Kinetic behaviour of boron selective resins for boron removal using seeded microfiltration system

In this study, boron selective ion exchange resins (Dowex-XUS 43594.00 and Purolite S 108) and model boron solutions at different ionic strengths were used in order to perform continuous kinetic studies in a seeded microfiltration stirred cell provided by Micropore Technologies (UK). Mass transfer modelling based on a well stirred system, including maximum capacity (Q(m), mg/g) and Langmuir constant (b, L/mg) values obtained from a Langmuir isotherm, coupled with film diffusion around the resin particle and internal diffusion within the particle, was used to predict concentration change of boron against time. Finally, experimental results were compared with the modelling data for different ionic strength mediums to determine the diffusivity of boron inside the resin and mass transfer coefficients. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.