Resin separator with diffusor

Abstract

A resin separator includes a separator column configured to separate anion resin and cation resin from a mixed resin slurry. A resin inlet delivers resin inflow to a diffusor having a diffusor body and at least one diffusor outlet defining an outlet length greater than an outlet height to produce flattened shear flows. The resin separator further includes torsion fluid inflows supplied through torsion nozzles to establish a torsion zone that enhances density‑based separation. An anion portion and a cation portion discharge separated resin through respective educators, while internal screens capture resin fines.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 11215.010WO-PCTRESIN SEPARATOR WITH DIFFUSORRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 770,831, filed March 12, 2025, titled “RESIN SEPARATOR WITH DIFFUSOR PIPE,” the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for separating ion exchange resins. More particularly, the disclosure relates to resin separators configured to separate anion resin and cation resin from a mixed resin slurry using controlled fluid flow and density-based separation. The disclosure further relates to resin separators employing diffusors to condition resin inflow and enhance separation efficiency, including improved handling of resin fines. The disclosed systems and methods are applicable to resin reconditioning, regeneration, and industrial water treatment processes.BACKGROUND

[0003] Ion exchange resins are widely used in water treatment, chemical processing, and related industries to remove dissolved ionic species from liquids. In many applications, mixed beds containing both anion resin and cation resin are employed, requiring subsequent separation of the resins for regeneration, reconditioning, or reuse. Efficient separation of mixed resin slurries is therefore an important operational concern.

[0004] Conventional resin separation techniques often rely primarily on density differences between resin types. However, separation efficiency can be adversely affected by resin bead interference, uncontrolled flow conditions, resin fines, and turbulence near resin introduction points. In particular, introducing resin slurry into a separation vessel through a conventional pipe or outlet can result in localized turbulence and bead collisions that reduce effective buoyancy-based separation.

[0005] Additionally, maintaining stable separation zones within a separator vessel can be challenging, especially when handling variable resin compositions, flow rates, or fluid densities. Resin fines and fragmented beads may further complicate separation by accumulating at intermediate layers or exiting through unintended outlets. As a result, there remains a need for resin separation systems that provide improved control over resin inflow,flow conditioning, and separation dynamics, while enhancing separation efficiency and fines management across a range of operating conditions.SUMMARY

[0006] In some embodiments, a resin separator includes a separator column, a resin inlet fluidly coupled to the separator column, and a diffusor fluidly coupled to the resin inlet and disposed to introduce resin from the resin inlet into the separator column through at least one diffusor outlet. The diffusor may include a flat, narrowed exit slot configured to condition resin flow entering the separator column. In some embodiments, the diffusor is torus-shaped and is configured to distribute resin circumferentially within the separator column.

[0007] In some embodiments, the resin separator further includes at least two torsion fluid inlets fluidly coupled to the separator column. The resin inlet may be positioned vertically between the at least two torsion fluid inlets. The torsion fluid inlets may be configured to introduce torsion fluid flows that establish a torsion zone within the separator column to enhance separation of anion resin and cation resin. In some embodiments, the resin separator further includes a resin fines capture screen positioned within the separator column. A first resin fines capture screen may be positioned above an upper torsion fluid inlet and a second resin fines capture screen may be positioned below a lower torsion fluid inlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, a diffusor includes a diffusor body having a first portion with a generally conical exterior surface and a second portion with a generally cylindrical exterior surface. The diffusor outlet may include an elongated slot having an outlet length greater than an outlet height. The elongated slot may extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the diffusor body. In some embodiments, the elongated slot extends parallel to a center axis of the diffusor, the center axis being aligned with the resin inlet. In some embodiments, the diffusor includes a plug positioned at an axial end of the diffusor body opposite the resin inlet. In some embodiments, the resin separator further includes a resin pipe extending from the resin inlet to the diffusor. In some embodiments, the diffusor body is disposed concentrically within the separator column.

