ASTM D3087-17

Standard Test Method for Operating Performance of Anion-Exchange Materials for Strong Acid Removal

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method can be used for evaluating performance of commercially available anion-exchange materials regardless of the basic strength of the ion exchange groups. When previous operating history is known, a good interpretation of resin fouling or malfunction can be obtained by comparison against a reference sample of unused ion-exchange material evaluated in the same way.  
5.2 While resistivity has been chosen as the preferred analytical method for defining the exhaustion end point, with titration as the alternative, it is understood that observation of pH during rinse and the service run can yield useful information. The variations in pH observed with an ion exchange material suspected of having degraded, can be helpful in interpretation of performance when compared with similar data for a reference sample of unused material exhausted in the same way.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the operating capacity of anion-exchange materials when used for the removal of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid from water. It is designed to simulate operating conditions for strong acid removal and is intended for use in testing both new and used materials.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2017
• ICS: 71.100.40 - Surface active agents
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.08 - Membranes and Ion Exchange Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3087-91(2009) - Standard Test Method for Operating Performance of Anion-Exchange Materials for Strong Acid Removal
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2687-95(2024) - Standard Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1129-13(2020)e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2687-95(2016) - Standard Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1129-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2687-95(2007)e1 - Standard Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1067-06 - Standard Test Methods for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06a - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2006
• Refers: ASTM D5391-99(2005) - Standard Test Method for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of a Flowing High Purity Water Sample
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1125-95(2005) - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1129-04e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1129-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2004

Overview

ASTM D3087-17: Standard Test Method for Operating Performance of Anion-Exchange Materials for Strong Acid Removal is an internationally recognized test method developed by ASTM International. This standard provides a systematic approach for evaluating the operating performance and capacity of commercially available anion-exchange materials, specifically for the removal of strong acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid from water. The method applies to both new and used ion-exchange materials, making it valuable for quality assessment and ongoing maintenance of water purification and demineralization systems.

Key Topics

• Performance Evaluation: The standard outlines methods to determine the effectiveness of anion-exchange materials in removing strong acids, regardless of the strength of the ion exchange groups.
• Operating Capacity Assessment: It defines how to simulate real-world operating conditions to evaluate the capacity and efficiency of resin beds in acid removal applications.
• Test Method Procedures: The method includes repeated cycles of backwashing, base regeneration, rinsing, and exhaustion using transparent columns and controlled flow rates.
• Analytical End Points: Exhaustion of resins is primarily determined by measuring resistivity, with titration and pH monitoring as alternative or supplementary methods.
• Comparison with Reference Materials: The guideline enables users to compare performance with unused reference resin samples, aiding in diagnosing resin fouling or degradation.
• Precision and Replicability: The standard emphasizes the importance of repeated runs to achieve reliable results, with clear procedures for calculations and reporting.

Applications

• Demineralized Water Production: The standard is widely used in industries and facilities where highly purified water is necessary, such as power plants, pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Industrial Water Treatment: Operators of large water treatment or deionization plants apply this method to ensure the continued performance of anion-exchange resins involved in strong acid removal.
• Quality Control & Maintenance: Routine testing according to ASTM D3087-17 helps in early detection of resin fouling, degradation, or loss of capacity, allowing for informed maintenance planning and cost-effective resource management.
• Comparison of Resin Brands and Batches: The method supports objective evaluation of different commercial anion-exchange materials, supporting procurement and specification compliance.
• Research & Product Development: Manufacturers and researchers utilize this test method during product development and validation to demonstrate performance under standardized conditions.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1067 – Test Methods for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water
• ASTM D1125 – Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water
• ASTM D1129 – Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM D1193 – Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D2687 – Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
• ASTM D5391 – Test Method for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of a Flowing High Purity Water Sample

