WaterSolutions Separation of Aluminum from Liquid Media

Water / Wastewater: Aluminum is successfully removed from slightly acidic water based streams with a strong acid cation exchange resin like DOWEX™ G-26 (H) resin. If the aqueous stream has a pH from 3 to 8, a weak acid cation resin such as DOWEX MAC-3 should be considered due to the higher ion exchange capacity and economical regeneration. Aluminum can selectively be removed from brine streams with a selective resin like the aminophosphonic acid resin, AMBERLITE™ IRC747.

Anodizing Baths and Rinse Water: Processing of aluminum by bright dipping with phosphoric acid or anodizing with sulfuric acid and other acid solutions results in the accumulation of unwanted aluminum in these streams. A strong acid cation exchange resin like DOWEX G-26 (H) resin can be used for continuous removal of the aluminum. Capacities of 1 to 3 lbs of aluminum per cubic foot of resin are common.

Organic Media: Aluminum Lewis Acids (i.e., aluminum halides) can be removed from organic solutions using weakly basic anion exchange resins such as DOWEX M-43 resin