[0009] In some embodiments, the resin separator further includes an anion educator and a cation educator, wherein the anion educator is fluidly coupled to an anion flush solution supply and the cation educator is fluidly coupled to a water flush supply. According to the present disclosure, in some embodiments, a diffusor for use in a resin separator includes a torus body defining an interior volume, a resin inlet fluidly coupled to the interior volume, and a pluralityof resin outlets formed in the torus body, each resin outlet lying in a common plane and distributed circumferentially around the torus body.

[0010] In some embodiments, a diffusor for use in a resin separator includes a diffusor body having a resin inflow passage extending along a longitudinal axis, at least one lateral outlet formed through the diffusor body, the lateral outlet defining a flattened flow opening, and a plug closing an axial end of the diffusor body opposite the resin inflow passage. In some embodiments, the flattened flow opening has a generally racetrack-shaped perimeter. In some embodiments, the lateral outlet includes a plurality of lateral outlets spaced circumferentially around the diffusor body. In some embodiments, the diffusor body includes a first portion having a greater outer diameter and a second portion having a smaller outer diameter, with the lateral outlet positioned at an interface between the first portion and the second portion, and the diffusor body being formed as a single, unitary structure.

[0011] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the DESCRIPTION, DRAWINGS, and CLAIMS.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended and / or included DRAWINGS, where like designations denote like elements, and:

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a resin separator with diffuser, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of the resin separator of FIG. 1, taken through the line 2 -2’ shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a resin separator with diffuser, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 4A is a top view of a diffusor, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 4B is a side view of the diffusor of FIG. 4A.

[0018] FIG. 4C is a front view of the diffusor of FIG. 4A.

[0019] FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of a diffusor, according to some embodiments, taken through the line 5 A - 5 A’ shown in FIG. 5B.

[0020] FIG. 5B shows a front view of the diffuser of FIG. 5 A.

[0021] FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of a diffusor, according to some embodiments, taken through the line 6 A - 6 A’ shown in FIG. 6B.

[0022] FIG. 6B shows a front view of the diffuser of FIG. 6 A.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows a schematic of a resin separator with a diffusor, according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a resin separator with a diffusor, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following detailed description provides numerous specific details. Those skilled in the relevant arts understand that embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. The disclosure may also be practiced in different and alternative configurations.

[0026] Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a step” includes a reference to one or more of such steps. The words “exemplary,” “example,” “embodiment,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or feature described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. The examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and do not limit or restrict the disclosure. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

[0027] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components.

[0028] When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

[0029] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific materials, devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed inventions. The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one.

[0030] The following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for separating ion exchange resins. The embodiments described herein are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Variations, modifications, and alternatives consistent with the principles disclosed herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0031] Resin separation is commonly performed in applications where mixed beds of anion resin and cation resin must be separated for regeneration, reconditioning, reuse, or disposal. Separation is typically driven by differences in resin density relative to a separation liquid. However, separation efficiency can be significantly influenced by how resin slurry is introduced into a separator vessel, how flow conditions are managed within the vessel, and how resin fines are handled during operation.

[0032] According to the present disclosure, improved resin separation is achieved by conditioning resin inflow, controlling internal flow patterns, and establishing regions within a separator vessel that promote predictable buoyant behavior of resin particles. In some embodiments, resin slurry is introduced through a diffusor that produces flattened shear flows, allowing individual resin beads to float or sink with reduced interference. In such embodiments, the flattened shear flows promote lateral expansion of the resin slurry as it enters the separation volume, reducing localized velocity gradients and turbulence. This flow conditioning allows resin beads to separate spatially soon after introduction, rather than remaining clustered or entrained in a concentrated stream. By limiting bead-to-bead collisions at the point of entry, the conditioned flow enables buoyant forces to act on individual resin particles more predictably. As a result, density-based separation can be initiated earlier within the separator and proceed with increased stability and efficiency. In some embodiments, torsion fluid inflows establish internal circulation patterns that enhance density-based separation and assist in fines removal.

