Regenerating aluminum oxide PO4 binders.

[121]

I have some spent ExtraxPhos from Brightwell which seems to be Phosguard in different packaging. I use GFO but I'd like to try regenerating this aluminum oxide before discarding it.

What should I soak it in? I was thinking of just using RODI but maybe an acid or a base would be better.

I've read that sodium hydroxide is very corrosive to aluminum so I'm not sure which way to go atm :)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Acid would be a lot better than RO/DI which will take very large volumes. I don't have a recipe, but straight vinegar might be worth a shot. Maybe with a little table salt added. The phosphate will be converted into a mix of the poorly binding forms H3PO4 and HPO4- which come off more readily than the more strongly bound HPO4-- and PO4---.

[121]

Thanks Randy, I'll do that :)

Why would I need a little table salt?

[OregonReefer]

The Kent Phosphate Sponge appears to be the same product.

From the label... "Renewal: For Phosphate removal product may renewed twice and absorption capacity will be reduced greatly each time. To renew spread 1/4" thick on a baking pan. Place in an oven at 450 for one hour. Let cool, rinse and reuse. Do NOT use pan for food"

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The idea of the salt is to provide some chloride ion to displace the H2PO4- that might be clinging to positively charged ions on the solid surface (like Al+++).

[rs1831]

does anyone know if this worked?

[bertoni]

I don't remember any reports on effectiveness.