Chemical structure (Lenntech)
synthetic zeolites, each with a unique structure.
Zeolites are three-dimensional, microporous,
crystalline solids with well-defined structures that
contain aluminium, silicon, and oxygen in their
regular framework; cations and water are located
in the pores.
The silicon and aluminium atoms are
tetrahedrally coordinated with each other through
shared oxygen atoms. Compositionally, zeolites
are similar to clay minerals. More specifically,
both are alumino-silicates. They differ, however,
in their crystalline structure.
Many types of clay have a layered crystalline
structure (similar to a deck of cards) and are
subject to shrinking and swelling as water is
absorbed and removed between the layers. In
contrast, zeolites have a rigid, 3-dimensional
crystalline structure (similar to a honeycomb)
consisting of a network of interconnected tunnels
and cages.
Water moves freely in and out of these pores but
the zeolites framework remains rigid. Another
special aspect of this structure is that the pore
and channel sizes are nearly uniform, allowing
the crystal to act as a molecular sieve.
The porous zeolite is host to water molecules and
ions of potassium and calcium, as well as a
variety of other positively charged ions, but only
those of appropriate molecular size to fit into the
pores are admitted creating the "sieving"
property. Because of their regular and
reproducible structure, they behave in a
predictable fashion.
Types of zeolite
Zeolites are natural minerals that are mined in
many parts of the world; most zeolites used
commercially are produced synthetically. When
developing applications for zeolites, it is
important to remember that not all of these
minerals are the same.
There are nearly 50 different types of zeolites
(clinoptilolite, chabazite, phillipsite, mordenite,
etc.) with varying physical and chemical
properties. Crystal structure and chemical
composition account for the primary differences.
Particle density, cation selectivity, molecular pore
size, and strength are only some of the properties
that can differ depending on the zeolite in
question. It is important to know the specific type
of zeolite one is using in order to assure that it is
appropriate for one's needs.
There are numerous naturally occurring and
The pore sizes commercially available range from
approximately 3 Å to approximately 8 Å. Some of
the commercial materials are: A, beta, mordenite,
Y, ZSM-5.
The biggest differences between natural and
synthetic zeolites are:
• Synthetics are manufactured from energy
consuming chemicals and naturals are
processed from natural ore bodies.
• Synthetic zeolites have a silica to alumina
ratio of 1 to 1 and clinoptotilite (clino)
zeolites have a 5 to 1 ratio.
• Clino natural zeolites do not break down in
a mildly acid environment, where
synthetic zeolites do. The natural zeolite
structure has more acid resistant resistant
silica to hold it’s structure together. The
clino natural zeolite is broadly accepted
for use in the agriculutral industry as a soil
amendment and as a feed additive.
In 1948, Richard Barrer first produced a synthetic
zeolite that did not have a natural counterpart. At
approximately the same time, Milton made the
first materials that had no natural counterpart
such as zeolite A. New natural zeolites are still
being discovered, and new synthetic zeolites are
being invented in many laboratories around the
world.
What is kaolin?
Kaolinite is a mineral belonging to the group of
aluminosilicates.
It is commonly referred to as "China Clay"
because it was first discovered at Kao-Lin, in
China. The
term kaolin is used to describe a group of
relatively
common clay minerals dominated by kaolinite
and derived
primarily from the alteration of alkali feldspar and
micas.
Kaolin is an industrial mineral used primarily as
an inert
filler and customers combine it with other raw
materials in
a wide variety of applications.
Kaolin is a white, soft, plastic clay mainly
composed of
fine-grained plate-like particles. Kaolin is formed
when the
anhydrous aluminium silicates which are found in
feldsparrich
rocks, like granite, are altered by weathering or
hydrothermal processes. The process which
converted the
hard granite into the soft matrix found in kaolin
pits is
known as "kaolinisation". The quartz and mica of
the granite
remain relatively unchanged whilst the feldspar is
transformed into kaolinite. Smectite may also
form in small
quantities in some deposits. The refining and
processing of
the fine fraction of the kaolinised granite yields
predominantly kaolinite with minor amounts of
mica,
feldspar, traces of quartz and, depending on the
origin,
organic substances and/or heavy minerals.
Individual kaolins vary in many physical aspects,
which in
turn influence their end use. Of particular
commercial
interest is the degree of crystallinity which
influences the
brightness, whiteness, opacity, gloss, film
strength, and
viscosity.
Multiple properties – manifold uses
Kaolin is part of our natural world. Its uses are
multiple and
diversified. Kaolin’s whiteness and plasticity
make it
extremely suitable for its extensive use as a filler,
extender,
ceramic raw material and pigment. It is also an
important
raw material to refractories, and to catalyst,
cement and
fibre glass industries.
Kaolin is used in many applications. It is a unique
industrial
mineral, which remains chemically inert over a
relatively
wide pH range and it offers excellent covering
when used
as a pigment or extender in coated films and
filling
applications. In addition, it is soft and non-
abrasive and has
a low conductivity of heat and electricity.
The two largest applications of kaolin are the
coating of
paper to hide the pulp strands and the production