[0033] In some embodiments, water introduced into the separator is used not only as a motive liquid to convey resin through the diffusor, including a torus-shaped diffusor, but also as a means of controlling buoyancy conditions within the separation volume. By adjusting the proportion and location of water introduced into the separator, the effective point of neutral buoyancy between anion resin and cation resin can be shifted vertically within the separator column. This allows the outlets of the diffusor to be positioned or aligned with a region, such as a torsion zone, where anion resin and cation resin are most responsive to buoyant andcentrifugal forces, thereby promoting rapid and reliable initial divergence of the resin types. In some embodiments, water flow rates and densities may be adjusted during operation to accommodate variations in resin composition, resin condition, or throughput, enabling dynamic tuning of the separation environment while simultaneously providing the motive force that transports resin circumferentially through the torus-shaped diffusor.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a resin separator 100 configured to separate anion resin from cation resin contained in a mixed resin slurry. The resin separator includes a separator column 102 defining an internal separation volume. A resin inlet 103 is provided to receive resin inflow 310, which may include resin beads suspended in a separation liquid. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, resin inflow 310 may be delivered through a resin pipe 112 to a diffusor 200 positioned within the separator column 102. The diffusor 200 is configured to introduce resin into the separator column in a controlled manner, as described in greater detail below.

[0035] In some embodiments, the resin separator 100 includes an anion portion 104 positioned toward an upper region of the separator column and a cation portion 106 positioned toward a lower region of the separator column. Separated anion resin is discharged through an anion educator 105 and exits the separator as anion resin out 304. Similarly, separated cation resin is discharged through a cation educator 107 and exits the separator as cation resin out 308. The educators may operate as eductors or other suction-based devices that assist in continuous removal of separated resin.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, some embodiments of the resin separator include torsion fluid supplies 114 connected to torsion nozzles 116 that introduce torsion fluid inflows 300 into the separator column. The torsion nozzles 116 may be positioned above and below the resin inlet 103 such that resin inflow 310 enters the separator column at or near a torsion zone 110. The torsion nozzles 116 may be positioned above and below the resin inlet 103 such that resin inflow 310 enters the separator column at or near a torsion zone 110. In some embodiments, the torsion nozzles 116 are oriented to introduce fluid tangentially into the separator column, generating rotational flow patterns within the separation volume. The torsion fluid introduced through the nozzles may circulate in the same or in opposite directions above and below the resin inlet 103, creating a region of reduced axial flow and controlled mixing at the torsion zone 110. This flow configuration allows resin exiting the diffusor to initially encounter a relatively stable region in which buoyant and centrifugal forces act in combination to promote separation of anion resin and cation resin before the resin enters more turbulent regions of the separator column.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments, a torsion zone 110 is established within the separator column without the use of discrete torsion nozzles 116. In such embodiments, rotational or swirling flow patterns may be generated by the geometry and orientation of internal components, including the diffusor 200, the separator column 102, or combinations thereof. For example, resin inflow 310 introduced through a diffusor having circumferential or angled outlets may impart rotational momentum to the surrounding separation liquid, creating a region of controlled torsion at or near the resin inlet 103. This torsion zone 110 may similarly provide a region of reduced axial flow in which buoyant and centrifugal forces act in combination to promote separation of anion resin and cation resin prior to the resin entering regions of higher turbulence within the separator column.

