Organic Fouling of Anion‐Exchange Resins

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Abstract
Organic fouling of anion‐exchange resins proceeds by the exchange of large organic acids, the humic acids produced by the decay of vegetable matter. These acids are commonly found in surface water supplies. Accumulation of the acids on resins limits the capacity of the resins for further exchange of the acids and inorganic ions present in raw water. Over a period of time, the acids diffuse into the resin gel and are tightly bound by van der Waal's forces in addition to the normal ion‐exchange forces. The larger acids appear to be too tightly bound or to diffuse too slowly to be efficiently removed in the limited regeneration period, although elution with warm 5 per cent sodium chloride brine appears to remove significant amounts of the more readily released fraction. The most important technique in prevention of fouling and the attendant capacity and quality difficulties appear to be the limiting of organic accumulation on the resins. Thus, frequent brining and the use of scavenger beds appear to be most effective. Flocculation appears to be of limited value in many instances; however, each water supply must be examined individually before the optimum treatment can be deduced.

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