PFAS Treatment Solutions Update
By: Michael UrbansPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. Calgon Activated Carbon is a popular choice to treat waters contaminated with PFOS, PFOA. Gaining fast approval is a new line of ion exchange resins from Purolite Company.
- Purolite A592E (residential grade)
- Purolite A694E (commercial and industrial grade)
According to Purolite, a properly designed PFAS reduction system should last longer and use less floor space than an equivalent activated carbon system. This is especially true with larger flow rate applications.
Features
- Takes up less floor space.
- Extended life
- The Empty bed Contact Times (EBCT) for the resin is 3 minutes vs activated carbon at 7 minutes.
Design & Installation Recommendations
- Since this is an Ion Exchange product, it is imperative to test for competing ions.
- All carbon and resin tanks should be plumbed in a downflow configuration.
- All installations should include a 5-micron prefilter.
- Two treatment vessels plumbed in a lead lag configuration.
- Sample ports located before, between and after the treatment tanks.
- A totalizing water meter to tally total gallons used is recommended when possible.
- Post treatment with a small carbon filter to reduce residual resin odors.
- Purolite A592E resin is non-regenerable and for single use only.
Disposal
- Proper disposal of activated carbon and resin used to treat for PFAS is always important.
- Small amounts of residential POE resins can be disposed of in the regular trash stream but check with your local authority first.
- Commercially, large amounts of the spent resin can be incinerated by an approved waste hauler.