Currently, 170 types of zeolites are known, with 70 considered natural zeolites. Normally, their composition is associated with the diversity of geological environments, thus altering their physical, chemical, or mineralogical composition. Among the types of natural zeolite, the predominant species are named: Analcime,Clinoptilolite, Heulandite, Laumontite, and Phillipsite.
AFTER ALL, NOT ALL ZEOLITES ARE THE SAME!
We know that their main characteristics can suffer variations due to geological formation. Chemical parameters such as chemical composition and CEC or physical ones such as hardness, granulometry, and density, are of great importance for understanding the material and the conscious use of zeolite for the most diverse applications.
Hardness is a property related to the mechanical resistance of the mineral to friction or scratching when it is subjected to contact/pressure by another material. This knowledge is of extreme importance for projects that use zeolite as filter media.
When the filter bed is subjected to backwashing, friction occurs between the grains through the fluidization of the bed, which is necessary for cleaning. When the mineral does not have adequate hardness, there is a possibility of grain breakage and dust formation. In filters, when this grain breakage occurs, the pressure drop increases significantly because a “cake” forms on the surface of the filter bed.
Below we can verify the backwashing of the Celta Brasil zeolite bed (Figure 1) and of a Product X (Figure 2). We can verify the formation of dust in the second figure. This occurs because the product does not have sufficient hardness to allow resistance to grain friction. The formation of this “cake” harms the filtration system, increasing the pressure drop and internal pressure of the filter, in addition to reducing the filtrate flow rate.
Celta Brasil has a quality system that monitors the physical, chemical, and mineralogical parameters of the zeolite in order to provide a final product more safely to our client. Furthermore, our commitment is to maintain the quality of all services provided by the company, such as:
Quality of the products provided;
Products capable of meeting different needs;
Products based on the principles of Sustainability;
Technical Support;
Compliance with Standards and Regulations;
Efficient delivery and logistics;
Competitive commercial conditions.
AFTER ALL, NOT ALL ZEOLITES ARE THE SAME!
Want to know more? We are available to contribute with you. Send an email to ct@celtabrasil.com.br.