of highgrade
ceramic products. It is also used in many other
industrial processes:
kaolin
l Paper: In this industry, kaolin is used both as a
filler in
the bulk of the paper and to coat its surface.
Kaolin's
whiteness, opacity, large surface area and low
abrasivity
make it an ideal raw material for paper
production. Its
use allows a reduction in the amount of
expensive wood
pulp required, enhances the optical properties of
the
paper and improves its printing characteristics.
When
used as a coating on the surface of the paper,
kaolin's
whiteness improves paper brightness and
opacity, whilst
the size and the shape of the individual kaolin
particles
give the gloss and printed paper quality required
for
many different kinds of paper. Examples include
papers
for magazines and brochures, art paper, cartons
and
boxes etc.
l Ceramics: Kaolin converts to mullite and glass
when
fired to temperatures exceeding 1000° C. It is
used in
formulations described as whitewares, which
consists
of tableware, sanitaryware, and wall and floor
tiles. It
provides strength and plasticity in the shaping of
these
products and reduces the amount of pyroplastic
deformation in the process of firing.
In tableware, in addition to the strength and
plastic
qualities, it is essential to the achievement of
high fired
whiteness. This is because it contains a low
content of
colouring elements such as iron and titanium.
For sanitaryware, the product is formed by
casting
(either in plaster, or resin moulds under
pressure). Kaolin
contributes the rheological properties that
enables the
casting slip to flow and drain after the cast
formation.
The cast pieces are relatively heavy and the
kaolin must
be strong to withstand the weight and retain the
shape
before the pieces enter the kiln.
Industrial minerals. Yo u r world is made of them
l Fillers: When kaolin is used as a pigment, it is
divided
broadly into filler- and paper coating grade clays
based
on their brightness and viscosity. Its main
properties,
especially its whiteness or near whiteness, make
it very
suitable as a filler or pigment. In addition, it
remains inert
over a wide PH range, is nonabrasive, has a low
heat and
electrical conductivity and offers brightness and
opacity.
l Paint: In its hydrous or calcined forms, kaolin
can
improve the optical, mechanical and rh e o l o g i
cal
properties of a paint. Calcined kaolins are widely
used in
satin and matt paints where they can deliver
increased
o p a c i t y, whiteness and scrub resistance.
Kaolin is
particularly useful as a partial replacement for
TiO2
pigment.
l Rubber: Kaolin adds strength, abrasion
resistance and
rigidity to rubber. Calcined kaolin in particular,
with or
without a silane chemical surface treatment, finds
extensive use in high value thermoplastic
elastomers for
a variety of applications and in rubber insulation
on high
voltage power lines.
l Plastics: Kaolin is used in plastics to provide
smooth
s u rfaces, dimensional stability and resistance to
chemical attack, to conceal fibre reinforcement
patterns
and to reduce shrinkage and cracking during
polymer
compounding and shape forming. It is also used
as a
rheological modifier and a functional filler, in
which
capacity it is used to improve mechanical,
electrical and
thermal properties. A major application is in PVC
cables
where its main function is to improve electrical
p r o p e r ties. Other impor tant applications
include
specialty films where they impart anti-blocking or
infrared
absorption characteristics. Chemically treated,
calcined kaolins is one of the major additives
used in the
manufacture of automotive parts based on
engineering
thermoplastics.
l Refractories: Refractories are produced from
natural
materials, combinations of compounds and
minerals,
such as kaolin, which are used to build structures
subjected to high temperatures, ranging from
simple to
sophisticated products, e.g. from fireplace brick
linings
to re-entry heat shields for the space shuttle. In
industry,
they are used to line boilers and furnaces of all
typesreactors,
ladles, stills, kilns and so forth.
l F i b r e g l a s s : The fibreglass which is used
as a
strengthener in a multitude of applications
requires the
use of kaolin for its manufacture. Kaolin allows for
the
strengthening of the fibres integrated into the
material. It
also improves the integration of fibres in products
requiring strengthened plastics: cars, boats and
marine
products, sporting goods and recreation products,
aviation and aerospace products, circuit board
manufacturing, fibreglass insulation, fibreglass air
filters, fibreglass tanks and pipes, corrosion
resistant
fibreglass products, fibreglass building and
construction
products, etc.
l Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals: ‘British
Pharm a -
copoeia Light Kaolin’ (BPLK) and ‘Heavy Kaolin’
are
manufactured according to the requirements of
the
British and European Pharmacopoeia
respectively. BPLK
is used in both human and veterinary medicinal
products, for example to treat digestion problems
and as
a constituent of poultices. It can also be used as
an
excipient in personal care products including, for
example, Thalasso therapy (bath and skin
treatments)
and in cosmetics. Additionally, BPKL is found in a
number of dietary products, plasters, foot-
powders and
in the specialised treatment of some lung
disorders.
For more information, please contact:
EKA – The European Kaolin Association
(Member of IMA-Europe)
Bd Sylvain Dupuis 233, box 124
B-1070 Brussels, Belgium
ZEOLIT
Zeolit alam merupakan senyawa alumino silikat
terhidrasi, dengan unsur utama yang terdiri dari
kation alkali dan alkali tanah. Senyawa ini
berstruktur tiga dimensi dan mempunyai pori
yang dapat diisi oleh molekul air.