By adhering to ASTM D3087-17, organizations ensure a rigorous and industry-accepted approach to assessing the performance of anion-exchange resins for strong acid removal, supporting operational efficiency and regulatory compliance in water treatment applications. This standard is critical for those aiming to maintain high purity water systems, minimize downtime, and extend the life of ion-exchange equipment.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3087 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Operating Performance of Anion-Exchange Materials for
Strong Acid Removal
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3087; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D5391 Test Method for Electrical Conductivity and Resis-
tivity of a Flowing High Purity Water Sample
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the oper-
ating capacity of anion-exchange materials when used for the
3. Terminology
removal of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid from water. It is
3.1 Definitions:
designed to simulate operating conditions for strong acid
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
removal and is intended for use in testing both new and used
Terminology D1129.
materials.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4. Summary of Test Method
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
4.1 The test method consists of repeated cycles of
information only.
backwash, base regeneration, rinse, and exhaustion of the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
sample in the form of a bed in a transparent column. The
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
exhaustion medium used is an ion-exchange test water.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 Thistestmethodcanbeusedforevaluatingperformance
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
of commercially available anion-exchange materials regardless
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
of the basic strength of the ion exchange groups. When
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
previous operating history is known, a good interpretation of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
resin fouling or malfunction can be obtained by comparison
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
against a reference sample of unused ion-exchange material
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
evaluated in the same way.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 While resistivity has been chosen as the preferred
analytical method for defining the exhaustion end point, with
2.1 ASTM Standards:
titration as the alternative, it is understood that observation of
D1067 Test Methods for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water
pH during rinse and the service run can yield useful informa-
D1125 Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resis-
tion. The variations in pH observed with an ion exchange
tivity of Water
material suspected of having degraded, can be helpful in
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
interpretationofperformancewhencomparedwithsimilardata
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
for a reference sample of unused material exhausted in the
D2687 PracticesforSamplingParticulateIon-ExchangeMa-
same way.
terials
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Assembly (see Fig. 1), consisting of the following:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on Water
6.1.1 Column, transparent, vertically supported, 25.4 6
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.08 on Membranes and Ion
2.5-mm (1.0 6 0.1-in.) inside diameter and approximately 1.5
Exchange Materials.
m (60 in.) long. The bottom of the column shall be closed and
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally
provided with an outlet of approximately 6-mm ( ⁄4-in.) inside
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D3087 – 91 (2009).
DOI: 10.1520/D3087-17.
diameter. Connections shall be provided at the top and bottom
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
for the admission and removal of the solutions described in
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Section 7. Adequate means for measuring and regulating the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. flow shall also be provided. The column shall be calibrated in
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3087 − 17
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming
to Specification D1193, Type III.
7.3 Acidity Test Reagents—Forreagentsusedindetermining
acidity, refer to Test Methods D1067.
7.4 Anion Exchange Test Water C (10 meq/L)—Carefully
add 18.1 mL of sulfuric acid (H SO , sp gr 1.84) and 27.5 mL
2 4
of hydrochloric acid (HCl, sp gr 1.19) to 500 mL of water and
dilute to 1 L. Prepare the test water by adding 1 volume of the
mixed acid solution to 99 volumes of water. Determine the
acidity of the test water in accordance with Test Methods
D1067, titrating to the methyl purple end point. The acidity
shall be 10.0 6 0.5 meq/L (epm).
