How many years can Purigen last?

[LabTest57]

I've regenerated it more than 10 times (specifically, the 100ml pouches). I was wondering if it becomes less effective at scavenging for organic particles after every regeneration.

Also, I don't go through the recommended method for regeneration, however, my method still results in no chlorine/chloramine residue (on/in the purigen) from drop tests,etc.

I use 10.5% sodium hypochlorite (liquid) w/ no water, just soak for 30 minutes and rinse with acidic water. I use ascorbic acid or vitamin C at a concentration level over 1000 ppm to neutralize chlorine/chloramine. After, I soak in Prime and buffered water for less than a day.

It works like a charm, and it's fast and simple (for me).

[Tech Support AN]

Purigen becomes a little less effective (~10%) with each regeneration, but like you said, you should still be able to regenerate it 6-10 times. Of course this depends on your organic load.

[LabTest57]

So basically, I won't notice any difference if I have a high organic load. When you said ~10% less effective, it doesn't mean it won't work after 10 times regenration, right? I know the calculations to figure out the % effectiveness (estimation), and even after 10 times regenration it will not be at zero percent but so close to be considered as ineffective for scavenging any organics.

How does Purigen really lose it's potential affinity for organic particles? Does the chlorine damage outer layers of the beads, is it only chlorine, or any other oxidizer?

[Tech Support AN]

Yes; you can definitely get over 10 regeneration's out of Purigen, as we have done so here at Seachem. There are a number of charged sites on each of the beads and with each regeneration, the bleach is degrading them, making them inactive. The media will turn white every time you bleach it, but the rate at which it turns brown increases each time.

[LabTest57]

Can acids damage the charged sites as well?


What if I use a synthetic organic-enzyme-eater (an enzyme that destroys organics,etc.) so not to cause any damage to the charged sites on the beads?

Strong oxidizing agents are a no-go, however, using weak agents and increasing the regeneration time or the time of the organic removal process should cause less or no damage to the charged sites, right?

[Tech Support LK]

Can acids damage the charged sites as well?

Weak acids cannot. Stronger mineral acids can damage the functionality.


What if I use a synthetic organic-enzyme-eater (an enzyme that destroys organics,etc.) so not to cause any damage to the charged sites on the beads?

I do not see how this could work effectively. The posre size of the media is not suitable for supporting bacteri for organic consumption.

Strong oxidizing agents are a no-go, however, using weak agents and increasing the regeneration time or the time of the organic removal process should cause less or no damage to the charged sites, right?

An oxidizing agent weaker than bleach should work. Yes, it will take longer. Using the prescribed 1:1 bleach and water constitutes a oxidizing solution which works to remove organics. This is easily measured and cost effective. I am not sure what would be the point in altering this step

[LabTest57]

The point in altering the regeneration step would be to increase the oxidation-of-organics and chlorine/chloramine removal time. Depending on the substances at the moment, I can regenerate in less than an hour w/o any chlorine residue/smell (via tests,etc.). Actually, after this tenth regenration the purigen still removes organics at a 70% rate or 2/3 of all the beads have already changed to a brownish-red color in just a week. Surprisingly, this contradicts what Tech Support AN stated about Purigen becoming 10% less effective after each regen. even with the strong concentration of sodium hypochlorite and acids that use in the regeneration process.