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Does ion-exchange resin deteriorate in storage?

WE HAVE RESIN ANION, DULOLTE, A101D, PARTICLE SIZE 0.3TO 1.2 MM, ALSO HAVE RESIN CATION OF THE SAME SPEC. MAKER: DEGREMONT LIANG LTD. WE HAVE CATION RESIN GOLDEN AND YELLOW COLOR. WE DO NOT HAVE ANY HISTORY OF THE PRODUCT. THIS WAS STORED IN OUR GO-DOWN MORE THAN 10 YEARS. NOW THERE IS A REQUIREMENT TO USE IT. DOES IT HAS SHELF LIFE? DOES IT NEED SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF STORAGE (IT IS STORED IN CLOSED ROOM MORE THAN 7 YEARS) . AS THIS IS OLD STOCK WILL IT BE COMPATIBLE . HOW TO CHECK THE RESIN ACTIVITY. COULD YOU PROVIDE THE NEW SUPPLY AND ITS CATALOG MSDS CAS NUMBER ETC....

M.Elangovan
- ABUDHABI
2003

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Ion exchange resins can last for a surprisingly long time, provided that they do not dry out and are not subjected to freezing (or very hot temperatures in the case of anion resins). We had some strong acid cation resin and strong base anion resin that was stored for 5 years. When it was tested, the cation resin still met or exceeded all of the specifications for new resin and the anion resin still had over 90% of the capacity of new resin.

There are standard tests for capacity, and microscopic examination for cracked and broken beads that can be used to answer your question of whether or not the resin is still usable. Your supplier may even perform these tests for you.

Lyle Kirman
consultant - Cleveland Heights, Ohio
2003

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Ion Exchange resins needs to be stored in a cool place and should be in wet condition as beads can crack when dired up and form fines. If you need to use the same it is better to do the testing of the sample for moisture content, Exchange Capacity, Water Regain, % fines, etc.

Regards,

SUNEETH NAIR
- DUBAI, UAE,UAE
2007