7.5 Base Regenerants:
7.5.1 For Weak Base Ion-Exchange Materials:
7.5.1.1 Ammonium Hydroxide (40gNH /L)—Dilute 155
mL of ammonium hydroxide (NH OH sp gr 0.90) to 1 L with
water. The solution should be freshly prepared to avoid
absorption of carbon dioxide (CO ) from the air.
7.5.2 For Weak, Intermediate, and Strong Base Ion-
Exchange Materials:
7.5.2.1 Sodium Hydroxide Solution (40 g/L)—Dissolve 40 g
of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in 800 mLof water and dilute to
1 L. The solution should be freshly prepared to avoid absorp-
tion of carbon dioxide (CO ) from the air.
FIG. 1 Typical Arrangement of Apparatus for Performance Test-
ing of Ion-Exchange Materials
8. Sampling
8.1 For sampling procedures refer to Practices D2687.
suchamannerthatthevolumereadingsrequiredbythemethod
9. Procedure
can be made (see Section 9). All measurements shall be made
at 25 6 5°C. 9.1 Adjust temperature of the water and all solutions to be
6.1.2 Support the sample at least 50 mm (2 in.) above the used in this procedure to 25 6 5°C and maintain this
bottomofthecolumnoutletusingquartz,gravel,glassbeadsor temperature throughout the test.
1 1
other material from 1.5 to 3.5 mm ( ⁄16 to ⁄8 in.) in diameter,
9.2 Fill the column approximately half full of water and add
insoluble in the reagents used, and retained on a corrosion-
sufficient sample to give a bed height of 750 6 75 mm (30 6
resistant screen. However, other supports may be used at the
3 in.) above the top of the support. To avoid drying out of the
discretion of the interested parties.
ion-exchange material, maintain a layer of liquid at least 20 to
30 mm (0.8 to 1.2 in.) deep above the top of the bed at all times
7. Reagents
during the procedure.
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
9.3 Backwash with water for 10 min using a flow rate that
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
will maintain a 50 % expansion of the bed. If the supernatant
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
liquid is clear at this point, proceed to 9.4. If the supernatant
tee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society,
3 liquid is cloudy (indicating the presence of light, insoluble,
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
extraneous material), adjust the backwash outlet tube to a
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
height above the bed equal to 75 % of the bed height. Continue
sufficiently high puritity to permit its use without lessening the
backwashing at the same rate until the effluent is clear.
accuracy of the determination.
9.4 Allow the bed to settle and then drain at a rate of
approximately100mL/minuntilthewaterlevelis20to30mm
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
(0.8 to 1.2 in.) above the top of the bed. Record the volume, in
Chemical Society, Washington, DC, www.chemistry.org. For suggestions on the
millilitres, of ion-exchange material for use in the following
testing of reagents not listed by the American Chemical Society, see the United
pretreatment. Regenerate the sample with the appropriate
States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention,
Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD, http://www.usp.org.
dilute sodium hydroxide solution (see Note 1) for 90 min at a
“ReagentChemicals,Amer
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3087 − 91 (Reapproved 2009) D3087 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Operating Performance of Anion-Exchange Materials for
Strong Acid Removal
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3087; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the operating capacity of anion-exchange materials when used for the removal
of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid from water. It is designed to simulate operating conditions for strong acid removal and is intended
for use in testing both new and used materials.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1067 Test Methods for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water
D1125 Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D2687 Practices for Sampling Particulate Ion-Exchange Materials
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on Water and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.08 on Membranes and Ion Exchange
Materials.
Current edition approved May 1, 2009June 1, 2017. Published June 2009June 2017. Originally approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 20042009 as
D3087 – 91 (2004).(2009). DOI: 10.1520/D3087-91R09.10.1520/D3087-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3087 − 17
D5391 Test Method for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of a Flowing High Purity Water Sample
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions: For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D1129.
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D1129.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The test method consists of repeated cycles of backwash, base regeneration, rinse, and exhaustion of the sample in the form
