Strong-Acid Cation Uniform-Particle Resin
High exchange capacity and excellent kinetics for softening and demineralization systems.
Uniform-particle gel strong-acid cation resin on a styrene-divinylbenzene skeleton with sulfonic-acid (-SO3-) functional groups. Uniform particle size reduces bed pressure-drop variation and uneven regenerant distribution—suited to continuous softening, demineralization and condensate-polishing systems.
| Grade | XR-SAC-001 Uniform Strong Acid Cation Exchange Resin |
|---|---|
| Ionic Form | H+ strong-acid cation (sulfonic acid -SO3-) |
| Matrix | Styrene-divinylbenzene (DVB) |
| Structure | Uniform-Particle Gel |
| Suitable Conditions | Softening / demineralization / condensate polishing · cation layer of co-current or counter-current regeneration beds · cation component of mixed beds · continuous systems requiring stable pressure drop |
| Not Recommended (assess first) | Long-term service in strongly oxidizing media (assess service first) · direct feed of high-solids raw water (pre-filtration/UF required) |
| Particle Size · Packaging · Shelf Life | 0.3 - 1.2 mm · packaging and shelf life per grade TDS |
| Total exchange capacity | 1.8 - 2.2 eq/L (H⁺ form) |
| Moisture retention | 45 - 55 % |
| Particle size | 0.3 - 1.2 mm, uniform |
| Operating pH | 0 - 14 |
| Max. operating temperature | 100 °C |
| Regeneration | 2 - 4 BV, 4 - 8 % HCl |
| Functional group | Sulfonic acid (–SO₃H) |
| Typical values for this grade family; contract values are set by the batch CoA/TDS. | |
| Documents | Download TDS / MSDS from the top of the page; CoA samples and third-party verification reports are available on request on request |
Parameters on this page are representative descriptions under typical test conditions and do not constitute a performance commitment; specific values are governed by the corresponding grade's batch CoA and TDS. Where operating boundaries are unclear, we recommend starting with a service assessment。
SAC or WAC? The decision that sets operating cost
Strong acid cation resin removes every cation, including sodium, and is regenerated with acid at 2–4 BV. Weak acid cation resin removes only the hardness associated with alkalinity, but it regenerates at close to stoichiometric acid consumption. If your water has high temporary hardness and you only need softening, WAC can cut acid use by 30–50%; if you need sodium-free water or full demineralization, SAC is the correct choice.
When a uniform-particle gel grade pays for itself
Uniform-particle resins reduce pressure-drop variation across the bed and give a more even regenerant front. In deep beds, cold water or high flow rates, the lower pressure drop can defer a pump upgrade; in counter-current regeneration, the sharper front improves capacity recovery. The premium is typically 10–20% on resin price and is recovered in regenerant and pumping cost over the first fill.
Regeneration and rinse
| Regenerant | 4 – 8% HCl (or H₂SO₄ with a staged introduction) |
|---|---|
| Dosage | 2 – 4 BV, or 60 – 120 g HCl per litre of resin |
| Flow rate | 2 – 4 BV/h for the regenerant, 4 – 8 BV/h rinse |
| Rinse volume | 2 – 4 BV to reach the target effluent conductivity |
| Temperature | Ambient to 40 °C; higher improves kinetics but shortens life |
Sulfuric acid is cheaper per equivalent but risks calcium sulfate precipitation at high concentration; introduce it in stages or use hydrochloric acid where the calcium load is high. Always rinse to the plant's conductivity target rather than a fixed volume — the required rinse depends on the bed depth and the regenerant distribution quality.
Troubleshooting the first year
| Capacity drops quickly | Iron or organic fouling; check pre-treatment and try a caustic/surfactant clean |
|---|---|
| High pressure drop | Fines from attrition, resin swelling or inadequate backwash |
| Early sodium breakthrough | Channeling, insufficient regeneration or a bed that is too shallow |
| High rinse conductivity | Poor regenerant distribution or too short a rinse |
Frequently asked
What is the difference between capacity in eq/L and eq/kg?
eq/L is volumetric and depends on moisture and form; eq/kg is gravimetric and is the better measure of the polymer itself. For vessel design use eq/L at the shipped form, then correct for the operating form.
Can the resin be used in a mixed bed?
Yes, as the cation component. Match the density and particle size to the anion grade so the bed separates cleanly during backwash.
How long does a fill last?
Five to ten years in clean water with correct regeneration; two to four years in high-oxidant or high-organic service. Track capacity annually rather than relying on a calendar.