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View Full Version : Ion Exchange canister DIY.


curator
11-18-2002, 04:21 PM
I’m not if there are people out there like me using sure the Kati and Ani Ion Exchange Units. If there are maybe you have struggled to find a good holding vessel like I had for the recharge solutions.

http://www.thesea.org/graphics/forums/DI1.jpg

The recharge can get a bit messy working with Muriatic Acid and Caustic Soda, not to mention ruin clothes. In the past I have used numerous vessels to hold the solutions for recharge but, none had lasted long nor was I happy with the simplicity.

In a recent trip to Wal Mart, found a cheap plastic gasoline can with a capacity of 2 gallons. The cost was about $3 bucks. In addition I bought a spill proof extender which
Came with some nice plastic tubing and the Inside diameter fits snugly around the tubing used for the DI. The extension was another $3 bucks.

http://www.thesea.org/graphics/forums/DI2.jpg

After my first attempt I quickly learned the spill proof extension was not so spill proof.
It leaked a bit with a pesky drip, might not matter if I were outside but I certainly did not want the acid dripping on the floor. I remedied this by sealing the threads with a two part quick set automotive epoxy.

http://www.thesea.org/graphics/forums/DI3.jpg

I was able to pick up at a local hardware store. The setting time was about 30 seconds.
Here is the extension after it was sealed, I worked the epoxy into the joint by using a
Plastic toothpick.

http://www.thesea.org/graphics/forums/DI4.jpg

To control the flow rate, I use what I think everyone does some a small plastic needle valve and airline tubing. It’s worked well to date and I am able to dial down the output fairly accurately.

http://www.thesea.org/graphics/forums/DI5.jpg

Here is the unit in operation. I elevate the gasoline can with a milk crate and garbage can turned upside down. Near the end some solution remains in the gas can, and I tilt the right side up with some PVC to drain the rest out. So far its been working well with no leaks.

http://www.thesea.org/graphics/forums/DI6.jpg

and the fill up

http://www.thesea.org/graphics/forums/DI7.jpg


blane perun

Chuck S
11-24-2002, 11:17 AM
How bout good resources for one to find resins for sale as well as the acids and such needed to recharge these. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Where do you get yours?

broadwave
11-24-2002, 05:36 PM
Blane,

Just read your article in FAMA. Nicely written!!

I am moving to Exton PA in a couple of weeks. I would like come by sometime to check out your system... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

curator
11-24-2002, 05:51 PM
Thanks

I’d love to have you out.
That system has been
Torn down to make
Room for a small farm.

I have 6 grow tanks in
(about 720 gallons)
An addition I built
Specifically for the
Cause.

I have posted that to the
Board as well.

Email me

curator@thesea.org

let me know when you
would like to stop.

blane

curator
11-24-2002, 06:03 PM
Home Depot sell Muratic Acid for about 3-4 bucks per gallon.
You can buy caustic soda at any grocery store, usually sold
As lye. (drain opener) About the same price for 500 grams.

Single Bed Resins, you can purchase the Kati and Ani sold
Individually at Dr Foster and Smith

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=4499

The set would cost about $200 bucks. I have heard of people
Making their own vessels and buying the resins.

The quickest is spectrapure. You can buy mixed bed resin, or
The two individual resins for DIY.

http://www.spectrapure.com/St_replac_p5.htm#mix

Resins can be purchased from a myriad of manufacturer’s but you are
Better off buying the units I feel. Here are a few companies that make
Resins.
http://www.ion-exchange.com/products/index.html

http://www.rohmhaas.com/ionexchange/

http://www.toyotachemicals.com/

http://www.dow.com/ethyl/app/ionex.htm