ALDEX Strong Base Series
GCRA Gellular Strong Base Anion Exchange Resin – Acrylic
Aldex GCRA is a strong base, Type 1 resin having a cross-linked acrylic matrix. Aldex GCRA is a high-capacity, gellular resin supplied most often in the chloride form (or OH form on request). Because of its aliphatic structure, Aldex GCRA shows superior resistance to organic fouling in comparison with polystyrene strong base resins. When used in water treatment deionization, the resin has a high operating capacity with efficient regeneration like type 2 resins. However, silica leakages more like a type 1 resin. Aldex GCRA can be regenerated with a variety of salts (NaCl, KCl) and may be used in potable water applications to remove tannins and other organic compounds.
Aldex GCRA Technical Bulletin: English (PDF)
Aldex GCRA Safety Data Sheets: English (PDF) | Français (PDF)
Physical Chemical Properties
| Polymer Structure: | Gel polyacrylic crosslinked with divinylbenzene |
| Functional group: | Quaternary Ammonium |
| Ionic Form as Shipped: | Chloride |
| Physical Form: | Spherical beads |
| Moisture Content: | 57 to 62% |
| Shipping Weight (Cl- Form): | 43 to 45 lbs per cubic foot |
| Total Capacity Cl- Form: | 1.25 eq/l |
| Specific Gravity: | 1.09 |
| Temperature Limit: Cl- Form OH- Form | 80°C 40°C |
Recommended Operating Conditions
| Maximum Temperature (Cl-): | 80°C |
| Bed Depth: | 30” minimum |
| Regenerant Strength: | 5% to 10% NaCl |
| Regenerant Flow Rate: | 0.3 to 0.5 US gpm/ft2 |
| Regenerant Dosage Level: | 6 to 15 lbs per cubic foot |
| Slow Rinse Volume: | 20 US gallons per cubic foot |
| Service Flow Rate: | 1 to 5 US gpm/ft3 |
| Slow Rinse Flow Rate: | 0.3 to 0.5 US gpm/ft3 |
| Fast Rinse Rate: | 2 to 5 US gpm/ft3 |
| Fast Rinse Volume: | 30 US gallons per cubic foot |
| Inlet Water Limitations: Turbidity Free Chlorine | 1.0 ppm maximum 1.0 ppm maximum |
GCRA Features
Very low color, taste or odor
Aldex GCRA meets the requirements for paragraph 173.25 of the Food Additive Regulation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Long Life
Strong and durable beads insure long service life.
Reliability
Aldex Chemical has over 45 years of field usage by thousands of customers demonstrating the reliability of Aldex ion exchange resins, zeolites and other water treatment media.
Safety Information
A material safety data sheet is available for Aldex GCRA. Copies can be obtained from Aldex Chemical Co., LTD. Aldex GCRA is not a hazardous product and is not WHMIS-controlled.
Caution: Acidic and basic regenerant solutions are corrosive and should be handled in a manner that will prevent eye and skin contact. Before using strong oxidizing agents in contact with ion exchange resin, consult sources knowledgeable in the handling of these materials.
Pressure Drop
Fig. 1 Pressure Drop vs. Flow Rate for various degrees Fahrenheit (ºF)
Backwash Characteristics
Fig. 2 Expansion vs. Flow Rate for various degrees Fahrenheit (ºF)
Applications
Aldex GCRA should be regenerated with 10% sodium chloride at a minimum of 10 lbs NaCl per cubic foot. If color bleeds after regeneration either the frequency or the salt level should be increased.
Once the tannins have been adsorbed on the resin and the resin has been exhausted, it should be regenerated as soon as possible. This prevents the tannins from permanently fouling the resin. Aldex GCRA should be regenerated prior to vacation periods or seasonal shut down.
Aldex GCRA can be used on waters with moderate hardness, 5 to 10 grains/USG depending upon the sulfate and carbonate concentrations. Higher-hardness waters require a softener prior to the tannin removal step.
On low-hardness waters Aldex GCRA can be layered above the cation resin in a conventional water softener.