of a bed in a transparent column. The exhaustion medium used is an ion-exchange test water.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method can be used for evaluating performance of commercially available anion-exchange materials regardless of
the basic strength of the ion exchange groups. When previous operating history is known, a good interpretation of resin fouling
or malfunction can be obtained by comparison against a reference sample of unused ion-exchange material evaluated in the same
way.
5.2 While resistivity has been chosen as the preferred analytical method for defining the exhaustion end point, with titration as
the alternative, it is understood that observation of pH during rinse and the service run can yield useful information. The variations
in pH observed with an ion exchange material suspected of having degraded, can be helpful in interpretation of performance when
compared with similar data for a reference sample of unused material exhausted in the same way.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Assembly (see Fig. 1), consisting of the following:
6.1.1 Column, transparent, vertically supported, 25.4 6 2.5-mm (1.0 6 0.1-in.) inside diameter and approximately 1.5 m (60
in.) long. The bottom of the column shall be closed and provided with an outlet of approximately 6-mm ( ⁄4-in.) inside diameter.
Connections shall be provided at the top and bottom for the admission and removal of the solutions described in Section 7.
Adequate means for measuring and regulating the flow shall also be provided. The column shall be calibrated in such a manner
that the volume readings required by the method can be made (see Section 9). All measurements shall be made at 25 6 5°C.
FIG. 1 Typical Arrangement of Apparatus for Performance Testing of Ion-Exchange Materials
D3087 − 17
6.1.2 Support the sample at least 50 mm (2 in.) above the bottom of the column outlet using quartz, gravel, glass beads or other
1 1
material from 1.5 to 3.5 mm ( ⁄16 to ⁄8 in.) in diameter, insoluble in the reagents used, and retained on a corrosion-resistant screen.
However, other supports may be used at the discretion of the interested parties.
7. Reagents
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all
reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high
puritity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming to
Specification D1193, Type III.
7.3 Acidity Test Reagents—For reagents used in determining acidity, refer to Test Methods D1067.
7.4 Anion Exchange Test Water C (10 meq/L)—Carefully add 18.1 mL of sulfuric acid (H SO , sp gr 1.84) and 27.5 mL of
2 4
hydrochloric acid (HCl, sp gr 1.19) to 500 mL of water and dilute to 1 L. Prepare the test water by adding 1 volume of the mixed
acid solution to 99 volumes of water. Determine the acidity of the test water in accordance with Test Methods D1067, titrating to
the methyl purple end point. The acidity shall be 10.0 6 0.5 meq/L (epm).
7.5 Base Regenerants:
7.5.1 For Weak Base Ion-Exchange Materials:
7.5.1.1 Ammonium Hydroxide (40 g NH /L)—Dilute 155 mL of ammonium hydroxide (NH OH sp gr 0.90) to 1 L with water.
3 4
The solution should be freshly prepared to avoid absorption of carbon dioxide (CO ) from the air.
7.5.2 For Weak, Intermediate, and Strong Base Ion-Exchange Materials:
7.5.2.1 Sodium Hydroxide Solution (40 g/L)—Dissolve 40 g of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in 800 mL of water and dilute to 1
L. The solution should be freshly prepared to avoid absorption of carbon dioxide (CO ) from the air.
8. Sampling
8.1 For sampling procedures refer to Practices D2687.
9. Procedure
9.1 Adjust temperature of the water and all solutions to be used in this procedure to 25 6 5°C and maintain this temperature
throughout the test.
9.2 Fill the column approximately half full of water and add sufficient sample to give a bed height of 750 6 75 mm (30 6 3
in.) above the top of the support. To avoid drying out of the ion-exchange material, maintain a layer of liquid at least 20 to 30 mm
(0.8 to 1.2 in.) deep above the top of the bed at all times during the procedure.
9.3 Backwash with water for 10 min using a flow rate that will maintain a 50 % expansion of the bed. If the supernatant liquid
is clear at this point, proceed to 9.4. If the supernatant liquid is cloudy (indicating the presence of light, insoluble, extraneous
material), adjust the backwash outlet tube to a height above the bed equal to 75 % of the bed height. Continue backwashing at the
same rate until the effluent is clear.
9.4 Allow the bed to settle and then drain at a rate of approximately 100 mL/min until the water level is 20 to 30 mm (0.8 to
1.2 in.) above the top of the bed. Record the volume, in millilitres, of ion-exchange material for use in the following pretreatment.
Regenerate the sample with the appropriate dilute sodium hydroxide solution (see Note 1) for 90 min at a flow rate of 0.11 mL/min
for each millilitre of ion exchanger in the column. This corresponds to a regeneration level of 400 g/L (25 lb/ft ) of ion exchange
material.
9.5 When only a 20 to 30-mm (0.8
...