Detachable Module for Recharging Sorbent Materials with Optional ByPass

Abstract

A detachable module for optionally recharging sorbent materials, including zirconium phosphate, with an optional bypass and conduits for a sorbent cartridge. The sorbent cartridge can have one or more modules contained therein having connectors connecting each of the modules. One or more of the modules can be reusable and the sorbent materials therein recharged.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of recycling a removable module, comprising the steps of:
 disconnecting a removable module from connectors connecting the removable module to another module, a bypass line and/or a wash line;   removing the removable module from a sorbent cartridge;   emptying the removable module of a sorbent material;   refilling the removable module with new sorbent material; and   reconnecting the removable module to the connectors in the sorbent cartridge.   
     
     
         2 . A method for replacing a removable module, comprising the steps of:
 disconnecting a removable module from connectors connecting the removable module to another module, a bypass line and/or a wash line;   removing the removable module from a sorbent cartridge;   discarding the removed module;   inserting and attaching to the connectors a new module in the sorbent cartridge.   
     
     
         3 . A method for recharging sorbent material within a reusable sorbent cartridge, comprising the steps of:
 disconnecting a reusable module from connectors connecting the reusable module to another module, bypass line, and/or a wash line;   connecting the reusable module to a recharger, wherein the recharger contains a fluid capable of regenerating the sorbent material in the removable module;   passing the fluid from the recharger through the reusable module; and   reconnecting the reusable module to the connectors in the sorbent cartridge.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the reusable module contains zirconium phosphate, and the recharger contains a solution comprising sodium and hydrogen ions. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the reusable module further contains ion exchange resin. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the reusable module further contains hydrous zirconium oxide and the recharger fluid further contains acetate ions. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the recharger contains a first fluid. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , comprising the steps of:
 passing the first fluid through the reusable module;   replacing the first fluid with a second fluid; and   passing the second fluid through the reusable module.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the reusable module contains activated carbon and the recharger contains heated water. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the reusable module contains alumina and urease, the first fluid is heated water, and the second fluid contains urease.