How Does Operation And Maintenance Of Activated Carbon Compare To Ion Exchange Technology?

There are a lot of considerations that go into choosing a media filtration system. Effectiveness against target chemicals is a primary one, followed by initial budgetary considerations. Also of great concern, however, is the operations and maintenance dynamics. Water treatment plants (WTPs) that are evaluating the possibility of either ion exchange (IX) or granular activated carbon (GAC) should weigh these factors carefully before deciding to implement either technology.

This guide will help decision-makers get started and ask the right questions when speaking to a vendor. The author discusses critical elements, such as the space and installation requirements, how easy the systems are to use, the impact of backwashing on each media type, the lifespan of each media and disposal options. The article will also cover each technology’s susceptibility to inflation and supply chain disruptions, as well as common system upsets and what can be done for each technology to correct the system.