The IONEX concept is a 2nd generation design of the continuous multi-port systems of the 80’s and 90’s. The technology is covered by patents in Europe and the USA. A PTO patent also exists.

First generation systems suffered from problems of mechanical complexity and lack of physical plant flexibility originating from use of rotating table carrousels and many flexible piping connections.

IONEX has eliminated this requirement and all piping is now fixed.

Carrousels were not only another large item necessitating drives and motors but also restricted the configuration of columns within the building or plant. The requirement to move columns with hundreds of tons of resin seemed counter intuitive.

Ionex system allows columns to be fixed and arranged in a manner to more easily access the multi-port valve and columns. Columns can still be stacked, arranged in a square, rectangle, U shape, single line; i.e. configuration is not limited to a circle surrounding the valve. Columns or resin maintenance is very easy since they are fixed and no longer rotate around on a table.

Advantages over carousels:

• Eliminates the carrousel; no longer moving a large mass of solution filled resin vessels.
• Valve installation more compact – no external manifolds
• Simpler control, No synchronization motors. Self calibrating every revolution.
• Layout flexibility; can modularise and build in skids for quick installation at the site.
• Valve maintenance improved. Only top plate needs be removed for complete access.
• Fewer connections to remove and attach.
• No Bladder system; sealing pressures up to 10 bar are tolerated.
• Column access simple; easy change out for resin re-bedding.
• No carrousel movement to accommodate; eliminate pinch points and potential safety concerns.
• Easy to remove/replace a column during operation
• Can be set up to change resin on-line without stopping production.
• No carrousel to maintain; no mechanical alignment issues.
• Hose leakage at multiple connection points is eliminated.