A wedge wire nozzle filter, also known as a V wire screen nozzle, is a stainless steel filtration element used to prevent ion exchange resin from escaping from vessels while allowing water to flow freely.
These filter nozzles are commonly manufactured with stainless steel wedge wire screens, offering superior mechanical strength and chemical resistance, which are critical for demineralized water systems, deionization, and water softening.
The wedge wire ion exchange nozzle is one of the most reliable components used in ion exchange units, especially in mixed bed systems. This highly efficient, corrosion-resistant filtration element plays a key role in resin retention, flow distribution, and solid-liquid separation across a range of industrial and municipal applications.
What Is a Mixed Bed Ion Exchange System?
A mixed bed system combines anion and cation resins in a single vessel to achieve extremely pure water.
Mixed beds are commonly used:
After demineralization or reverse osmosis, as polishing units.
In ultrapure water processes: semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear power, and labs.
They operate by passing water through the mixed resin, exchanging ions for H⁺ and OH⁻, and forming ultrapure water in a single-pass cycle.
The wedge wire nozzle (also known as a Johnson strainer nozzle) is mounted on the middle or bottom plate of the ion exchange vessel. It serves key functions:
• Resin retention: prevents resin loss during water flow or backwash
• Flow distribution: evenly distributes water or regenerates through the resin bed for consistent deionization
• Protects downstream equipment: filters out resin fines or debris
High mechanical strength
Non-clogging design
Long service life
High corrosion resistance
Customizable dimensions and slot sizes
These features make wedge wire nozzles for mixed bed systems ideal for high-pressure environments and frequent regeneration cycles.
Applications & Industry Use
Wedge wire ion exchange nozzles are standard in:
• Internally regenerated mixed beds - often found in nuclear and power plants
• External and regenerated systems - part of lateral networks and resin traps
• Municipal, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor systems - providing final polishing and demineralization
Whether for downflow or upflow mixed bed vessels, customized filter nozzles ensure optimal hydraulic performance and compliance with stringent water standards.
When specifying nozzles for mixed bed systems, key considerations include:
• Slot size (0.15-0.5 mm): Retains resin while maintaining maximum flow
• Material (SS 316L): Ensures longevity in chemically aggressive media
• Slot configuration: Influences backwash capacity and prevents resin clogging
• Connection type: Compatibility with middle-plate, flange, or threaded vessel designs
• Flow area and open area: Ensures safe operation without high-pressure loss
These industrial filter nozzles can also be integrated into hub and lateral systems, resin traps, or underdrain distributors, offering a flexible design for both new installations and retrofit projects.
