In the ion-exchange softening process, what must be done once the resin no longer softens water?

In the ion-exchange softening process, what must be done once the resin no longer softens water?

• A. Recycled
• B. Disposed of
• C. Regenerated
• D. Upgraded

Answer: (C)

In the ion-exchange softening process, when the resin has exhausted its capacity to soften water, it undergoes a regeneration process. During regeneration, the resin is treated with a concentrated salt solution, typically sodium chloride. This process restores the resin's ability to exchange ions by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions that had accumulated on the resin with sodium ions from the salt solution. Regeneration is crucial because it allows the resin to be reused multiple times for softening water, thereby extending its operational life and maintaining the efficiency of the water treatment system. Without this regeneration step, the softening process would become ineffective, potentially leading to issues like scaling in plumbing and appliances due to hard water. In contrast, recycling, disposal, or upgrading the resin are not standard practices in response to exhaustion. Instead, once regenerated, the resin effectively continues its role in water treatment.

In the ion-exchange softening process, when the resin has exhausted its capacity to soften water, it undergoes a regeneration process. During regeneration, the resin is treated with a concentrated salt solution, typically sodium chloride. This process restores the resin's ability to exchange ions by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions that had accumulated on the resin with sodium ions from the salt solution.

Regeneration is crucial because it allows the resin to be reused multiple times for softening water, thereby extending its operational life and maintaining the efficiency of the water treatment system. Without this regeneration step, the softening process would become ineffective, potentially leading to issues like scaling in plumbing and appliances due to hard water.

In contrast, recycling, disposal, or upgrading the resin are not standard practices in response to exhaustion. Instead, once regenerated, the resin effectively continues its role in water treatment.