Final answer:
The question focuses on types of ion exchanger malfunctions which include channeling, resin fouling, resin clumping, resin overloading, and poor regeneration, all impacting the efficacy of water treatment processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ion Exchanger Malfunctions
The subject in question pertains to various types of ion exchanger malfunctions that can occur during water treatment processes. In particular, the ion exchange resin is critical in the water softening process, where it's involved in the exchange of calcium ions with sodium ions, as depicted in Figure 21.1.7. Issues can arise with ion exchangers, such as channeling, where water creates channels through the resin bed leading to inefficient ion exchange. Resin fouling occurs when foreign substances coat the resin beads, reducing their effectiveness. Resin clumping happens when beads stick together, preventing proper flow and exchange. Resin overloading is the excessive accumulation of ions on the resin to the point of saturation, which can reduce efficacy. Lastly, poor regeneration means the resin does not adequately revert to its original ion form, commonly due to insufficient or incorrect regenerants.
Figure 12.21 references leakage channels, which, while related to ionic movement, are specific to cellular membranes and not ion exchange systems used for water treatment. Thus, the concept of leakage channels, in this case, does not directly correlate with the malfunctions of ion exchange processes.