Abstract: The invention provides a process for separating a solution from magnetic resin portions, particles and/or fines by passing a solution containing the resin portions, particles and/or fines through a bed of particulate magnetic material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for contacting liquid with an ion exchange resin comprising introducing liquid into a process tank containing ion exchange resin at an inlet (2) and removing liquid that has been contacted with resin from the process tank at an outlet, the outlet being located above the inlet (2), the process tank including a resin containment region (7, 9) disposed between the inlet (2) and the outlet to impede the upward flow of the resin as it becomes entrained in the liquid flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and a contactor region for promoting contact between the resin and the liquid located below the containment region (7, 9), said containment region (7, 9) containing an array of settling members through which the liquid and resin upflow and which impede the flow of the resin to a sufficient extent that it is substantially contained within or below the containment region (7, 9). Apparatus for performing this method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for contacting liquid with an ion exchange resin comprising introducing liquid into a process tank containing ion exchange resin at an inlet (2) and removing liquid that has been contacted with resin from the process tank at an outlet, the outlet being located above the inlet (2), the process tank including a resin containment region (7, 9) disposed between the inlet (2) and the outlet to impede the upward flow of the resin as it becomes entrained in the liquid flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and a contactor region for promoting contact between the resin and the liquid located below the containment region (7, 9), said containment region (7, 9) containing an array of settling members through which the liquid and resin upflow and which impede the flow of the resin to a sufficient extent that it is substantially contained within or below the containment region (7, 9). Apparatus for performing this method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for separating a solution from magnetic resin portions, particles and/or fines by passing a solution containing the resin portions, particles and/or fines through a bed of particulate magnetic material.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing polymer beads incorporating magnetic iron oxide particles, which process comprises producing a dispersion having a continuous aqueous phase and a dispersed organic phase, the organic phase comprising one or more polymerisable monomers, magnetic iron oxide particles and an organophosphorus dispersing agent for dispersing the magnetic iron oxide particles in the organic phase, and polymerising the one or more polymerisable monomers to form the polymer beads incorporating the magnetic iron oxide particles; complexing and ion exchange resins prepared by this process; methods for separating transition metal ions and other ions from an aqueous solution using the complexing and ion exchange resins; and polymer beads comprising a polymeric matrix having magnetic iron oxide particles and organophosphorus dispersing agent dispersed substantially uniformly therein.