Reducing costs and treating hardness in drinking water with Shallow Shell™ SSTC600E

A California state correctional facility was suffering from poor water quality due to nearby wells and agricultural runoff seeping into the ground. The groundwater contaminated the potable water system in the state facility, rendering the water too high in nitrates and hardness, determined by the concentration of magnesium and calcium in the water. Additionally, the costs associated to treating their water was exceptionally high.

The facility was using a tank system consisting of granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange resins. The resin was used to remove contaminants that were not removed by GAC in addition to reducing hardness. Despite their system, the state facility continually overspent the budget year after year trying to maintain the system. Engineers across the country were brought in to consult, many of whom sought assistance from Purolite. An on-site visit was then arranged between Purolite and the facility.

Operating costs were the biggest challenge faced by the facility. These costs included chemical, water and power usage, as well as labor. To solve the facilities problems, Purolite evaluated the current practices and supplied revisions to optimize production and lower treatment costs. Using PuroPass™ an audit/evaluation process developed by Purolite to optimize system operations, the most cost-efficient resins were determined based on the targeted contaminants needing removal.

The PuroPass evaluation supported the use of Shallow Shell™ SSTC6000E to reduce hardness and Purolite® A520E to reduce nitrate. The state installed Shallow Shell™ SSTC6000E into the facility in 2011. Shallow Shell™ SSTC6000E is commonly used in softening industrial and potable water as well as water used to process food and other beverages. This resin also is advantageous due to its regeneration and salt efficiencies and lower rinse volume when used properly. Unfortunately, the state facility was reluctant to adjust their processes and did not see significant change in their system.

After two years of close communication with Purolite, the facility gradually switched to Purolite’s recommended procedures for using the SST resin and began to see dramatic savings by reducing their salt usage and amount of rinse water. Larry Dimock, Chief Plant Operator of facilities noted that they are satisfied with the results of “reducing chemical and water costs by 50%,” then added, “we have less frequent regenerations which also reduces our labor and power costs.” 

Purolite can work closely with your internal teams to develop best practices and discover ways to optimize systems that have real results. To learn more about PuroPass or solutions for nitrate removal, contact your local Purolite sales team.