A side-by-side, countercurrent regenerative ion exchange column system

Abstract

A parallel reversible regenerable ion exchange column system relates to the field of liquid purification and water treatment technology, and particularly to a reversible regenerable ion exchange column system employing multiple sets of parallel ion exchange columns, equipped with ejectors and pressure protection devices. To achieve the above objectives, this invention adopts the following technical solution: It comprises several sets of parallel exchange columns, each set of exchange columns has an inlet equipped with an ejector assembly, the suction port of the ejector assembly is connected to a regenerated liquid storage tank, and the regenerated liquid is drawn in by the negative pressure of the water flow; each set of exchange columns is equipped with a pressure protection device; the outlet end of the ejector assembly is connected to the bottom of the exchange column, and the regenerated liquid flows from bottom to top through the packing cylinder and is discharged from the top; a working liquid cylinder is connected to the top inlet of the packing cylinder; the working liquid enters from the top of the packing cylinder, flows from top to bottom through the packing cylinder and is discharged. It can adapt to various water treatment functions, and can achieve countercurrent regeneration through self-drawing of regenerated liquid by the ejector, improving water quality in conjunction with co-current exchange, while also possessing pressure protection function to enhance operational safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid purification and water treatment technology, and in particular to a reversible regenerable ion exchange column system that employs multiple sets of parallel ion exchange columns and is equipped with an ejector and a pressure protection device. Background Technology

[0002] Ion exchange technology is a liquid purification method widely used in water treatment, pure water preparation, chemical production, and food processing. Its basic principle is to utilize ion exchange resin packed within an exchange column to undergo a displacement reaction with exchangeable ions in the liquid, thereby removing specific ions or impurities. Depending on the target substance and purpose, common ion exchange columns include decolorization columns, cation exchange columns, and anion exchange columns.

[0003] While existing ion exchange devices can perform functions such as liquid decolorization, cation removal, and anion removal, they have the following problems in practical applications: Traditional systems typically divide functions such as decolorization, cation exchange, and anion exchange into different models and structures of exchange columns. Each column has a significant structural difference, and the interfaces, piping layouts, and installation methods are not standardized, which leads to the complexity of manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, and also increases the cost of spare parts and replacement.

[0004] Most existing ion exchange equipment uses a co-current regeneration method, where the regenerator enters from the top of the column and flows down through the resin bed. In this method, the lower resin comes into contact with the high-concentration regenerator first, while the upper resin only begins to come into contact after the regenerator concentration has decreased. This results in uneven and incomplete regeneration, affecting the resin's lifespan and exchange performance.

[0005] To deliver acid-base regenerated solutions into the exchange column, existing systems generally rely on acid-base resistant booster pumps. These pumps are not only expensive to purchase and consume a lot of energy, but also pose a high risk of leakage and corrosion during acid-base transport, increasing the safety hazards for operators coming into contact with acids and alkalis.

[0006] Overall, existing technologies have shortcomings in terms of structural versatility, regeneration efficiency, operating costs, safety, and operational flexibility. Therefore, it is necessary to design an ion exchange column system with a unified structure, capable of multi-column parallel or series operation, possessing countercurrent regeneration capabilities, eliminating the need for acid and alkali resistant booster pumps, and equipped with pressure protection devices. This would address the aforementioned issues and significantly improve the equipment's operating efficiency, safety, and applicability. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies by providing a parallel reversible regenerable ion exchange column system. This system can adapt to various water treatment functions (decolorization, cation exchange, anion exchange), and can achieve countercurrent regeneration through self-priming regenerable liquid via an ejector. Combined with cocurrent exchange, it can improve water quality and also has a pressure protection function to enhance operational safety.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: It includes an array of parallel exchange columns 1, each exchange column 1 having a jet assembly 2 at its inlet, the suction port 21 of the jet assembly 2 being connected to a regenerated liquid storage tank 6, and using negative pressure of water flow to draw in the regenerated liquid; each exchange column 2 is equipped with a pressure protection device 3; the outlet end of the jet assembly 2 is connected to the bottom of the exchange column 1, and the regenerated liquid flows from bottom to top through the packing cylinder 4 and is discharged from the top; the top inlet of the packing cylinder 4 is connected to a working liquid cylinder 5; the working liquid enters from the top of the packing cylinder 4, flows from top to bottom through the packing cylinder 4, and is discharged.

[0009] The array exchange columns 1 have the same structure, and the array exchange columns 1 achieve decolorization, cation exchange or anion exchange functions respectively by using different filling media; The packing cylinder 4 is made of acid and alkali resistant fiberglass, stainless steel, or a steel shell lined with anti-corrosion material.

