"Ion exchange can be defined as a reversible exchange of ions between a solid and a liquid in which there is no substantial change in the structure of the solid (Dowex Dow Chemical)". The solids are the ion exchange resin. An ion exchange resin can be thought of as an "elastic three dimensional hydrocarbon network to which attaches a large number of ionizable groups (Dowex Dow Chemical)". With these basic definitions, the following material attempts to explain the integral parts of an ion exchanger.
The applications of ion-exchangers today vary from water purification
to separation of various antibiotics from fermentation broths. Improvements
would enhance the yields and reduce production time for industrial process.
The main objective of this particular entry is to develop some understanding
for the process of ion exchange. The knowledge presented is on an introductory
level. Furthermore, information is complimentary to Professor Bungay's
Biochemical Engineering course at RPI.
Introduction
How it Works
Operating Methods
Miscellaneous
Standards
for ten states
Overview
of R.P.I. Program and More Discussion
Help in navigating the WWW for ion exchange
information
Other Web Pages
Credits
and Acknowledgements