Iron is a transition metal with an atomic number of 26 and is the 4th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It is a lustrous, ductile, malleable, silver-grey. It is the tenth most abundant element in the universe.
Applications
Iron alloys, such as steel and cast iron, are common industrial metals because of their mechanical properties and low costs. They also help in the transfer of oxygen into blood and nourish plants.
Challenges
Iron is present in potable and groundwater. If the faucet water is rusty and orange-colored, it typically contains high iron levels. Small amounts of iron in water can leave rust stains on sinks and toilets when they dry and make drinking water taste metallic. Iron can also cause problems as it builds up in pipes.
Solutions
Resin technology is used in two relevant applications.
Removal from Drinking Water
Purolite™ Shallow Shell™ Technology, designed by Ecolab’s R&D team, improves softening and demineralization performance. Purolite Shallow Shell SSTC6000E is a high-performance, gel-type, strong acid cation exchange resin designed for applications such as water softening, demineralization, and heavy metal removal. Its fine mesh size and uniform particle distribution make it suitable for various water treatment processes, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.
For more information, visit Shallow Shell™ Technology Products.
Removal from Chemical Solutions
Hydrochloric acid pickling baths are typically used to remove rust, scale and other contaminants from the surface of a metal. Metals such as iron gradually build up in the acid, decreasing the efficiency of the acid. Removal of these impurities via ion exchange allows recycling of the acid, thereby decreasing operating costs
In hydrochloric pickling baths, iron can be removed with a strong base anion exchange resin, such Purolite Puromet™ MTA5500.
Phosphoric acid pickling is used for scale removal from steel surfaces, for example prior to coating with enamel. The presence of iron results in precipitates that clog the sprays. Removal of iron can be done using a strong acid cation exchange resin, such as the Purolite™ Puromet™ MTC1600H.
For more information, visit Metals Plating.