Mineral zeolit yang paling umum dijumpai adalah

klinoptirotit, yang mempunyai rumus kimia
(Na3K3)(Al6Si30O72).24H2O. Ion Na+ dan K+
merupakan kation yang dapat dipertukarkan,
sedangkan atom Al dan Si merupakan struktur
kation dan oksigen yang akan membentuk
struktur tetrahedron pada zeolit. Molekul-molekul
air yang terdapat dalam zeolit merupakan
molekul yang mudah lepas.

Zeolit alam terbentuk dari reaksi antara batuan

tufa asam berbutir halus dan bersifat riolitik
dengan air pori atau air meteorik
Penggunaan zeolit adalah untuk bahan baku
water treatment, pembersih limbah cair dan
rumah tangga, untuk industri pertanian,
peternakan, perikanan, industri kosmetik, industri
farmasi, dan lain-lain.
Zeolit terdapat di beberapa daerah di Indonesia
yang diperkirakan mempunyai cadangan zeolit
sangat besar dan berpotensi untuk
dikembangkan, yaitu Jawa Barat dan Lampung
 crops may be grown in 100%
zeolite or zeolite mixtures in
which the zeolite is previously
loaded or coated with fertilizer
and micronutrients.

Benefits include:

• Slow-release mechanism

• Ability to be loaded with fertilizers

• Exchange and release of inherent potassium

• Low cost

• Increasing use for golf course greens top

dressing

• Hydrophilic

• Increased yields documented for many crops

PHYTOREMEDIATION

Phytoremediation is a process for up taking heavy

metals by certain plant roots and leafs. Natural
zeolites can increase the rate of
phytoremediation for certain metals, and
isotopes.(zeotech)

Here are a few ways Zeolite helps you and

the environment:

Natural Zeolites are the least-known treasures for env

pollution control, separation science and technology.
volcanic minerals with unique characteristics. Their ch
classifies them as hydrated aluminum silicates, compr
oxygen, aluminum, and silicon, arranged in an interco
structure. The arrangement of these elements in a zeo
rise to a honeycomb framework with consistent diame
channels that vary in size depending on the type of
High potassium Laumontite is
recognized as an excellent fieldzeolite mineral. This unique structure makes zeolites different from "other" aluminum
soil amendment. Mineral's bentonite, etc.) due to the following special properties:
Laumontite products carry
potassium as the major
Oil Absorbents
exchangeable caution. In direct
soil application, the Laumontite
provides a source of slowly Zeolite granules can be used as oil absorbents.
released potassium. If previously Since the granules are white, they can be easily
loaded with ammonium, the seen when used to make dikes, barriers, or floor
zeolites can serve a similar coverage around machinery and on shop floors.
function in the slow release of
nitrogen. The potential for hi- Other applications :
tech or specialty potting soil
formulations is evident. Cuban • Safety Products for Floor Dry
studies in the emerging field of • Odor Control for Animal Waste
"zeoponics" suggest that some
 • Carrier Granules for Pesticides / Herbicides
• Gas adsorption: the ability to
selectively adsorb molecules of gases
and vapors;
• Oil absorption : The ability to
selectively absorb Oils
• Water absorption/desorption: the
ability to reversibly absorb/desorb
water without any chemical or
physical change in the zeolite matrix;
• Ion exchange: the ability to exchange
inherent cations for other cations on
a basis of ion selectivity.
• Oils, Acids, Hazardous Materials,
Animal Fluids, Grease, Cooking Oils,
Brake Fluid, Liquid Pesticides,
Antifreeze, Power Steering Fluids,
Transmission Fluid, Gasoline, Diesel
Fuel, Battery Acids, Chemical Spills,
Solvents, Paint Thinner, Petroleum
Distillates, Hydraulic Fluid, Bio-
Hazardous Waste, etc.
Zeo-Tech, in association with Jack Spratt
Industries has pioneered numerous beneficial
applications for natural zeolites. The applications
are in the form of development, demonstration
and development of engineered systems that
result in huge savings in capitol and operating
costs. A few examples of the beneficial
applications are as follows:
WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND SEWAGE
Ammonia is a major issue for the treatment of
municipal wastewater. Ammonia levels in
municipal wastewaters can be reduced to 10-15
ppm through traditional primary and secondary
treatment facilities. Final circulation in the
tertiary treatment stage is accomplished with
polishing filters containing Laumontite, a popular
form of natural zeolite. The zeolites lower the
level of ammonium to non-toxic, acceptable
levels. The zeolite beds can be regenerated and
recycled indefinitely.
Significant properties include:
• High cation exchange capacity
• Selectivity for ammonium cations
• Regeneration capability
The size of zeolite used in wastewater polishing
filter columns varies according to the design. A
size specification of -20 to +35 Tyler mesh is
typical for this application.
METALS REMOVAL - MINE WASTEWATER
TREATMENT
Zeolites are highly selective scavengers of a
variety of metal cations that can be removed
from liquid effluents through the process of ion-
exchange. These cations include lead, silver,
cadmium, cobalt, zinc, copper, mercury,
magnesium, iron, aluminum, chromium and
others. Laumontite water polishing treatment
systems are applicable in industries such as
mining, electroplating and electronics. Giant
industrial houses, like IBM, have deployed this
application for treatment of wastewater
containing heavy metals.
Significant properties include:
• High cation exchange capacity
• Selectivity for many metals
• Low cost relative to resins or synthetic zeolites
• Capacity for regeneration
Specifications are highly variable according to the
end use. Pilot-scale studies are recommended to
determine the appropriate zeolite product for a
site specific waste stream.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE TREATMENT
Process effluents bearing radioactive isotopes can
be treated through columns packed with natural
zeolites. The zeolites selectively remove cesium
(Cs134, CS137) and Strontium (Sr90) isotopes
through the process of ion-exchange. Effluent
liquids are purified to acceptable limits for
discharge as the radioactive isotopes are held
within the zeolite cage structure. One outstanding
example of the application is the British Nuclear
Fuels, Ltd. Site Ion Exchange Efficient Plant
(SIXEO) at Sellifield, England. The other large
application is for the treatment of low level liquid
effluents at the DOE West Valley, NY site, where
Phillipsite was used to selectively remove CS137
and SR90 isotopes. The permanent storage or
disposal of the waste is facilitated by the
inorganic and stable structure of the zeolite which
can be encapsulated in cement or glass.
Significant properties of zeolite in this
application include the following:
• High cation exchange capacity
• Selectivity for cesium and strontium
• Radiation Stability
• Resistance to mechanical attrition
• Cost Effective relative to other methods
These zeolites are produced with the high quality
assurance. The most common Minerals zeolites
in service today include (laumontite, clinolite
betonite etc.), The decontamination factors
achieved by these products often exceed
expectations.
SORBENT BARRIERS FOR RADIOACTIVE
WASTE
Permeable barriers incorporate sorbent materials,
including zeolite, to selectively contain
contaminants that are percolating from shallow
land burial sites of low-level radioactive waste.
The zeolites are combined with clays and other
materials that retard the migration of leachate for
a period long enough to allow exchange and/or
decay of radioactive ions.
Beneficial qualities include:
• High cation exchange capacity
• Low cost
• Large tonnage reserves
Finely crushed zeolites are used in sorbent barrier
layers. Exact specifications are dependent upon
the engineered permeability of the system.
FILLERS
Zeolites are used extensively in Japan as fillers in
the manufacture of paper These filler grades of
zeolite have a large potential for utilization in the
paint and plastics industries. Many deposits of
natural zeolites contain high-brightness reserves
and the potential for benefaction is increasing
with improved technology for magnetic
separation and bleaching of zeolite.
POLLUTION CONTROL
Natural zeolites are an adsorbent of choice for
many cost effective air pollution control
technologies treating the hazardous air pollutants
(HAP) and listed volatile organic compounds
(VOC). The need for technologically improved air
purification systems has been indicated by keen
client interest in the use of zeolites in controlling
indoor air pollutants or "sick building syndrome".
Existing filtration systems typically contain
activated carbon as the adsorbent media.
Because most grades of activated carbon contain
large internal pores, they tend to trap a wide
variety of larger molecules. Zeolites, on the other
hand, contain a very small internal pores, in all
cases from 3 to 5 angstroms. For this reason
zeolite is a highly selective adsorbent of specific
gas-phase molecules and elements. Many of the
identified indoor air pollutants, including
formaldehyde, chloroform, ammonia and carbon
monoxide, are in a size range that is most
effectively sieved by zeolite. Many promising
zeolite and zeolite/carbon air purification and
odor controlling systems are being developed to
meet the need.
Beneficial qualities include:
• Selectivity for pollutant gases of concern
• Inexpensive relative to other molecular sieves
GAS PURIFICATION AND SEPARATION
Because zeolites possess the ability to act as
molecular sieves, they are used to purify or
sweeten natural gases through the removal of Landscape | Industrial | Testimonials |
impurities such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide F.A.Q. | Shipping | e-mail
and water. In addition to upgrading natural gas,
zeolites are used to separate oxygen and Copyright © 2001-2008 ZEO-TECH Corp.,
nitrogen in pressure swing adsorption columns. Jack Spratt Industries. All rights reserved.
These utilizations of natural zeolites are most
common in Japan, as most domestic gas
purification and separation is done with high-cost
synthetic zeolite molecular sieves.

