Ion exchange is a chemical water-treatment process that swaps ions in feed water for ions held on a resin bed. Common applications: softening (Ca/Mg → Na), demineralization (all ions → H⁺/OH⁻ → H₂O), and selective contaminant removal. Feed flows through a vessel of resin beads. As ions in the feed displace ions on the resin, resin loses capacity. Regeneration with brine, acid, or caustic restores capacity. IX delivers ultra-low TDS (<1 ppm) more cheaply than RO at small scales and for select ion removals (arsenic, nitrate, uranium), but operating cost rises sharply with feed TDS. IX wins when feed TDS is low (< 500 ppm) and the target is ultra-pure water (< 1 ppm). RO wins at higher feed TDS where regenerant cost dominates. Driven by feed loading. A 500-L softener treating 5 GPM at 200 ppm hardness regenerates every 1–3 days. Yes — selective resins target nitrate, arsenic, perchlorate, chromate, and uranium. Specify resin chemistry to the contaminant. ForeverPure has supplied desalination, high-pressure pumps, and energy-recovery devices to commercial and industrial customers since 2003. Contact our engineers for sizing, quotes, or technical support.Ion Exchange (IX)
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When is IX better than RO?
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Can IX remove nitrate or arsenic?
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