Condensate Polishing

KPE has a range of solutions to suit any condensate polishing application within industrial applications to high pressure pure water systems.

Our expertise and track-record in the power sector and our proprietary condensate polishing technologies are amongst the best in engineering. On deep-bed condensate polishing systems, our technology allow for the operation of the vessels through the ammonia-breakthrough point.

Resin separation is a key to condensate polishing system performance. Deionization plants operate at very high flow rates, making resin extraction a difficult proposition. KPE technology is a fully automatic internal distribution system designed to handle the very large ratio that exists between a high operating flow and the necessary resin regeneration flow. Using only two vessels, our system requires very little operator intervention, is easy to install and integrate well into existing plants. This technology allows operation in ammonia form and makes operation cost competitive.

Mixed bed polishing is a well understood ion-exchange based polishing technology and comprises a resin bed of cation and anion resins, intimately mixed, housed within a cylindrical vessel. The intimate mixture of resins provides a perfect environment for removal of dissolved ionic contaminants. Mixed beds are also somewhat tolerant to suspended solids (crud) within the feed water and can accommodate peaks of high suspended solids which can then be removed during regeneration.

Mixed bed ion exchange is a common method for treating low-TDS feedwaters to produce demineralized water of very high purity, generally < 0.1 µS/cm and < 10 ppb total dissolved solids.  Mixed bed polishing with internal regeneration is generally most appropriate when many or all of the following parameters are met:

Minimal wastewater / high recovery is important

Acid / Caustic chemicals already present on site for regeneration

Effluent neutralization facility can be used

Final treated quality within typical range as above

For the same applications, this technology normally competes with electrodeionisation (EDI / CEDI), normally depending upon the aforementioned factors.

Generally, but not exclusively, provided as n+1 configuration (2 x 100%, 3 x 50%, etc.) such that when one vessel is in regeneration the standby can be placed online.  Regeneration duration typically ~3 hours.

Mixed bed ion exchangers can be designed to a wide range of flows from < 5 m3/h to 750 m3/h each.  The technology lends itself to supply as multiple units to treat very high total flows.  The below water quality would be typical:

Conductivity : 0.1 µS/cm

TDS : < 10 ppb total

Na : < 10 ppb

Cl : < 5 ppb

SO4 : < 5 ppb

Silica : < 10 ppb (except high feed temperature)

TOC : < 100 ppb (limited capacity, feed quality typically < 200 ppb)

Fe + Cu : < 10 ppb

pH : Neutral

Efficiency : > 99.8% depending on feedwater quality