DM Plant

DM Plant

The basic polymeric structure or solid support for ion exchange resins is called the matrix. The matrix is a three-dimensional copolymer on which acidic or basic sites are situated. These acidic or basic sites are called functional groups or functionality of the ion exchange resin. The matrix along with these functional groups is called a functional polymer, or ion exchange, or simply resin.

The chemical reactions involved in the ion exchange process are reversible since these are governed by the Law of Mass Action; and hence ion exchange resins can be repeatedly converted from one ionic form to another and back and reused. The process of converting the ion exchange resins to the desired ionic form at the end of cycle of its intended use is known as ‘regeneration’.

Ion exchange resins can be broadly classified into the following four Categories:

• Strong acid Cation (SAC) exchange resin.
• Weak acidic Cation (WAC) exchange resin.
• Strong base anion (SBA) exchange resin.
• Weak base anion (WBA) exchange resin.