Development and validation of a novel modeling framework integrating ion exchange and resin regeneration for water treatment

Models have been developed to simulate the process of ion exchange for water treatment. However the modeling of resin regeneration process, which can predict regeneration efficiency and residual stream for determining technology sustainability, was not incorporated into previous models. Therefore a model integrating both ion exchange and resin regeneration considering regeneration efficiency is needed for evaluating and improving ion exchange technology. This study developed an integrated model aiming to simulate ion exchange and resin regeneration in different configurations (fixed bed, fluidized bed) for the first time. The integrated model has been validated via comparing model predictions with experimental data. The impacts of dimensionless groups (i.e. the Péclet number, the diffusion modulus, and the Biot number) on ion exchange breakthrough curve have been analyzed using this model. In addition, this integrated model has been used to optimize the regeneration frequency to improve the overall performance of ion exchange. It demonstrated this integrated model could be a useful tool for further studies in ion exchange technology.