HEAT STORAGE AND SOLAR REFRIGERATION

The high heat of adsorption and ability to hydrate

and dehydrate while maintaining structural
stability have been found to be useful in various
heat storage and solar refrigeration systems. A
hydroscopic nature coupled with an inherent
exothermic reaction when taken from a
dehydrated to a hydrated form (heat of
adsorption), make natural zeolites effective in the
storage of solar and waste heat energy.

MODIFIED NATURAL ZEOLITES

A variety of products have been formulated
wherein zeolites are pelletized and/or activated
for utilization in specific applications. Some of
these products include:
• Manganese coated zeolites used in home water
softening and purification units
• Air dryers for compressed air brake systems
• Insulated window desiccants
• General packaging and food desiccants
• Moisture absorbents in automotive mufflers
• Moisture absorbents in refrigeration systems
FOR MORE INFORMATION . . .
The previous description of natural zeolites
begins to outline the tremendous potential of this
unique mineral. There are other uses not listed
here which further utilize the benefits of this
material's unusual mix of properties. The cost
effectiveness of natural zeolites in retrofit designs
and newly developed systems will push them to
the forefront of state of the art technologies. Our
zeolite product can be applied in a variety of uses
ranging from single low tech systems to intricate
high tech designs.
Home | Agricultural | Aqua-cultural |
AQUACULTURE
Zeolite is used to control ammonium in filtration
systems at many commercial fish farms, in home
aquarium products and during fish transportation.
Laumontite has proven to work as well.
The zeolite has the double benefit of performing
both chemical filtration by ion exchange while
serving as a biological filtration substrate. As a
bio-filter, the loaded zeolite provides a
concentrated source of ammonium upon which
reducing bacteria may feed.
Significant properties include:
• High capacity and selectivity for ammonium
• Resistance to attrition
• Easily recharged
Laumontite is used in various particle sizes
ranging from 1 1/2" x 3/4" to -14x40. generally
utilized in -4 to +20 standard mesh whether it be
in filter columns for commercial fish farms or
within numerous repackaged products for home
aquarium filters. Finer-ground products are used
in some aqua cultural systems.
NEW! Keeps water clear and
Clear as Crystal clean for up to 3 months!
 • Clears Dirty and Cloudy
Water
• Reduces Toxic Levels of
Ammonia
• Increases Oxygen
Content in the Water
• Contains Essential
Minerals to Keep Fish
Healthy and Their Colors
Bright
• Balances pH
Clear as Crystal is a natural
pond cleanser. When used
in a pond it will slowly clear
cloudy or dirty water and
keep ponds crystal clear
for up to 3 months.
Clear as Crystal is a unique
form of Laumontite Crystal,
Calcium Aluminum Silicate
and when placed into pond
water, produces oxygen,
balances pH, purifies water
through an ion exchange
process, reducing toxic
levels of ammonia,
contains essential minerals
that are utilized by the fish
to keep them healthy and
their color bright and will
keep your pond clean and
Clear as Crystal.
Home | Agricultural | Aqua-cultural |
Landscape | Industrial | Testimonials |
F.A.Q. | Shipping | e-mail
Copyright © 2001-2008 ZEO-TECH Corp.,
Jack Spratt Industries. All rights reserved.
Ion Exchangers
Ion exchange is the chemical process of removing
or adding an ion into or from the exchange
medium. Those media consist of zeolite or
synthetic resins, and are used for the removal of
ammonia and sometimes nitrite and nitrate.
Depending on the medium they can be
recharged, but lose their capacity over time.
Hard water and/or a high dissolved organic
content will significantly reduce the effectiveness
of these resins. Water should therefore first flow
through carbon, then followed by these resins if
possible. The water flow rate is a significant
factor. Zeolite products (look like little cement
chips or kitty litter) will not perform their task if
the flow rate is too high.
Another aspect, especially if ammonia is
targeted, is to carefully measure the ammonia
level during the process. When the resin is
saturated ammonia levels can quickly rise to
dangerous levels. Saturated resins can usually be
recharged in a salt-water solution. Because of
this, they are basically useless in salt-water
tanks. Most of the resins only work with a low
water flow, and are usually not effective when
nitrate levels exceed 20 ppm.
The more advanced version of ion exchange
consists of two resins, one anionic (as described
above) and the other cationic. Both work by
exchanging ions, therefore the name deionizing
unit (DI). While the anionic unit removes chemical
compounds such as ammonia, the cationic part
purifies the water further by targeting copper,
lead, etc. Both are rechargeable, anionic in a
base solution and cationic in an acid solution. DI
units can be used for saltwater tanks as well, as
they are separated from the tank. Just make sure
you add the aquarium salt after the process.
Scott Charles
Read other fine articles by this author at
Algone Corporation´s Website
Kaolin
Kaolin is one of Georgia's largest natural
resources. According to the U.S. Geological
Survey, more than 8 million metric tons of kaolin
are mined from Georgia each year, with an
estimated value of more than $1 billion. Georgia
is by far the leading clay-producing state in
America and is recognized as a world leader in
the mining, production, processing, and
application of kaolin products.
The word kaolin is derived from the name of the
Chinese town Kao-Ling (or Gaoling, "high ridge"),
located in the Jiangxi Province of southeast China,
where the written description of porcelain can be
found.
The word kaolin is now
used as a loose trade
and geologic term to
refer to white clayey rock
that is predominantly
composed of Kaolin
Group (khandite)
Kaolin Mine minerals. The most
common constituent is
the mineral kaolinite. Kaolinite is a layered
silocate made of alternating sheets of
octahedrally coordinated aluminum and
tetrahedrally coordinated silicon that are bonded
by hydroxyl groups. Kaolinite is represented by
