摘要 |
A continuous process for removal of ammoniacal nitrogen from water is disclosed. This process is useful for maintaining water quality in aquaculture operations, e.g., fish hatcheries and the like. A particulate stream of zeolitic ion exchange material is circulated continuously through an exchanger and a regenerator. An aqueous process stream containing ammoniacal nitrogen, e.g., ammonia, is passed through the exchanger in continuous counter current liquid-solid contact with a stream of particulate, ammoniacal nitrogen-sorbing zeolitic ion exchange material of natural or synthetic origin. A treated liquid water stream having a reduced ammoniacal nitrogen content exits from the exchanger, as does a stream of ammoniacal nitrogen-enriched particulate zeolitic ion exchange material. The latter stream is regenerated in the regenerator at a temperature of about 350 DEG C. to about 650 DEG C. while an oxygen-containing gas stream, e.g., air, is passed in continuous counter current gas-solid contact therewith. Gases emanating from the regenerator are used to preheat the ammoniacal-nitrogen enriched particulate material that enters the regenerator. The regenerated stream of particulate, ammoniacal nitrogen-sorbing zeolitic ion exchange material is recycled to the exchanger. |