How to Build an Ion Exchange Filter

Ion exchange water filters work by switching ions between the water and the filter media. Home water softeners, for example, remove calcium from water by exchanging for sodium. You make an ion exchange or a deionizing filter at home using some simple tools and supplies. To improve the life of the ionizing resin, you should pre-filter the water before the ion exchange process using granular activated carbon. The carbon removes impurities like chlorine.

Clean two liter plastic bottle
Jar
Cotton balls
Scissors
Granular activated carbon
Ion exchange resin

Instructions

- 1
  Punch a small hole in the cap of the two liter bottle and turn the bottle upside down.
- 2
  Insert the upside down bottle in the jar so that it does not quite touch the bottom of the jar. It should be suspended above the bottom. Punch a hole in the jar to allow water to drain out into another container.
- 3
  Cut the bottom off of the two liter bottle using the scissors to add the water.
- 4
  Add a few cotton balls to the bottom of the filter near the cap. These will prevent the ion exchange resin from falling out into the jar.
- 5
  Add your ion exchange or deionizing resin. Only fill the bottle about a quarter of the way full with this resin.
- 6
  Add another thin layer of cotton balls. This will keep the resin and the carbon separated and allow the water to be filtered by the carbon first.
- 7
  Rinse the granular activated carbon under tap water for 30 seconds then add on top of the cotton. Only fill the bottle to half way. You need some head room to hold the water.
- 8
  Fill the bottle with water and let it slowly filter through the media.

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