the chemical formula Al2Si2O5(OH)4, and it most
often occurs as clay-sized, platelike, hexagonally
shaped crystals.
Georgia kaolin deposits occur in Late Cretaceous
(about 100 million to 65 million years ago) to
Early Paleogene (65 million to 45 million years
ago)
sedimentary rocks whose sediments were derived
from weathered igneous and metamorphic rocks
of the Georgia Piedmont geologic province.
During these ancient
times, sediments were
transported by rivers to
coastline deltas and to
estuarine and back-
barrier island locations.
Relative sea-level
changes provided
"Hard" Kaolin
environments of
deposition favorable for the accumulation of the
lens-shaped geometry of the present-day
deposits. Since then further mineralogical
changes have occurred to the sediments. The
varied and complex geologic history that different
kaolin deposits have experienced results in an
array of formation properties.
Kaolin in Georgia is generally found in a northeast
to southwest band of deposits extending from
Augusta to Macon to Columbus. This belt parallels
the fall line, which marks the boundary between
the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain. Deposits are
of three types: (1) "soft" kaolin, which breaks
easily and is soapy in texture; (2) "hard" kaolin,
which is more finely grained, difficult to break,
and jagged in texture; and (3) "flint" kaolin, which
has no commercial value because its high opaline
silica content makes it extremely hard. Kaolin
mining activities are restricted to near-surface
(less than 150 meters) ore bodies that are 3 to 15
meters thick. Once the ore has been extracted,
mine reclamation activities are conducted to
restore the landscape to a pristine state.
Kaolin is most commonly used in the paper-
coating industry. It is also used as a filler (added
to plastics, for example, and rubber compounds),
as a pigment additive in
paints, in ceramics (tile,
chinaware, and
bathroom toilets and
sinks), and in
pharmaceuticals.
Thiele Kaolin Mine
Depending upon the application, kaolins are
typically processed to remove such naturally
coexisting materials as quartz, iron oxides,
titanium oxides, other clay minerals, and organic
matter. Kaolin is often further modified from its
natural state by chemical treatments, physical
delaminating, and high temperature heating to
more than 1000 degrees centigrade. These latter
modifications are designed to enhance chemical
bonding properties of the kaolin when mixed with
other components and/or to improve the
brightness of kaolin-based products.
Kaolin is mined and processed in many countries
worldwide. Evaluation of refined kaolin output,
however, is a far more meaningful way to
estimate the economical state of the industry.
The China Clay Producers Association represents
the major producers and processors of Georgia
kaolin. Members are Engelhard Corporation,
Gordon; IMERYS Pigments and Additives Group,
Atlanta; J. M. Huber Corporation, Atlanta; and
Thiele Kaolin Company, Sandersville. The industry
posted an after-tax profit of $33.2 million in 1999,
which represents a return of 2.7 percent on its
net investment. In 1998 the industry posted a
profit of $65.4 million, a return of 5.8 percent.
This decline represents rising competition and
quality demands. The principal regions of the
world that will offer competition to Georgia in the
near future include Brazil, China, and Australia.
Suggested Reading
Vernon J. Hurst and Sam M. Pickering, "Origin and
Classification of Coastal-Plain Kaolins,
Southeastern USA, and the Role of Groundwater
and Microbial Action," Clays and Clay Minerals 45
(April 1997): 274-85.
Haydn H. Murray, Wayne M. Bundy, and Colin C.
Harvey, eds., Kaolin Genesis and Utilization: A
Collection of Papers Presented at the Keller '90
Kaolin Symposium (Boulder, Colo.: Clay Minerals
Society, 1993).
Paul A. Schroeder, University of Georgia
Published 12/12/2003
NATURAL ZEOLITES: WHERE HAVE WE BEEN,
WHERE ARE WE GOING ?
FREDERICK A. MUMPTON
 Edit Inc., P.O. Box 591, Clarkson, New York
14430, U.S.A.,
INTRODUCTION
Mr. Chainnan and fellow students of zeolite
science. I was pleased to accept Dr. Colella's
invitation to speak to you about some of the
highlights in the history of natural zeolites and
the role that the International Committee on
Natural Zeolites has played over the years. I hope
to do just that, but will also try to point out some
of the areas that are ripe for future research from
both the academic point of view and from the
point of view of industrial, agricultural, and
medical applications, which may increase the
wellbeing of mankind. I hope also to have enough
time to relay to you some of my con- cerns about
the future of natural zeolites and how we need to
improve the quality of our research in the years
that lie ahead.
WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?
Pre-1950 Studies
I do not want to spend much time chronicling the
early history of natural zeolites. We all know
about or we can read about this subject in several
review papers, including some of my own, how
zeolites were discovered in 1756 by the Swedish
mineralogist Cronstedt and how over the years
several dozen distinct species have been
identified and their crystal structures determined.
We can review how in 1858, Eichhorn showed
that these materials can exchange some of their
constituent cat- ions for others; how in 1857,
Damour demonstrated their hydration-
dehydration properties; and how in 1925, Weigel
and Steinhof separated gas molecules on the
basis of size once the water had been removed
from the zeolite's internal structure. In 1932,
McBain, as many of you know, termed this
phenomenon "molecular sieving", and we use this
phrase still today. The fact is, however, that all of
this work was carried out on large, millimeter-
centimeter size crystals collected from basalts or
trap rocks, in which zeolites minerals are
ubiquitous constituents in vugs and cavities. At
that time, zeolite minerals, while attractive to the
eye and while adorning almost every mineral
collection, never seemed to occur in sufficient
purity or amount in the basalts to be of
commercial concern, despite the growing interest
