Zeolite refers to a group of sedimentary minerals of volcanic origin, with many structural forms.The most common natural zeolites: lomonit, erionite, ferrierite, chabazite and others.From the standpoint of chemistry, zeolites are crystalline non-stoichiometric compound structure.The unique properties of the mineral is completely due to the internal structure - tetrahedron combined aluminum and silicon oxides form numerous channels filled with water molecules and positively charged particles.
qualitative characteristics of zeolites are known for hundreds of years.In ancient times people were added zeolite-containing rocks in food, knowing about the healing power of minerals.Even a century ago ploughmen noticed that the yield richer lands with zeolite.
Until recently, the industrial production of natural zeolite was not carried out, used synthetic minerals - synthetic zeolites.The use of zeolites is based on the chemical and physical properties of the mineral.In the first place - it is natural adsorbent.The dehydration process is converted into a microporous mineral object with a system of internal cavities into which can penetrate the molecules of organic and inorganic compounds.He has great absorbency, absorbing all kinds of gases and liquids.
Scientists have launched research of biological, physical and chemical properties of these minerals for the purpose of industrial applications.In the food and agricultural industry, zeolites are used for the production of environmentally friendly products.The main directions of use of zeolite:
- in livestock, poultry farming as feed additives in the production of animal feed, deodorizing facilities for livestock;
- as a filter element in the organization of drinking water treatment systems;
- for the adsorption of toxic substances;
- in industrial wastewater treatment;
- in the industry - the production of concrete, cement, rubber, plastic, paper and cardboard;
- in medicine as hemosorbents and other sorption technologies.
World zeolite production volume is growing annually by 20-25%.Processing of zeolite on an industrial scale is carried out on all mineral deposits.Thus only part of the deposit is mined rock to the content of the active constituent of about 60%.Basically this figure does not exceed 50%.Thus, the use of zeolite minerals in various industries is determined by the efficiency of a large percentage of the active ingredient.
