Periodic
cleaning of suction filter.