in their adsorption, de-hydration, and cation-
exchange capabilities. Barrer's monumental work
in London (see, e.g., Barrer, 1938) and
Samashima's in Tokyo (see, e.g., Samashima,
1929; Samashima and Hemmi, 1934; Samashima
and Morita, 1935) on zeolite adsorption and
molecular sieve phenomena was carried out on
chabazite and other zeolite crystals from basalt
vugs. Barrer soon realized that the rarity of
chabazite and mordenite, or of any other zeolite
for that matter, precluded serious thought of
developing industrial processes based on the
natural materials. Hence, being a good chemist,
he decided to synthesize them. His successful
synthesis of chabazite and mordenite, the two
natural zeolites having the most attractive
adsorption and molecular sieving properties,
suggested that the zeolite group of materials did
indeed have commercial potential.
Editors' Note: This review was presented in large
part by Dr. F. A. Mumpton, Chairman ofthe
International Committee on Natural Zeolites, as
the introductory lecture at the 4th FEZA Euro
workshop on Zeolites held in Ischia, Naples, Italy,
prior to Zeolite '97, the 5th Intemational
Conference on the Occurrence, Properties, and
Utilization of Natural Zeolites. It also incorporates
some of Dr. Mumpton's remarks to the full
Conference regarding the future of natural
resrech.
Linde's (Union Carbide) Involvement
In the late 1940s, Linde Division of Union Carbide
Corporation in Tonawanda, New York, got into the
act. Because Linde's main business at the time
was the cryogenic production of oxygen and
nitrogen from air, they were constantly on the
lookout for new and different ways of separating
these gases from one another. Thus, Linde
instituted a program of zeolite synthesis under
the direction of Robert M. Milton and Donald W.
Breck spe- cifically to produce chabazite for air
separation and other adsorption/molecular sieve
applications. Although the first few attempts were
total failures (no chabazite was fonned), what
was produced was a zeolite, which was not known
and which here to fore had no natural counterpart
(Milton, 1959). This zeolite we all know now is the
famous Linde zeolite A, which for many
adsorption and molecular sieve purposes has
properties even more desirable than those of
chabazite. Zeolite A is, of course, a mainstay of
the molecular sieve business the world over.
[Milton and Breck, along with Edith M. Flanigen,
were ultimately able to synthesize chabazite and
mordenite and faujasite (synthetic zeolites X and
Y) and literally dozens of new zeolites, having no
natural counterparts (see Milton, 1968)].
Thus, in the middle 1950s, as Linde's chemists
were busy synthesizing zeolites and developing
commercial applications for them, management
became increasing worried that natural
occurrences of their patented zeolites A and X
could exist, thereby undermining their
composition-of-matter patent protection and
jeopardizing the several million dollars that had
already been spent on the project. Despite
assurances from mineralogical and mineral-
commodity consultants that mine able deposits of
zeolites simply could not be ex- pected, such
worries prompted Linde to hire a geologist and a
mineralogist to assess thoroughly the dreaded
possibility that natural zeolites could be mined
from natural deposits, a situation that would
torpedo their entire synthetic zeolite program.
One of the geologists's first acts was to interview
key scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey in
Washington, D.c., and Professor Leonard B. Sand
at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester,
Massachusetts, with whom many in the natural
zeolite field are familiar. At the U.S. Geological
Survey, he learned of Coombs' (1954) discovery
of 300 feet of laumontite-rich sedimentary rocks
in New Zealand, and in Worcester he discussed
with Sand the forthcoming paper by Ames, Sand,
and Goldich on their recent find of high-purity
clinoptilolite in tuffaceous sedimentary rocks near
Hector, California (Ames et al., 1958). Linde
suddenly realized that if laumontite and
clinoptilolite occurred in deposits large enough
and pure enough to be mined, there might indeed
be a chance of finding natural deposits of A and
X, as well as mine able deposits of chabazite,
erionite, and mordenite, the three natural zeolites
possessing adsorption properties similar to those
of the synthetics.
At the same time, in late 1957 and early 1958, a
literature search was made at Linde regarding the
occurrence of natural zeolites in non-basaltic
environments. About a dozen such occurrences
had indeed been described in the literature,
although the articles were not highly publicized.
Seven papers describing the occurrence of
heulandite or clinoptilolite in volcanogenic
sedimentary rocks of the western United States
were published be- tween 1914 and 1936 (e.g.,
Johannsen, 1915; Bradley, 1928; Kerr, 1931;
Bramlette and Posjnak, 1933), to say nothing of
the phillipsite discoveries of Murray and Renard in
1891 in pyroclastic-rich deep-sea sediments. The
work of Sudo (1950), who described the
abundance of clinoptilolite in the Green Tuff of
Japan, the several papers de- scribing
"mordenite" in Russian sedimentary rocks, and
the key papers by Scherillo (1950) and Sersale
(1958), in which the zeolitic nature of the "tufo
giallo napoletano" (Neapoli- tan Yellow Tuft) was
uncovered, testify that the discoveries of Coombs
and Ames, Sand, and Goldich were not flukes.
Although we can look back now and admire the
authors of these earlier papers for their
recognition of zeolites in such non-basaltic rocks,
the geo- logic world paid little attention to these
papers at the time, and for the most part, zeolites
were considered by geologists and mineralogists
to be found in the vugs and cavities of basalts. [I
am afraid that even today in many universities
such is the dogma that is being passed down to
students; almost no note is taken of the millions
(if not billions) of tons of high-grade zeolitic tuff
that have been found in hundreds of sedimentary
deposits in more than 40 countries.] I believe that
one of the reasons for this lack of interest by the
geological profession was that no one
appreciated that zeolite minerals had commercial
