What concentration of sulphuric acid is typically used for strong cation demineralization?

In the context of strong cation demineralization, the typical concentration of sulphuric acid used falls within the range of 2% to 8%. This concentration is effective for regenerating cation exchange resins, which are crucial for the removal of cations like calcium, magnesium, and sodium from water.

Using sulphuric acid within this range ensures that the resin has enough acid to effectively exchange the unwanted cations for hydrogen ions, which allows the water to be treated effectively for various applications, including boiler feed water treatment. This concentration is also optimal for maintaining the efficacy of the resin material and preventing degradation due to excessive acidity.

Both lower concentrations, such as less than 0.5% or 1% - 2%, may not provide sufficient acidity to carry out the regeneration process adequately. On the other hand, concentrations beyond 8% could lead to excessive acid that might harm the resin, compromising its functionality and lifespan. Thus, the range of 2% to 8% is the standard and most efficient for strong cation demineralization processes.