[0010] The jet assembly 2 utilizes the Venturi principle to generate negative pressure when water flows through, drawing in the regenerated liquid and mixing it with the water before it enters the bottom of the ion exchange column.

[0011] The pressure protection device 3 is a mechanical pressure relief valve or an electric pressure relief mechanism linked to the control system.

[0012] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: its working process consists of two modes: normal operation and regeneration process. Normal operation (co-current exchange): The working fluid enters through the top inlet of the working fluid cylinder 5 and flows downwards along the direction of gravity through the resin packing layer in the packing cylinder 4. It comes into full contact with the packing and undergoes adsorption or ion exchange reactions to remove target ions or impurities from the liquid. The treated working fluid flows out from the bottom of the packing cylinder 4 and is transported to subsequent processes or storage devices through pipelines.

[0013] Regeneration Process (Countercurrent Regeneration): During regeneration, pure water enters the ejector body of the ejector assembly 2 through the inlet. As the water flows through the ejector, a negative pressure is generated at the suction port 21 using the Venturi principle, drawing regenerated liquid from the regenerated liquid storage tank 6. After mixing with the water, the regenerated liquid enters the bottom of the exchange column 1. The regenerated liquid flows upward through the packing layer in the packing cylinder 4, allowing the resin to fully contact the high-concentration regenerated liquid and complete the restoration of ion exchange capacity. Subsequently, the waste liquid is discharged from the top of the packing cylinder.

[0014] Safety Protection and Backwashing: During normal operation or regeneration, when the internal pressure of the column exceeds the set value, the pressure protection device 3 installed on the column will automatically release pressure or link with the control system to stop the machine, thereby preventing the column from bursting due to overpressure. When it is necessary to remove residual regenerated liquid or impurities, the packing layer can be flushed from top to bottom through backwashing mode to ensure the quality of the effluent for the next operation.

[0015] After adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the exchange columns 1 arranged in parallel array have the same structure, and can achieve decolorization, cation exchange or anion exchange functions by using different filling media, which is convenient for mass production, maintenance and flexible combination use.

[0016] The counter-current regeneration method allows the regenerated liquid to flow from bottom to top through the packing layer, ensuring full contact with the packing and extending the contact time. This improves the uniformity and thoroughness of regeneration, thereby extending the service life and treatment performance of the packing. The jet assembly 2 utilizes the Venturi principle to generate negative pressure as water flows through, self-priming the regenerated liquid and mixing it with the water before sending it to the bottom of the column. This eliminates the need for an additional acid / alkali resistant booster pump, significantly reducing equipment investment and operating energy consumption, while also minimizing the risk of operators coming into contact with acids and alkalis. Each exchange column in this invention is equipped with a pressure protection device 3, which automatically releases pressure or shuts down the machine when the pressure rises abnormally, effectively preventing column damage or bursting due to overpressure and ensuring equipment and personnel safety. The parallel array design allows for single-column operation, parallel operation, or series operation by switching valves according to actual water quality and flow requirements, offering strong adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a front view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific application process of this utility model.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Exchange column; 2. Jet assembly; 21. Suction port; 6. Regenerated liquid storage tank; 3. Pressure protection device; 4. Packing cylinder; 5. Working liquid cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0020] See Figure 1-2As shown, the technical solution adopted in this specific embodiment is as follows: It includes an array of parallel exchange columns 1. Each set of exchange columns 1 has a jet assembly 2 at its inlet. The suction port 21 of the jet assembly 2 is connected to the regenerated liquid storage tank 6, and the regenerated liquid is drawn in by the negative pressure of the water flow. Each set of exchange columns 1 is equipped with a pressure protection device 3. The outlet end of the jet assembly 2 is connected to the bottom of the exchange column 1, and the regenerated liquid flows from bottom to top through the packing cylinder 4 and is discharged from the top. The top inlet of the packing cylinder 4 is connected to the working liquid cylinder 5. The working liquid enters from the top of the packing cylinder 4, flows from top to bottom through the packing cylinder 4, and is discharged. The array of exchange columns 1 has the same structure, and the array of exchange columns 1 achieves decolorization, cation exchange, or anion exchange functions respectively through different filling media. The packing cylinder 4 is made of acid and alkali resistant fiberglass, stainless steel, or a steel shell lined with anti-corrosion material. The jet body of the jet assembly 2 generates negative pressure when water flows through it using the Venturi principle, drawing in the regenerated liquid and mixing it with the water flow before it enters the bottom of the ion exchange column. The pressure protection device 3 is a mechanical pressure relief valve or an electric pressure relief mechanism linked to the control system.