potential, aside from Sersale's report of the role
of several Italian zeolitic tuffs in poz- zolanic
concrete (see Sersale, 1992, 1995). Much of the
early exploration for natural zeolites in the United
States was reviewed by Mumpton (1984).
If recognizing the possibility of mine able natural
zeolites was not enough by itself to shake Linde's
management, in January 1958, they received a
sample of what was purported to be erionite from
a prospector who said that "I've got a mountain of
it !". Of course, all prospectors say that they've
got a mountain of it, whether it's gold or
diamonds or sand or gravel. In this case, it was
true. The material was definitely erionite and
almost pure at that. Although there wasn't quite a
"mountain" of it, there was enough to make
decent mining operation. Subsequent
examination showed that it came from an
extensive deposite of flat lying zeolitized volcanic
tuff near Rome, Oregon. Shortly afterwards, Linde
became aware of Van Houten's (1964) and
Deffeyes' (1958) work on zeolitic tuffs in
Wyoming and Nevada, respectively, and of the
occurrence of erionite in both localities. Linde's
approach suddenly changed from one that really
did not want its geologists to find deposits of
natural zeolites and thereby undermine its
synthetic business to one that aggressively
explored the American west for such deposits,
trying to secure the best deposits before the rest
of the geological profession became aware of the
situation.
Linde initiated an unpublicized zeolite search (1)
to ascertain whether or not one could expect to
find natural deposits of Linde's synthetic A and X
(faujasite); (2) to discover mine able deposits of
chabazite, erionite, and mordenite, the natural
zeolites most competitive with their synthetic
products; and (3) to catalog deposits of all other
"sedimentary" zeolites that might be
encountered. Linde soon recognized that
clinoptilolite was the number one zeolite in
volcanogenic sediments, at least in the United
States, but they showed almost no commercial
interest in this zeolite because it did not possess
attractive adsorption properties, Linde's main
concern at the time. The exploration program
lasted three years (1959, 1960, 1961), and by the
end of that time, other petroleum and chemical
companies in the United States were also looking
for natural zeolites to supplement their own
synthetic zeolite programs and to obtain deposits
of clinoptilolite, which had been shown by Ames
and coworkers in the 1960s to have extremely
desirable cation-exchange properties, not only for
radioactive cesium and strontium, but also for NH
in municipal sewage effluents. As a result of
Linde's exploration efforts alone, more than 300
individual occurrences of zeolite minerals were
discovered in volcanogenic sedimentary rocks.
The world's supply of the heretofore "rare" zeolite
erionite changed from an amount that would fit
into a waste basket to one that could be
measured in millions of tons. The first truly
sedimentary deposit of chabazite was discovered
(in contrast to the Italian and Germen ash-flow
tuffs), and the first authenticated identification of
mordenite in sediments was made (the earlier
Russian identifications of this mineral were in
error; they were probably dealing with
clinoptilolite). During this period, Sand and Regis
(1968) identified the world's first occurrence of
ferrierite, another previously thought-to-be rare
zeolite, in sedimentary rocks.
World Attention
Now the stage was set. In both the United States
and abroad, the chemists were making zeolites in
the laboratory and developing uses for them, and
the geologists were beginning to realize that
certain zeolites were abundant in nature. The
geologists were stimulated because their
discoveries appeared to be of more than
academic interest they were actually good for
something, and the chemists were inspired to
think in terms of low-cost applications using the
natural materials. In the next decade or so, more
than 1000 separate occurrence of sedimentary
zeolites were discovered in more than 40
countries. Apart from the industrial potential of
these materials, far-seeing geologists began to
recognize that zeolites were key constituents of
many tuffaceous rocks and that their occurrence
and distribution might provide insight into the
genesis of these rocks.
Pithy Observations
Please note the following aspects of the above
narrative that go beyond the "walk down memory
lane":
(1) Every investigation should begin with a
thorough examination of the literature, and
keeping up with that literature must thereafter be
a systematic part of that investigation.
(2) The literature must be examined regardless of
the language in which the papers are written. If it
pertains to the subject at hand, the researcher
must read it. This advice is especiallv aimed at
colleagues from my own country, who are
notorious for reading only papers written in
English.
(3) Prior to 1950, the accepted knowledge was
that all zeolites occurred in vugs and cavities in
basalts. Today, we know differently, but the old
"party line" is still being taught in many schools.
Students should listen to their instructors, but
they must be cognizant of what others are finding
out as well. To paraphrase Martin Luther,
students should accept what is good, but throw
out what is bad!
(4) Geologists for years hiked across beds of high-
grade zeolites without having any knowledge of
their mineralogical composition or what they
were walking on. Those who examined these
rocks with a petrographic microscope were often
frustrated by the ultra-fine particle size of the
constituent phases, and the rocks were simply
referred to as "altered rhyolites" or "devitrified
tuffs". This is inexcusable, because a quick X-ray
diffraction examination of these rocks would have
shown their zeolite content immediately. The
morale of the tale is that in studying anything,
one must use the techniques and instruments
that are necessary to answer the questions, not
just those methods or apparatuses that are handy
or happen to be available. My hat goes off to
Richard Hay, Ken Deffeyes, Riccardo Sersale,
Toshio Sudo, Leonard Sand, Douglas Coombs,
