Rules of the game change for comparing IX to RO
This article examines how modern packed-bed demineralization with reverse-flow regeneration counters the notion that reverse osmosis is superior to ion exchange, the classical method for treating powerplant makeup water. Recently published articles argue that demineralization for industrial water treatment is steadily becoming the domain of membrane processes based on reverse osmosis (RO). For some experts, the economic crossover pint at which RO outperforms ion exchange (IX) for makeup-water demineralization occurs at a total dissolved solids (TDS) level of 75 ppm. However, three developments during the past five years have completely changed the basis for the IX-vs-RO debate, even at TDS levels as high as 400 to 500 ppm. These are: (1) An improved understanding of the operating characteristics of RO. (2) The application of jetted-resin technology for producing uniform-particle-size (UPS) resin. (3) Refinement of the packed-bed, reverse-flow (RF) demineralization technique, greatly reducing operating and capital costs.
- OSTI ID:
- 109822
- Journal Information:
- Power (New York), Journal Name: Power (New York) Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 139; ISSN POWEAD; ISSN 0032-5929
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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