Amberlite IRC86SB

Summary

Product identification

AMBERLITE™ IRC86SB Industrial Grade Weak Acid Exchanger

Description

AMBERLITE IRC86SB resin is a high capacity weak acid cation exchange resin with carboxylic acid functional groups. It exhibits excellent physical and chemical stability. Its particle size distribution is optimized for stratified bed applications when paired with AMBERJET™ 1500 H resin, aiming to reduce acid consumption and capital costs in deionization. In the hydrogen cycle, AMBERLITE IRC86SB resin removes hardness associated with alkalinity, converting CO₃²⁻ and HCO₃⁻ to CO₂ for removal by degasification. Water chlorine content does not impact resin performance.

Typical Properties

These properties are typical and do not constitute specifications.

• Physical form: Clear yellow spherical beads
• Matrix: Gel polyacrylic copolymer
• Functional group: Carboxylic acid
• Ionic form as shipped: H⁺
• Total exchange capacity: ≥4.10 eq/L (H⁺ form) [1]
• Moisture holding capacity: 47 to 53% (H⁺ form) [1]
• Shipping weight: 790 g/L
• Particle size:
  • Harmonic mean size: 0.450 - 0.600 mm
  • Uniformity coefficient: ≤1.6
  • <0.315 mm: 4.0% max. [1]
• Maximum reversible swelling (total conversion):
  • H⁺ → Na⁺: 100%
  • H⁺ → Ca²⁺: 15%
  • H⁺ → Mg²⁺: 50%

[1] Contractual value. Test methods are available on request.

Suggested Operating Conditions

• Maximum operating temperature: 100°C
• Minimum bed depth: 700 mm
• Service flow rate: 5 to 70 BV*/h

Regeneration

• Regenerant: HCl, H₂SO₄
• Level: 104 to 110% of operating capacity
• Concentration (%):
  • HCl: 2 to 5
  • H₂SO₄: 0.5 to 0.7
• Minimum contact time: 30 minutes
• Slow rinse: 2 BV at regeneration flow rate
• Fast rinse: 2 to 4 BV at service flow rate

* 1 BV (Bed Volume) = 1 m³ solution per m³ resin

Performance

Operating Capacity

The operating capacity of AMBERLITE IRC86SB resin depends on analysis, temperature, and service flow rate. Engineering data sheet (EDS 0235 A) provides information for capacity calculations.

Regeneration

AMBERLITE IRC86SB resin is efficiently regenerated using slightly over-stoichiometric amounts of strong acids. When using sulfuric acid, a low concentration (approximately 0.7%) is recommended to prevent calcium sulfate precipitation.

Limits of Use

Due to significant swelling between H⁺ and Na⁺ or NH₄⁺ forms, it is not recommended to operate AMBERLITE IRC86SB resin between these ionic forms. This resin is suitable for industrial applications. For specific uses like pharmaceutical, food processing, or potable water, consult Rohm and Haas for resin selection and optimal operating conditions.

Hydraulic Characteristics

Figures 1 and 2 (in the original document) show bed expansion versus backwash flow rate and temperature, and pressure drop versus service flow rate and temperature, respectively. Pressure drop data are valid at the start of a service run with clear water and a properly classified bed.

Disclaimer: Extraction may miss figures, footnotes, or revisions; contractual data must match the OEM PDF revision used on the project.

Official datasheet (PDF)

Lenntech datasheet mirror