Ion exchange system resins are best known for their use in water demineralization, softening or other forms of water purification. In mining, resins have been commercially used for the extraction of valuable metals, specifically gold and uranium. There are much broader applications for ion exchange system than these relatively simple, low concentration separation processes, and advancements in resin quality, resin handling systems and process control have paved the way for commercialization of more complex processes.
Severn Trent Services offers the Higgin’s Loop, a continuous countercurrent ion exchange system contactor for liquid phase separations of ionic components using solid ion exchange system resins.
Higgin's Loop™
The TETRA® Higgin's Loop™ (CCIX) is a Continuous Countercurrent Ion EXchange contactor for liquid phase separations of ionic components using solid exchange (I-X) resins. The Higgin's Loop contactor is a vertical cylindrical loop, containing a packed bed of I-X resin that is separated into four operating zones by butterfly, or "loop" valves. These operating zones - Adsorption, Regeneration, Backwashing and Pulsing - function like four separate vessels.
The Higgin's Loop treats liquids in the adsorption zone with resin while the ions are being removed from loaded resin in the regeneration zone simultaneously. Intermittently, a small portion of resin is removed from the respective zone and replaced with regenerated or loaded resin at the opposite end of that zone. This is accomplished hydraulically by pulsing the resin through the loop. The result is continuous and countercurrent contacting of liquid and resin.
Higgin's Loop technology is a great enhancement for ion exchange applications when compared with fixed bed and fluid bed systems. The Higgin's Loop™ will efficiently utilize the resin capacity, uses less regenerant and fresh water, generates consistent product quality, and minimizes wastewater volumes. The technology offers greatly expanded ranges for the use of ion exchange resins and adsorbents in commercial separations.
Key Benefits:
- Reduced operating cost and waste volumes
- Reduced capital costs and resin inventories
- Simple, automatic operation
- Consistent product quality
- Processing of concentrated solutions
- Long resin life
- Countercurrent contacting minimizes water usage and waste generation
Typical Applications:
- Ammonia removal from wastewater
- Nitrate removal from potable water
- Chemical purification of ionic impurities
- Metals removal and recovery
- Organics removal from waste streams