The most common method used in demineralization plants is ion exchange. This process involves passing water through specialized resins that exchange unwanted mineral ions with hydrogen (H+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions, which then combine to form pure water (H2O).A typical ion exchange demineralization plant usually involves two main stages, and sometimes a third for "polishing"Cation Exchange: Raw water first passes through a vessel containing cation exchange resin. This resin is typically in the hydrogen (H+) form. As the water flows through, positively charged mineral ions (cations) like calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), iron (Fe2+/3+), and potassium (K+) are attracted to and "stick" to the resin beads, while the resin releases an equivalent number of hydrogen ions into the water.Anion Exchange: The water, now rich in hydrogen ions and containing negatively charged mineral ions (anions) like chloride (Cl−), sulfate (SO42−), bicarbonate (HCO3−), and nitrate (NO3−), then passes through a second vessel containing anion exchange resin. This resin is typically in the hydroxide (OH-) form. The anions in the water are attracted to the resin beads and are exchanged for hydroxide ions.Mixed Bed (Polishing): For applications requiring even higher purity water (very low conductivity), a "mixed-bed" unit is often used as a polishing step. This unit contains a mixture of both cation and anion exchange resins in a single vessel. This allows for a more thorough removal of any remaining ions, producing ultra-pure water.