Cation Exchange Resin | High Capacity, Fast Regeneration


Field Notes on a Workhorse: the cation exchange resin D001 SC

I’ve toured more water plants than coffee roasters (which says a lot), and the D001 SC macroporous strong acid resin keeps popping up. It’s a polystyrene–DVB matrix with sulfonic acid groups, built for high-speed mixed-bed demin lines. Made in Xingtai, Hebei—NO.2 East Jianshe Road, High-Tech Industrial Development South Zone, to be exact—it has that “industrial but refined” feel: uniform pores, high mechanical strength, and fewer surprises shift-to-shift. Many operators tell me it’s less finicky under thermal and osmotic stress, which, frankly, wins hearts.

cation exchange resin

Where it fits and why it’s trending

The boom in ultrapure water for batteries, chips, and modern pharma is pushing demand for cation exchange resin grades that handle high flow rates and variable feed. Macroporous, strongly acidic beads are having a moment because they resist fouling and cope with higher TDS hit-and-run events. Sustainability? Shorter rinse volumes and longer service life are becoming buying criteria, not just nice-to-haves.

Product specifications (D001 SC)

Matrix / Functional group Macroporous polystyrene–DVB / Sulfonic acid (–SO3H)
Ionic form (as shipped) Na+ or H+ (customizable)
Total capacity ≈1.9–2.2 eq/L (wet), real-world may vary with feedwater
Moisture content ≈45–52%
Bead size (typ.) 0.315–1.25 mm; UC ≤1.6
Operating temp / pH Up to 120°C (H+); pH 0–14
Service life ≈3–7 years with proper pretreatment and regeneration

cation exchange resin

Process flow, methods, and testing

Materials: styrene, divinylbenzene, porogens; post-polymerization sulfonation (sulfuric acid route). Methods: bead polymerization, sulfonation, conversion to Na+/H+, classification, rinse. Testing: capacity (ASTM D2187), moisture, bead integrity/attrition, osmotic/thermal shock, metals leachables (NSF/ANSI 61-style), pressure drop vs. flow curve. In factory audits I’ve seen QC pull samples each batch and simulate 50–100 regen cycles to predict early-life drift. Good sign.

Typical applications

  • High-speed mixed bed demineralization and condensate polishing
  • Boiler feed softening; hardness leakage control
  • Food & beverage polishing lines (with compliant grades)
  • Metals removal pre-RO, and partial nitrate/ammonium exchange trains

Advantages users report: stable pressure drop, robust beads under air scour, and lower organic fouling than gel-type cation exchange resin in “hairy” surface waters.

cation exchange resin

Vendor snapshot (indicative)

Resin Capacity (eq/L) Form Price/L (≈) Lead time Certs
D001 SC (Lijiresin) 1.9–2.2 Na+/H+ $3.2–$4.1 2–4 weeks ISO 9001; NSF/ANSI 61 on request
Lewatit S-type 1.9–2.1 H+ $4.5–$5.4 3–6 weeks NSF/ANSI 61
Purolite C100E-class ≈2.0 Na+ $4.0–$5.0 2–5 weeks NSF/ANSI 61

Prices and specs are indicative; real-world use may vary by lot, region, and pretreatment.

Customization & QA

Options: particle size grading for low ΔP beds, pre-regenerated H+ for mixed beds, pre-rinsed low-TOC versions, color-coded packaging. Factory address: Xingtai, Hebei (see above). Batch CoAs typically include capacity, moisture, shipping form, metals, and sieve cuts. I always ask for an ASTM D2187 report plus a simulated 20-cycle test—small ask, big peace of mind.

Two quick case stories

  • Power plant condensate polishing: swapping to cation exchange resin D001 SC cut silica leakage by ≈25% and extended run length from 18 to 24 hours (same regen acid dose).
  • Beverage plant softening line: operators saw steadier hardness leakage (

Standards, compliance, and notes

Look for ISO 9001 QMS, NSF/ANSI 61 for potable use when required, and test reports per ASTM D2187. For pharma or microelectronics, ask for extractables/TOC profiles and chlorine tolerance data. To be honest, a short pilot run tells you more than a glossy leaflet ever will.

Authoritative citations

  1. ASTM D2187 – Standard Test Methods for Physical and Chemical Properties of Ion‑Exchange Resins.
  2. NSF/ANSI 61 – Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects.
  3. ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems – Requirements.


Hebei Lijiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd, is a new material manufacturer specializing in the production of high-performance special ion exchange resins.mixed bed resin suppliers It is a modern high-tech enterprise that integrates the research and development,production, sales, and service of resin materials and resin terminal products.ion exchange resin The company is committed to producing high-quality industrial grade, food grade,pharmaceutical grade, and nuclear grade resins.cation exchange resin It has passed ISO9001 management certification,SGS certification, and WQA international certification from the American Water Quality Association, and has obtained a national food hygiene license. Food grade resin products comply with FDA standards in the United States.super blog