Demonstration of New, Highly Perchlorate-Selective Ion Exchange Resin Coupled with Resin-Optimized, Single-Vessel Engineering Design
Abstract
Ammonium perchlorate is used in the formulation for solid rocket fuel to propel military projectiles. This formulation has been demonstrated to be highly effective, stable under ambient conditions, and low in toxicity compared to previous liquid formulations. For these reasons, ammonium perchlorate is a very important material to our military and national security. Through handling and maintenance practices believed to be satisfactory based on the low toxicity profile of ammonium perchlorate, this material was introduced to the environment. Because of ammonium perchlorate s solubility in water and stability, it has persisted in the environment and has migrated to aquifers in populated areas and hence entered some potable water sources. Health studies have found that perchlorate can mimic iodine in the human thyroid and potentially disrupt thyroid function.a For this reason, many states and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) are considering creating regulations on the amount of perchlorate allowed in drinking water. Through litigation, much of the financial burden of removing perchlorate from the environment has fallen to the Department of Defense (DoD). As this trend is likely to continue, it is important that the most cost effective method of removing perchlorate from drinking water be determined and employed. This project will demonstrate the most cost effective method of employing ion exchange to remove low levels of perchlorate from drinking water. A highly-perchlorate-selective ion exchange resin will be used in a novel vessel, designed to fully utilize the resins capacity while minimizing operational problems encountered with current lead-lag, dual vessel systems. While this project will employ resin on a once-use basis, the vessel design can be successfully used for external regeneration operating models. It is not suitable for in-situ resin regeneration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA600289
Entities
People
- Jim Summerfield