[0021] See Figure 3 This specific embodiment consists of three sets of exchange column systems connected in series. Each system includes three sets of exchange columns, namely a decolorization unit, a cation exchange unit, and an anion exchange unit. This specific embodiment includes three states: normal operation, regeneration, and backwashing.

[0022] Normal operation (downstream exchange): Raw water enters the decolorization column through the inlet pipe and is controlled by inlet valves (such as valve #1, valve #6, and valve #11) to enter the top of the corresponding column.

[0023] In the decolorization process, raw water flows from top to bottom through the packing cylinder 4 of the decolorization column, making full contact with the filled decolorization resin to remove pigments and some organic impurities from the solution. The decolorized effluent flows into the decolorization storage tank through valve #2.

[0024] In cation exchange, decolorized water is pumped to the top of the cation exchange column and flows downwards through the packed strong acid cation exchange resin to remove Ca. 2+ Mg 2+ Na + The cations are discharged through valve #7.

[0025] In anion exchange, the water after cation exchange flows into the top of the anion exchange column and then flows downwards through the packed strong-base anion exchange resin to remove Cl-. - SO4 2- NO3 - The anions are discharged through valve #12 to the deionized water tank for storage, and then transported to the point of use by the water supply pump.

[0026] Regeneration process (countercurrent regeneration): During regeneration, pure water enters the jet assembly 2 through the jet inlet valve (such as valves 4#, 9#, and 14#). Inside the jet, negative pressure is generated at the suction port 21 using the Venturi principle, drawing in the corresponding acid or alkali regeneration solution from the regeneration solution storage tank 6.

[0027] The regenerated liquid enters in a countercurrent manner, mixes with the water flow, and enters the bottom of the exchange column from the outlet end of the ejector (such as valves #5, #10, and #15). It flows from bottom to top through the packing cylinder 4, making full contact with the resin and restoring its ion exchange or decolorization capacity.

[0028] Waste liquid discharge: The recycled waste liquid is discharged from the top of the column through the outlet to the designated waste liquid collection system for centralized treatment to meet environmental protection requirements.

[0029] Backwashing process: After backwashing and regeneration, backwash water is introduced from top to bottom through backwash valves (such as valves 18#, 19#, and 20#).

[0030] The residual liquid is rinsed off. Backwash water enters from the top of the packing layer to flush away the remaining regenerated liquid and impurity particles, and is discharged through the bottom drain or drain valve (such as valves #3, #8, and #13).

[0031] Prepare for the next run. After backwashing is complete, close the relevant valves and the system will return to normal operating mode.

[0032] In this specific implementation, each treatment system consists of three sets of parallel exchange columns: these can be adjusted to operate as a single column, in parallel, or in series according to production needs, flexibly adapting to different water quality and flow requirements; jet regeneration: eliminating the need for acid and alkali resistant booster pumps, it uses negative pressure water flow to self-prime regenerated liquid, reducing operating costs and the risk of acid and alkali contact; pressure protection device: each column is equipped with a mechanical or electric pressure relief mechanism to prevent overpressure bursting; the combination of co-current exchange and counter-current regeneration ensures a dual improvement in treatment effect and regeneration efficiency.

[0033] The above description is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and is not intended to limit it. Any other modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of this utility model, as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A side-by-side, countercurrent regenerative ion exchange column system, characterized by: It includes an array of parallel exchange columns (1), each exchange column (1) has a jet assembly (2) at its inlet, and the suction port (21) of the jet assembly (2) is connected to the regenerated liquid storage tank (6) to draw the regenerated liquid using the negative pressure of the water flow; each exchange column (1) has a pressure protection device (3) on its column body; the outlet end of the jet assembly (2) is connected to the bottom of the exchange column (1), and the regenerated liquid flows from bottom to top through the packing cylinder (4) and is discharged from the top; the top inlet of the packing cylinder (4) is connected to the working liquid cylinder (5); the working liquid enters from the top of the packing cylinder (4), flows from top to bottom through the packing cylinder (4) and is discharged.

2. The parallel reversible regenerative ion exchange column system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The array of parallel exchange columns (1) have the same structure, and the array of exchange columns (1) achieves decolorization, cation exchange or anion exchange functions respectively through different filling media.

3. The parallel reversible regenerative ion exchange column system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The packing cylinder (4) is made of acid and alkali resistant fiberglass, stainless steel, or a steel shell lined with anti-corrosion material.

4. The parallel reversible regenerative ion exchange column system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The jet assembly (2) utilizes the Venturi principle to generate negative pressure when water flows through, drawing in the regenerated liquid and mixing it with the water flow before it enters the bottom of the ion exchange column.

5. A parallel reversible regenerable ion exchange column system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure protection device (3) is a mechanical pressure relief valve or an electric pressure relief mechanism linked to the control system.

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