Optimization of the regeneration process of decalcification resins in sugar industry by response surface method

Pigments in the regeneration wastewater of decolorization resins can promote the regeneration of sugar decalcification resins.On the basis of single factor and response surface experiments, the regeneration process of decalcifying resins in sugar industry was researched using regenerant containing Maillard pigments and Na Cl. Three factors, like the ratio of height to diameter for resin bed, regeneration temperature and flow rate, were selected in the singular factor experiment, and the BoxBehnken method was chosen to carry out the response surface experiment using three levels of the three factors. Response surface analysis (RSA) was performed using the regeneration rate as the response value. Results showed that the optimized parameters were as follows-regeneration temperature of 73 ℃, the ratio of height to diameter at 8.7 ∶ 1 and the flow rate of2 BV/h. The regenerated rate of decalcifying resins was 93.89% ± 0.65%.The relative standard difference (RSD) between the predictive value of 94.68% from the RSA and the experimental value was 0.60%.The results of periodical experiments showed that, the adsorption capacity and the regeneration capacity of resins were greater than 84% and 89% respectively after 8adsorption-elution cycles.