Proper regeneration can extend the life of your ion exchange resin for years and be far more economical than purchasing new media. But maximizing each regeneration cycle is a skill that takes years to master. Many operators don’t have the time, the capabilities, or the experience to perform the task optimally. That’s where we come in.

Our regeneration technologists specialize in removing collected contaminants and restoring exhausted resin to its proper ionic form so it can be returned to service. Regeneration provides the customer with savings across the board from buying “virgin” products and the peace of mind that the waste is properly handled.

We combine system engineering with technical expertise to extend the life of your water and water treatment resources.

Resin Types

Ion exchange resins are used in a wide range of water treatment applications including:

  • Deionization
  • Softening
  • Metals removal
  • Electro-discharge Machining (EDM)
  • Pollution control
  • Product purification
  • Metals recovery

When are exhausted resins considered “hazardous” waste?

Depending on the environment in which they are used and the type and concentration of contaminants present, exhausted resins may be considered hazardous and be subject to specific handling during regeneration.

Resins used during wastewater treatment in electroplating operations are classified as Hazardous Waste (F006) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) according to the Resource Conservational and Recovery Act (RCRA). By definition, this is called “categorically” hazardous resin and processing of this resin follow strict procedures associated with the handling of hazardous waste.

Resins used outside the electroplating industry, while not considered categorically hazardous (by definition), may still be hazardous depending on the environment in which they are used and the type and concentration of contaminants present. This is called “characteristically” hazardous resin.

ResinTech considers any resin used to treat influent containing toxic levels of any of the following elements (in relation to EPA and local standards) is“characteristically” hazardous and will follow the same handling procedures used for categorically hazardous waste:

  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Selenium
  • Silver

The Process

While ResinTech can accept ion exchange resin classified as either hazardous and non-hazardous, the intake process may vary slightly for each and we can guide you on the proper transportation means for each scenario and can test your resin against local and federal limits for characteristically hazardous contaminants.

All regeneration processes are tightly controlled with separate regeneration lines for non-metal bearing resins as well. Each regenerated lot is quality tested to ensure the customer achieves the highest quality water and capacity. ResinTech operates regeneration plants on both the east and west coast and offers regeneration solutions for a full range of ion exchange media.

Clean, non-hazardous, regenerated resins are returned to customers for service while any hazardous waste material collected during regeneration is certified and disposed of according to EPA standards

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