[0038] The torsion fluid inflows 300 generate torsion fluid flow 312 within the separator column. These flows may be tangential, swirling, or cyclonic in nature, and may circulate in the same or opposite directions above and below the resin inlet. The interaction of these flows establishes the torsion zone 110, which may be characterized by relatively reduced vertical movement compared to regions above and below the zone.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the torsion zone 110 enhances separation by allowing resin beads exiting the diffusor to initially respond to buoyant forces in a relatively stable flow region before entering more turbulent zones. Anion resin beads tend to rise into upper flow regions, while cation resin beads tend to sink into lower flow regions, with torsion-induced centrifugal forces further amplifying separation. This behavior arises from differences in density between the anion resin, the cation resin, and the surrounding separation liquid, such that the anion resin exhibits positive buoyancy while the cation resin exhibits negative buoyancy under the prevailing fluid conditions. As resin beads move through the torsion zone, centrifugal forces act radially on the beads in proportion to their effective mass and density relative to the surrounding liquid, reinforcing the natural float or sink tendencies established by buoyancy. The combined action of buoyant forces and torsion-induced centrifugal forces promotes rapid spatial divergence of anion resin and cation resin, allowing the resin types to enter distinct upper and lower flow regions with increased separation stability. In some embodiments, torsion fluid supplies may include an anion flush solution 302 introduced through an upper torsion nozzle and water flush 306 introduced through a lower torsion nozzle. Differences in fluid density may be used to locally adjust the specific gravity of the separation liquid, further promoting selective float or sink behavior.

[0040] Resin fines, including fragments and partial beads, may behave unpredictably due to intermediate density characteristics. Such fines may not consistently exhibit the same floator sink behavior as intact anion resin beads or cation resin beads under buoyancy-based separation alone. In some embodiments, centrifugal effects produced by torsion fluid flow 312 sling resin fines radially outward toward the interior wall of the separator column, separating the fines from the primary upward and downward resin flow paths. This outward migration facilitates interception of resin fines by internal collection structures while allowing intact resin beads to continue along their respective separation trajectories.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, screens 108 may be positioned within the separator column to capture resin fines. In some embodiments, the screens 108 are formed as annular or circumferential screening structures that extend at least partially around an interior perimeter of the separator column. The screens 108 may include mesh, perforated plate, wedge wire, or other porous structures configured to allow passage of separation liquid while retaining resin fines and fragments. In some embodiments, a first screen 108 is positioned above an upper torsion nozzle and a second screen 108 is positioned below a lower torsion nozzle, such that resin fines driven radially outward by torsion fluid flow 312 encounter the screens as they migrate toward the column wall.

[0042] Resin fines intercepted by the screens 108 may pass through the screen structure into a collection region or conduit for removal from the separator column. In some embodiments, the captured resin fines are conveyed to a disposal location or to further processing equipment, such as a collection vessel or sight glass, allowing monitoring of fines removal. The placement and configuration of the screens 108 allow resin fines to be separated from the primary upward and downward resin flow paths while permitting intact anion resin and cation resin to continue along their respective separation trajectories.

[0043] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an embodiment of a diffusor 200 including a diffusor body 202 configured to receive resin inflow 310 and distribute it into the separator column. The diffusor body 202 includes at least one diffusor outlet 204 that defines an outlet length 206 greater than an outlet height 216. This geometry produces flattened shear flows 314 as resin exits the diffusor.

[0044] Flattened shear flows reduce bead-to-bead interference and allow individual resin particles to respond more rapidly to buoyant forces. The diffusor outlet 204 may extend circumferentially around the diffusor body and may be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the diffusor.

[0045] In some embodiments, resin slurry exiting the diffusor through the flattened outlet forms a relatively thin layer that interfaces with a semi -stationary bulk liquid within the separator column. Frictional interaction between the thin resin slurry layer and the surroundingbulk liquid produces a scattering effect on individual resin beads, causing the beads to disperse laterally and radially rather than remaining in a coherent stream. This scattering reduces localized bead clustering and allows buoyant forces acting on individual beads to dominate shortly after discharge from the diffusor. As a result, lighter anion resin beads are more readily entrained in upward liquid flow, while heavier cation resin beads separate downward under gravity, thereby enhancing the efficiency and stability of density-based separation.

[0046] In some embodiments, the diffusor body includes a first portion 212 having a larger outer diameter and a second portion 214 having a smaller outer diameter. The diffusor outlet 204 may be positioned at an interface between these portions. The diffusor body may be formed as a single, unitary structure.

