I wonder If anyone has used or is currently using microscope ou stereoscope to determine the state of ion exchange resins, like iron fouling, physical degradation, etc. Any input would be appreciated, included equipment selection and possibly some related web links, if any...
As a Resin Manufacturer employee we do that all the time. I, personally, have one in my briefcase that works for quick looks on job sites that we bought from Radio Shack for $9.95. They have others ranging in price up to $99.95. You can all also look at the Student Microscope at the link I provide below for Microscope World. That looks like one that would work for what you need for $139. You can do a Google search for Microscopes for other more sophisticated units. Most resin manufacturers will do analyses of resin samples which will include a microscopic photo of the sample as well as a chemical condition of the sample and provide an interpretation of the analysis report.
It is an important tool still used to check condition of bead. Microscopic examination will reveal whether
1. Cracks and pieces are more, especially if large number of beads are developing the crack (which obviously lead to fragmentation of beads to pieces in course of time.)
2. If debris or clay particles are entangled with bead or their surfaces (which occurs due to insufficient cleaning of resin during backwash).
3. If fine particles of precipitate appears (which is due to improper regeneration, especially when sulfuric acid is used).
4. Any microbial or their secretions are there indicating microbial contamination.
4. Deformation of beads, which results due to excessive pressure loss across resin bed during operation.
5. Any other contamination resulted due to metal fouling or cross contamination of media (carbon or other resin) resulted due to mechanical failure of underdrain system.
I still believe, these initial observations give vital clue to the deviations occured in plant from standard operating procedures.
It is an important tool still used to check condition of bead. Microscopic examination will reveal whether
1. Cracks and pieces are more, especially if large number of beads are developing the crack (which obviously lead to fragmentation of beads to pieces in course of time.)
2. If debris or clay particles are entangled with bead or their surfaces (which occurs due to insufficient cleaning of resin during backwash).
3. If fine particles of precipitate appears (which is due to improper regeneration, especially when sulfuric acid is used).
4. Any microbial or their secretions are there indicating microbial contamination.
4. Deformation of beads, which results due to excessive pressure loss across resin bed during operation.
5. Any other contamination resulted due to metal fouling or cross contamination of media (carbon or other resin) resulted due to mechanical failure of underdrain system.
I still believe, these initial observations give vital clue to the deviations occured in plant from standard operating procedures.
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