If you are searching for an efficient means of reducing alkalinity or silica, WWT has a dealkalizer or desilicizer system to fit your needs. Our standard catalog products offer the very latest in ion exchange technologies. Furthermore, we use only the finest American made resins and materials. Our goal is to provide you with the proper balance of robust hardware and reliable operation.

Wigen is a proven leader in the area of dealkalization and desilicaztion, with installations in virtually every configuration imaginable. Our systems are most commonly used to produce high quality makeup water, for low-pressure steam boilers and cooling tower applications.


Process Theory
The chloride-anion exchange process for alkalinity reduction, utilizes anion exchange resin that is regenerated with salt (NaCl). As the softened influent water passes through the dealkalizer bed, bicarbonate, carbonate, sulfate and nitrate ions are actively exchanged for chloride ions present in the salt. It is essential that both the service and regeneration water be softened, to prevent resin fouling due to the presence of calcium and magnesium.

Boiler Makeup
Typically in boiler makeup applications, the dealkalizer uses both salt and caustic soda for regeneration. The addition of caustic (applied at an approx. ratio of 1:10 with salt) not only enhances overall capacity, but it serves as a catalyst in the formation of alkalinity that is subsequently removed. The neutral to slightly elevated pH of the effluent water, makes dealkalization a superb choice for steam boilers.

Cooling Tower Makeup
Dealkalizers are an ideal tool for significantly reducing cooling tower blowdown. Because dealkalizers regenerated with salt do not remove carbon dioxide, the resulting pH is relatively low (approx. 5-6). However, the pH is raised through the release of carbon dioxide gas, as the water passes through the cooling tower unit. Although acid feed is more prevalent, it is often more difficult to control. The simplicity of dealkalizer operation makes for a safe, economical alternative to chemical prescriptions.

Silica Removal
Although conventional dealkalizers are capable of limited silica removal (approx. 10%), they are very inefficient when compared to desilicizers. That's because when properly applied, our desilicizer systems can effectively reduce silica by as much as 90%. What makes our systems so successful is years of practical field experience, perfecting the proper balance between regenerant composition and thermal dynamics.

Standard Features

• High quality, epoxy lined, steel pressure vessels
• American made ion exchange resins
• Fully supported, Schedule 80 PVC or black iron manifold plumbing
• High quality, American made, PVC valves (signal actuated or diaphragm type)
• Easy to use PLC controls
• Regenerant pump and control systems (optional for dealkalizers)
• Direct read-out flow meters
• Sampling Ports

Optional Features

• ASME code pressure vessels
• Stainless steel vessel distribution systems
• Custom Allen-Bradley® PLC's and user interfaces
• Skid mounted (pre-plumbed, pre-wired & tested)
• Remote monitoring and custom SCADA systems
• Caustic drum heaters
• Valve position indicators