[0047] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate embodiments in which an internal feature 207 is formed within the diffusor outlet region. Such internal features may influence resin flow distribution, shear characteristics, or throttling behavior.

[0048] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate embodiments in which a plug 220 closes an axial end of the diffusor body opposite the resin inflow. The plug may prevent axial discharge and force resin to exit through the lateral diffusor outlet 204.

[0049] In some embodiments, the diffusor 200 is torus-shaped and disposed concentrically within the separator column, allowing resin to be introduced circumferentially around the column rather than from a single point.

[0050] FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically illustrate alternative resin flow behaviors and distribution patterns within the separator column. These figures demonstrate that resin may be distributed across a broad cross-section of the column and that separation dynamics may be influenced by diffusor geometry, torsion flow strength, and relative positioning of system components.

[0051] In some embodiments, separation liquid introduced tangentially into the separator column establishes a gentle swirling or vortex-like motion in the bulk liquid. This rotational flow, when combined with upward or downward liquid movement within the separator column, produces terminal settling velocity conditions that further promote density -based separation of anion resin and cation resin. Under these conditions, lighter anion resin beads are preferentially carried upward by the bulk liquid flow, while heavier cation resin beads settle downward toward the lower portion of the separator column. The gentle nature of the swirl limits excessive turbulence while still providing sufficient rotational energy to enhance separation efficiency. In some embodiments, volumetric flow rates entering the separator column are balanced with volumetric flow rates exiting the separator column to maintain a controlledinternal pressure within the separator vessel. For example, resin slurry inflow and separation liquid inflow may be coordinated with resin evacuation flows to maintain internal pressures within a selected operating range. Once resin slurry flow, separation liquid flow, and resin outlet flow rates are established, internal pressures and separation efficiency may be adjusted by regulating motive liquid supplied to one or more educators. Such flow balancing and pressure control allow stable operation across a range of throughput conditions without disrupting established separation zones.

[0052] In some embodiments, the temperature of the separation liquid within the separator column is adjusted to modify the density of the bulk liquid. Elevated separation liquid temperatures may reduce liquid density, allowing increased flow rates while maintaining effective density -based separation between anion resin and cation resin. Temperature-based tuning may be used independently or in combination with flow-rate adjustments to accommodate variations in resin composition, throughput requirements, or separation performance targets.

[0053] In some embodiments, resin separation is performed using multiple separator vessels arranged in series. Resin streams exhibiting unacceptable levels of cross-contamination following an initial separation pass may be reintroduced into one or more additional separator vessels to achieve improved separation purity. Such multi-pass separation may be employed to accommodate challenging resin mixtures, high throughput operation, or stringent purity requirements, without requiring modification of the separator structure. More specifically, this disclosure, its aspects and embodiments, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and / or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

[0054] Many additional implementations are possible. Further implementations are within the CLAIMS.

[0055] It will be understood that implementations of the preceding disclosure include but are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, it should be understood that, while the drawings and accompanying text show and describe particularimplementations, any such implementation may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and / or the like consistent with the intended operation.

[0056] The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. For example, it is specifically contemplated that the components included in particular embodiments may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations that can readily be formed into shaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operation of the disclosure. For example, the components may be formed of rubbers (synthetic and / or natural) and / or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination therefore, and / or other like materials; elastomers and / or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, and / or the like, thermosets (such as epoxy, phenolic resin, polyimide, polyurethane, and / or the like), and / or other like materials; plastics and / or other like materials; composites and / or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, and / or other like materials; and / or any combination of the foregoing.

[0057] Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, may involve 3-D printing, extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and / or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener, any combination thereof, and / or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the components.

