Ion exchangers
Removal or retrieval of substances from various solutions through the use of our ion exchangers.
Over 70 years of experience in water treatment with ion exchangers
For more than 80 years, ion exchangers and adsorbers have been used in numerous industries for treating and purifying water and other fluid media. Ion exchangers are little synthetic balls with a diameter of 0.25 to 1.3 millimetres. During manufacturing, they acquire precisely defined properties. It is usually styrene or acrylic polymers associated with various functional groups. Around 150 ion exchangers are made from these specialised in different applications. They are either in the form of gel or microporous and can bind certain ions and emit others. We distinguish between the following fields of use:
In the chemical industry, process water is often treated by means of ion exchangers. For the demineralisation or softening, ion exchangers are used either individually or in combination. The choice of the right ion exchanger is dependent on the required treatment method.
Ion exchangers also play an important role in the purification of the wastewater from chemical production plants, so as not to burden nature and the environment.
Today ion exchangers are used for the selective adsorption of carbon dioxide from flue gas or the air.
The use of ion exchangers in the food and drink industry is an established and essential component. In Switzerland, they are certified for the processing of foods and drinks, as well as their additives.
In the food industry, the treatment of sugar is an important application. The sugar used in the food and drink industry is purified using ion exchangers, removing e.g. salt ions and yellow-brown particles from the raw sugar.
Ion exchangers are used in the starch industry for desalination and decolourisation. On the basis of starch hydrolysates, high-quality syrups and polyalcohols are produced for use as sweeteners.
Ion exchangers also play an important role in other areas of food production. For example, fruit juices, gelatines, whey and wine are treated with ion exchangers to be able to ensure a consistent product quality.
In Switzerland, water hardness is measured in French hardness units (°fH). Depending on the region, the degree of hardness varies greatly. Hard water tastes chalky to soapy and destroys aromas, because the alkali pH value neutralises the fruit notes and fine acids of the coffee and tea. Table filter and coffee machines are therefore equipped with ion exchangers to remove at least part of the interfering calcium and magnesium ions. Our ion exchangers were developed especially for use in drinking water treatment.
Limestone that is otherwise deposited on fittings or in pans is removed from drinking water by means of a softening system not only in individual households but even in whole developments or villages.
Requirements have been getting more stringent for years in water supply and wastewater purification. Through the use of specific adsorbers, arsenic and phosphate can be removed from drinking water. Ion exchangers can selectively bond substances in drinking water and wastewater treatment. In the ground water area, impurities such as chromate, nitrate, perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), surfactants and perchlorates can be removed by means of ion exchangers.
Large volumes of water are needed for manufacturing paper and cellulose, whether it is to break open the raw material wood or on the paper machines. The water quality must meet the highest standards. To treat the make-up water and the condensate polishing and for steam production, we offer special ion exchangers that are tailored to specific applications.
In the pharmaceutical and biotechnical industry, we find ion exchanger resins and adsorbers in a wide range of applications: from food and fodder to pharmaceutical substances (APIs). Ion exchanger resins and adsorbers are used in the treatment and purification from biomass. They support or demineralise and neutralise in extraction, adsorption and chromatography. Ion exchangers cleanse or stabilise products such as amino acids, proteins, vitamins, alkaloids and other substances. Ground ion exchanger resins are used as substrates for substance transport.
Water is needed in manufacturing processes in varying qualities as a solvent. Depending on the requirements, ion exchangers are combined to meet the various quality standards.
In thermal power plants, released energy transforms water into steam to generate electricity from nuclear fuels. Water or water steam serve as energy transmitters and as a cooling medium. Ion exchangers ensure that efficient, safe and reliable operation can be ensured over a period of years. The ion exchangers demineralise the cooling and supply water for condensate polishing in the water-steam cycles. This prevents impurities or deposits. This ensures an optimal heat transfer in the long term. The high regeneration capacity of our resins thereby ensures the enduring economical operation of power plants.
In nuclear power plants, ion exchangers are also important components of the “Chemical and Volume Control System” (CVCS). The selective ion exchangers remove both radioactive and non-radioactive ions from the process water and the wastewater flow. The water in the basins for used fuel elements is directed through ion exchangers for treatment.
Furthermore – we also offer suitable regeneration agents such as Reosal, soda lye, sulphuric and hydrochloric acid. Give us a call, we would be happy to advise.
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