Ion exchange is a valuable tool, and is widely used in metal finishing to prevent excessive discharge of metals from rinses and other wastewaters. The use of on-site, in-place regeneration, places a burden on the finishing industry. In-place regeneration is a relatively complex operation, requiring skilled technicians. The liquid waste produced by the ion exchange system must still be treated prior to discharge. Resource recovery and recycling businesses have been established throughout the country. These commercial enterprises operate in a fashion similar to the portable exchange DI business, except that they are designed to transport, regenerate and reclaim metals from exhausted ion exchange resins. These companies eliminate the burden of in-place regeneration, while still offering the advantages of ion exchange as a tool for wastewater treatment and rinse- water recovery. This paper describes how the various companies in the business operate and how these businesses can be used to achieve compliance with wastewater discharge regulations.
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