Abstract: A high temperature pyrolysis treatment technology for spent anion and cation exchange resins was studied through the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and bench experiments. The results show that the high temperature pyrolysis of resin can be achieved through heating some metal balls in a reactor by electromagnetic induction and assisted stirring. Air is more suitable than nitrogen and water vapor as reaction atmosphere. In air atmosphere conditions of 1 kg/h resin treatment capacity, 2 m³/h air flow rate, 600-700 ℃ reaction temperature, and CuSO₄·5H₂O additive, the waste residual rates of anion and cation exchange resins are about 8% and 12% respectively, and the final residual rate by pyrolysis can reach about 3%-5%. Distinct difference between pyrolysis reactions of anion and cation exchange resins was observed. The anion exchange resin is more sensitive to heat, and the temperature and air flow required for its pyrolysis are lower. Its reaction is more intense with larger amount of flue gas produced.

Key words: spent ion exchange resin, pyrolysis, electromagnetic induction