A continuous stirred tank reactor study on chromic acid removal by ion exchange

Abstract

Dilute chromic acid removal by anion exchange was studied using a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system. A rate model based on film diffusion control was formulated for quantitative study on the chromate removal. For simplicity, the rate and mass balance equations were formulated for total Cr(VT) concentration. Equations were derived for the effluent concentration history as well as the time-dependent Cr(VI) concentration in the resin. The derived equations for solid and liquid phase Cr(VI) concentration variations were tested and verified by the experimental results obtained. Effects of various operating conditions, such as resin size, feed concentration, and flow rate, were also discussed.