| abstract |
A method of regenerating ion exchange materials used in water softening or conditioning systems. The method comprises contacting an ion exchange material with an aqueous process fluid comprising a compound shown in Formula I to produce a regenerated ion exchange material from which at least one target material has been removed. The target material includes at least one of metal ions, eg, those extracted from hard water sources, ion-soluble organic compounds, and active waterborne pathogens. During the contacting step, at least a portion of the target material associated with the ion exchange material is removed from association with the ion exchange material. After removal from association with the ion exchange material, the target material is retained in the process fluid and delivered to an appropriate recovery and/or removal source. |