Cation Resin

Description of the Types of Cation Resin

Cation resin is a positively charged resin (cation) and the other negatively charged (Anion resin). This makes it useful in removing different types of contaminants (which will also vary depending on their size and chemical composition).

The types of these two resins are quite different. For that, here are two types of cation resins that you need to know:

1. Strong Acid Cation Resin (Strong Acid Cation)

Strong Acid Cation Resin is one of the most widely used resins, especially for softener applications, because this resin is effective in removing hardness ions such as magnesium (Mg+) or calcium (Ca2+). Certain variations of Strong Acid Cation resins have also been developed for applications requiring the removal of barium and radium from drinking water or other streams. Strong Acid Cation resins can be damaged by oxidants and contaminated with iron or manganese, so care must be taken to avoid exposure of the resin to these materials.

2. Weak Acid Cation Resin

Weak Acid Cation Resin removes cations associated with alkalinity (temporary hardness) and is used for demineralization and dealkalization applications. In addition, Weak Acid Cation resins tend to have relatively high oxidation resistance and mechanical resistance, making them a good choice for water containing oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and chlorine.