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Amberlyst 15 activity test; yellow titration!!!??

Amberlyst 15 activity test; yellow titration!!!??

Amberlyst 15 activity test; yellow titration!!!??

(OP)
We have a process here that uses the Amberlyst 15 cation exchange beads (Rohm-Haas) as a catalyst for esterification.  Recent testing on the beads indicated a metal fouling of them.  More specifically defined by a yellowing of titration.

To test the beads, a sample mass (6g) is flushed with 500mL DI water and later flushed with 4% Na2SO4 to strip remaining H+ ions off the beads and into solution.  A titration is performed on samples of this solution with .1N NaOH and Phenolphthalein indicator.  

Normally when I run this test on a lab scale the titrant remains clear until BOOM, pink.  However, when running the test on process beads, the solution gradually became yellower before settling on a pinkish peach.  Much different than normal.  My best guess is that a metal is being stripped from the beads and is reacting with NaOH and Phenolphthalein to produce the yellow color.  Can anyone hazard a guess as to what this metal might be?

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