SolmeteX®: ArsenX^np FAQs

1. ArsenX^np uses hydrous iron oxide chemistry - the advantages of iron chemistry as a cost effective means of reducing arsenic levels are well known.

2. ArsenX^np impregnates that iron chemistry into an ion exchange resin - the use of ion exchange resins is familiar and their durability is well known.

3. The hydrous iron oxide chemistry is in the form of nanoparticles –smaller particles provide more surface area for binding arsenic.

In summary: The high surface area iron nanoparticles provide great capacity, a strong affinity and rapid absorption kinetics for arsenic. The impregnation of the iron oxide nanoparticles into a polymer substrate provides excellent durability. This creates a product that is not only easy to use, but is also regenerable. ArsenX^np can be reused many times, significantly reducing the cost of treatment.

 

What makes ArsenX^np different?

ArsenX^np is easier to use, performs better, lasts longer and is less expensive than other systems. It’s as simple as that. No other technology combines the proven advantages of iron chemistry with the ease of use and durability of ion exchange media.

Granular iron media technologies (GFO or GFH) lack the durability to be regenerated. They cause operational headaches such as backwashing, bed compaction and pre and post filtration that ArsenX^np doesn’t create.

Ion exchange lacks specific affinity for arsenic, and as a result it often binds much more sulfate than arsenic. This leads to the need for almost daily regeneration, compared to the once or twice per year regeneration schedule of ArsenX^np.

Is ArsenX^np NSF-61 Certified?

Yes. ArsenX^np has been tested by the National Sanitation Foundation and Water Quality Associates and was found to conform to the NSF-61 Standard for safe use in drinking water.

How often does ArsenX^np have to be backwashed?

ArsenX^np does not have to be backwashed. The strength of the ion exchange polymer ensures that the iron particles do not fracture even under the most severe of conditions. As a result, backwashing has not been needed in any installed systems to date

Is ArsenX^np a proprietary technology?

Yes, it is currently patent pending.

Where is ArsenX^np manufactured?

ArsenX^np is manufactured by Purolite, Inc. in the US, just outside of Philadelphia. It is immediately available for delivery.

Can ArsenX^np achieve levels below the new 10 ppb standard?

Yes, ArsenX^np has been extensively lab tested by SolmeteX® during development and field tested by independent third parties. Effluent results are normally non detectable (less than 1 ppb) for arsenic until the resin is nearing exhaustion and needs regeneration.

RIO RANCHO: The data from some of the field trials can be viewed by clicking here.

How long does ArsenX^np last?

The length of time ArsenX^np lasts varies with the influent levels in each municipality’s water chemistry. However, field trials have generally shown that from 6 – 12 months was required before regeneration.

How much ArsenX^np will I need for my flow rate?

We recommend that a minimum of 2.5 to 3 minutes of empty bed contact time be provided when designing systems. We also recommend a lead/lag column design to maximize the economic value of each column.

What makes ArsenX^np different?

Yes. The use of unique iron chemistry on a very durable resin allows ArsenX^np to be easily regenerated for re-use. The more times ArsenX^np is re-used, the more your costs of treatment are reduced.

Will ArsenX^np shed iron particles during operations?

No. During manufacturing, the iron is impregnated into the ion exchange bead, it is not simply bound to its surface. Both internal and external testing have confirmed that there is no shedding of iron or fracturing of the ion exchange resin during normal operation. This is an important criteria for any iron based arsenic removal product, as iron particles that shed could have arsenic bound to them and pose a risk to consumers.

Does ArsenX^np remove any other contaminants?

Yes. In addition to removing arsenic, ArsenX^np removes vanadium, uranium, chromium and molybdenum. Just as important, however, is what ArsenX^np does not bind. Common ions such as sulfate, carbonate, fluoride, chloride, sodium and magnesium have no effect on ArsenX^np.

Is there a lease/purchase plan available?

Yes. Contact SolmeteX® directly for details.

Can ArsenX^np be sized easily for my specific needs?

Yes. The benefit of using a technology that is based on an ion exchange bead is that there are thousands of engineers that can scale the product to your specific needs. Even though the resin is impregnated with iron, the design criteria is precisely the same as the design criteria for ion exchange systems. For assistance with system sizing, contact SolmeteX®.

Is pre-treatment necessary?

Not usually in drinking water applications. The only need for pre-treatment would be to mechanically filter out any particulates that may be greater than five microns to prevent the bed from becoming clogged. It would be highly unusual to have suspended solids at this level in drinking water.

Is the “spent” or used ArsenX^np considered safe by EPA?

Yes. Spent or used ArsenX^np has passed the Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test that determines whether or not a material is considered hazardous. In addition, ArsenX^np is one of the few technologies to pass the California Wet Test, a much more stringent test mandated by the State of California.

When ArsenX^np is regenerated, is a hazardous waste created?

No. SolmeteX® is committed to “cradle- to- grave” accounting in all products we develop. We have developed a patent pending method of regenerating the resin that produces only a limited volume of regenerant solution, and a method or removing the toxins from that solution so they may be land filled as non-hazardous.

Is ArsenX^np regenerated on- site or off- site?

Your specific site conditions will determine whether off- site or on -site regeneration is feasible. Typically, the resin is removed via truck and brought to a special facility where it is regenerated. After regeneration, it is returned to your site for reuse. There are no hazardous wastes generated at any time during this process.