Optimization of ammonia removal by ion exchange using clinoptilolite
By: by Sanitary Engineering Research Laboratory, College of Engineering, and School of Public Health, University of California. [Authors: John H. Koon and Warren J. Kaufman]
Contributors: Koon, John H.; Kaufman, Warren J., 1922-; University of California, Berkeley. School of Public Health.; United States. Environmental Protection Agency.
Series: Water pollution control research series
Publisher: [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]; for sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off.
Published: 1972
Place of publication: Washington
Language: eng
Number of pages: 189
Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Ion exchange process.; Clinoptilolite.; Ammonia.
Description: The zeolite ion exchanger clinoptilolite was investigated with the objective of optimizing its application to ammonia removal from wastewaters. The study included multiple cycle pilot plant operations at three municipal sewage treatment plants. Particular attention was given to cation interference with exhaustion performance and with minimum cost regeneration. The ammonia capacity of clinoptilolite was found to be nearly constant over the pH range of 4 to 8, but diminished rapidly outside this range. In regeneration the pH was critical in determining the NaCl requirements, a higher pH favoring lesser amounts of salt. However, at a pH over 12.5 zeolite attrition became excessive and exchanger makeup contributed significantly to operating costs. An average ammonia removal of 95.7% was obtained in demonstration studies on three municipal wastes have an NH₃N content of about 20 mg/ℓ. The cost of ammonia removal using clinoptilolite for a 10-mgd plant operating under these conditions was estimated to be $0.082/1000 gal. Ammonia removal down to less than 0.5 mg/ℓ NH₃₋N is technically feasible, but only with shorter exhaustion runs and greater regenerant requirements.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
"17080 DAR 09/71."
Prepared for the Environmental Protection Agency.