A method for treating a fluid by providing raw fluid to a process tank, adding
an ion exchange resin to the process tank to form a raw fluid/ion exchange resin
mixture, removing treated fluid from the process tank through a membrane filter
located within the process tank, and regenerating the ion exchange resin within
the process tank. The method may be set up as a batch process or as a continuous
process using a magnetic ion exchange resin and continuous withdrawal of the magnetic
ion exchange resin from the process tank by use of a magnetic separator. The method
may also consist of reusing the regenerant in multiple regeneration steps and periodically
filtering the regenerant to restore its regenerative properties. Alternatively,
an upflow bed of ion exchange resin may be used to treat the raw fluid before membrane filtration.