To sieve, or not to sieve?

[aspearin1]

We have a system where we are developing a new product. Unfortunately this new product leaves long-chained polymers at the 8-20 ppm levels in our process solution that other processes also use. We've been able to remove this very well using natural zeolite. The problem with this is that it leaches unwanted metals into the solution, which could be worse than the polymers. We have a finishing step using cation exchange beads to remove these metals to a rather low level, but it still leaves high levels of potassium, aluminum, sodium and dissolved silica. My preference is to move to a substance that's more calcium rich, which has been easier to get rid of. The 5A molecular sieve seems to fit this description, only I haven't come across much material that suggests its use in aqueous solutions. We've shown the 3A molecular sieve (potassium rich) to work, though. So I ask of anyone who has familiarity with any of this to speak out! Can you propose any alternatives to these zeolite type media? (Activated carbon didn't work. Polymer is too large) Are there notable aqueous applications to the molecular sieves, especially at low pH? Also, I'm thinking of using a quat enhanced filter to remove dissolved silica. Any thoughts on this? All responses, and out-of-the-box ideas are welcome!!!

 

[DeltaCascade]

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