[0058] In places where the description above refers to particular implementations, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other implementations disclosed or undisclosed. The presently disclosed are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A resin separator comprising:a separator column;a resin inlet fluidly coupled to the separator column; anda diffuser fluidly coupled to the resin inlet and disposed to introduce resin from the resin inlet into the separator column through at least one diffuser outlet.

2. The resin separator of claim 1, wherein the diffuser comprises a flat, narrowed exit slot.

3. The resin separator of claim 1, wherein the diffuser is torus-shaped.

4. The resin separator of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising at least two torsion fluid inlets fluidly coupled to the separator column.

5. The resin separator of claim 4, wherein the resin inlet is positioned vertically between the at least two torsion fluid inlets.

6. The resin separator of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a resin fines capture screen positioned within the separator column.

7. The resin separator of claim 6, further comprising a second resin fines capture screen, wherein a first resin fines capture screen is positioned above an upper torsion fluid inlet and the second resin fines capture screen is positioned below a lower torsion fluid inlet.

8. The resin separator of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the diffuser includes a diffuser body having a first portion with a generally conical exterior surface and a second portion with a generally cylindrical exterior surface.

9. The resin separator of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the at least one diffuser outlet comprises an elongated slot having an outlet length greater than an outlet height.

10. The resin separator of claim 9, wherein the elongated slot extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the diffuser body.

11. The resin separator of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the elongated slot extends parallel to a center axis of the diffuser, the center axis being aligned with the resin inlet.

12. The resin separator of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the diffuser includes a plug positioned at an axial end of the diffuser body opposite the resin inlet.

13. The resin separator of any one of claims 1-12, further comprising a resin pipe extending from the resin inlet to the diffuser.

14. The resin separator of any one of claims 1-13, further comprising an anion educator and a cation educator, wherein the anion educator is fluidly coupled to an anion flush solution supply and the cation educator is fluidly coupled to a water flush supply.

15. The resin separator of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the diffuser body is disposed concentrically within the separator column.

16. A diffuser for use in a resin separator, the diffuser comprising a torus body defining an interior volume, a resin inlet fluidly coupled to the interior volume, and a plurality of resin outlets formed in the torus body, each resin outlet lying in a common plane and distributed circumferentially around the torus body.

17. A diffuser for use in a resin separator, the diffuser comprising a diffuser body having a resin inflow passage extending along a longitudinal axis, at least one lateral outlet formed through the diffuser body, the lateral outlet defining a flattened flow opening, and a plug closing an axial end of the diffuser body opposite the resin inflow passage.

18. The diffuser of claim 17, wherein the flattened flow opening has a generally racetrack-shaped perimeter.

19. The diffuser of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the lateral outlet comprises a plurality of lateral outlets spaced circumferentially around the diffuser body.

20. The diffuser of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the diffuser body includes a first portion having a greater outer diameter and a second portion having a smaller outer diameter, with the lateral outlet positioned at an interface between the first portion and the second portion.

21. The diffuser of any one of claims 17-20, wherein the diffuser body is formed as a single, unitary structure.

22. A method of separating anion resin and cation resin from a mixed resin slurry, the method comprising:introducing the mixed resin slurry into a separator column through a diffuser having at least one flattened outlet; andallowing the anion resin and the cation resin to separate within the separator column based on density differences.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the flattened outlet defines an outlet length greater than an outlet height.

24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein introducing the mixed resin slurry comprises distributing the mixed resin slurry circumferentially within the separator column.

25. The method of any one of claims 22-24, further comprising introducing torsion fluid flows into the separator column to establish a torsion zone within the separator column.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the mixed resin slurry is introduced at or near the torsion zone.

27. The method of any one of claims 22-26, further comprising removing separated anion resin through an anion educator and removing separated cation resin through a cation educator.

28. The method of any one of claims 22-27, further comprising capturing resin fines within the separator column using at least one resin fines capture screen.

29. The method of any one of claims 22-28, further comprising adjusting at least one of liquid flow rate, liquid density, or liquid temperature within the separator column to control separation behavior.

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