Lessons learned from DI resin recharging

[cyberwollf]

Tried my hand at recharging DI resin today.  Cost only about $10.  $5 for Lye and $5 for gallon of Muratic acid.

1. wear lab goggles, I wore them  and I'm glad I did.  They say "be careful" but this stuff is no kidding dangerous

2. wear gloves.. I didnt and wished I did, have a water hose close to wash off if you get it on your hands

3. spend the money to get some kind of way to drain from the bottom.  The turkey baster method sucks

4. Bandanna in colander works great and is cheap.

5.  a little bit of water while you are packing resin in the chamber help it settle and you can get it tighter

6. You will lose some in several steps so start with more than you need for one cartridge.

Overall it wasn't too bad. Just follow the directions on reefkeeping mag and be carefull playing with acids and bases.  Took a few hours (it has to sit for one hour). 

results: dark purple resin again, and 0 TDS.

[TechGuy]

Point number two, I have a small rash on my arm. Chemical burn? I think so hehe.

[jd]

I don't know if you add the acid and water together, but remember. "You know you outta, add acid to watta!"

[cyberwollf]

I don't know if you add the acid and water together, but remember. "You know you outta, add acid to watta!"

Couldnt remember so i just poured slow lol

[Riderc82]

So what is your guess on how much you could recharge with the $10 in supplies you purchased?

[cyberwollf]

So what is your guess on how much you could recharge with the $10 in supplies you purchased?

Lye was the limiting factor.  We recharged 3.5 cartridges worth.  The lye was in a 16oz bottle, but I'd bet there was only 14 (fluid oz) That allows you to make about 4x the recipe on reefkeeping mag.  Muratic acid is sold by the gallon so its super cheap

[micki]

Hmmm, sounds like checking into.  I loved chemistry!  LOL  

[Midwest Express]

Can you use cheese cloth instead of the bandana?

Or is it too porous?

[cyberwollf]

Can you use cheese cloth instead of the bandana?

Or is it too porous?

I think the holes would be too big.  DI resin is pretty small