Lloyd Ames, and others who determined by X-ray
diffraction that what appeared to be an ordinary
clay sediment was actually 90-100% pure zeolite.
(5) A special rule for my chemist and agricultural
friends if the subject at hand has to do with rocks
and/or minerals, get help from someone who is
knowledgeable about such materials. Run, don't
walk, to the nearest geologist or mineralogist!
Zeolite Conferences
Back to the story. Until the early 1970s, things
progressed rather slowly-more deposits were
found in more countries, the Japanese use of
zeolites in agriculture became known in the west,
and large deposits of clinoptilolite in Hungry,
Bulgaria, and Russia.
Teknologi Pengolahan Air Sumur Untuk Air Minum
Air merupakan kebutuhan yang sangat vital bagi
kehidupan manusia. Karena itu jika kebutuhan
akan air tersebut belum tercukupi maka dapat
memberikan dampak yang besar terhadap
kerawanan kesehatan maupun sosial. Air yang
layak diminum, mempunyai standar persyaratan
tertentu yakni persyaratan fisis, kimiawi dan
bakteriologis, dan syarat tersebut merupakan
satu kesatuan. Jadi jika ada satu saja parameter
yang tidak memenuhi syarat maka air tesebut
tidak layak untuk diminum. Pemakaian air minum
yang tidak memenuhi standar kualitas tersebut
dapat menimbulkan gangguan kesehatan, baik
secara langsung dan cepat maupun tidak
langsung dan secara perlahan.
Untuk menanggulangi masalah tersebut, salah
satu alternatif yakni dengan cara mengolah air
tanah atau air sumur sehingga didapatkan air
dengan kualitas yang memenuhi syarat
kesehatan.
Tujuan teknologi pengolahan air ini adalah untuk
meningkatkan kesehatan masyarakat, khususnya
masyarakat yang masih menggunakan air tanah
atau air sumur sebagai sumber kebutuhan air
bersih. Sedangkan sasarannya adalah menyebar
luaskan paket teknologi pengolahan air sumur
siap minum kepada masyarakat yang
memerlukan.
Unit alat pengolahan air ini dapat digunakan
untuk meningkatkan kualitas air sumur atau air
tanah sehingga langsung dapat diminum tanpa
proses pemanasan. Unit alat ini sangat cocok
digunakan untuk keperluan Asrama, Pesantren,
Pemukiman padat penduduk, Dll.
BAHAN
Pasar Silika
Kerikil
Mangan Zeolit
Karbon Aktif Butiran (Granular)
Kaporit
PERALATAN
Spesifikasi teknis peralatan (Kapasitas 10000
liter/hari)
A. Pompa Air Baku
B. Pompa dosing
C. Tangki Bahan Kimia
D. Tangki Reaktor
E. Saringan Pasir Cepat (Sand Filter)
F. Filter Mangan Zeolit
G. Filter Karbon Aktif
H. Filter Cartridge
I. Sterilisator Ultra Violet
CARA PEMBUATAN
Untuk mengolah air sumur menjadi air yang siap
minum, proses pengolahannya adalah seperti
ditunjukkan pada gambar 1. Air dari sumur
dipompa dengan menggunakan pompa jet,
sambil diinjeksi dengan larutan klorine atau
kaporit dialirkan ke tangki reaktor. Dari tangki
reaktor air dialirkan ke saringan pasir cepat untuk
menyaring oksida besi atau oksida mangan yang
terbentuk di dalam tangki reaktor. Setelah
disaring dengan saringan pasir, air dialirkan ke
filter mangan zeolit. Filter mangan zeolit
berfungsi untuk menghilangkan zat besi atau
mangan yang belum sempat teroksidasi oleh
khlorine atau kaporit.
Gambar 1 : Diagram proses pengolahan air
sumur siap minum
Contact Person:
Nusa Idaman Said, Haryoto Indriatmoko, Nugro
Raharjo, Arie Herlambang
Kelompok Teknologi Pengelolaan Air Bersih dan
Limbah Cair
Direktorat Teknologi Lingkungan
Kedeputian Bidang Teknologi Informasi, Energi
dan Material
Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta Pusat
CAcT HomePage
Natural Water
Discussion Questions
• What is hard water?
• What are the differences between
temporary and permanent hard water?
• How can hard water be converted to soft
water?
• How to produce deionized water?
Natural Water
Water is the most important resource. Without
water life is not possible. From a chemical point
of view, water, H2O, is a pure compound, but in
reality, you seldom drink, see, touch or use pure
water. Water from various sources contains
dissolved gases, minerals, organic and inorganic
substances. This photograph of Guilin shows the
beauty of natural water. The rain curved an
interesting landscape out of the lime stones in
the area. Natural waters are often important
parts of wonders of the world.
The hydrosphere
The total water system
surrounding the planet
Earth is called the
hydrosphere. It includes
freshwater systems,
oceans, atmosphere
vapour, and biological
waters. The Arctic, Atlantic,
Indian, and Pacific oceans
cover 71% of the Earth surface, and contain 97%
of all water. Less than 1% is fresh water, and 2-3
% is ice caps and glaciers. The Antarctic Ice Sheet
is almost the size of North America continent.
These waters dominate our weather and climate,
directly and indirectly affecting our daily lives.
They cover 3.35x108 km2. The four oceans have a
total volume of 1.35x109 km3.
The sunlight dims by 1/10 for every 75 m in the
ocean, and humans barely see light below 500 m.
The temperature of almost all of the deep ocean
is 4°C (277 K).
The average ocean depth is 4 km, and the
deepest point at the Mariana Trench is 10,912 m
(35,802 ft), which compares to the height of 8.8
km for Mount Everest.
A Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition is
on view at Museum of Science Boston,
Massachussetts October 10, 1998 to January 3,
1999. This web site takes you to the sight and
sound of deep oceans almost just as good as the
exhibits.
The distribution of water and other materials on
Earth is given in Planetary Parameters. Many fact
sheets are available in this link.
Hydrospheric Processes
Hydrospheric processes are steps by which
water cycles on the planet Earth. These processes
include sublimation of ice, evaporation of liquid,
transportation of moisture by air, rain, snow,
river, lake, and ocean currents. All these
processes are related to the physical and
chemical properties of water, and many
government agencies are set up to study and
record phenomena related to them. The study of
these processes is called hydrology
Among the planets, Earth is the only one in which
there are solid, liquid and gaseous waters. These
conditions are just right for life, for which water is
a vital part. Water is the most abundant
substance in the biosphere of Earth.
Groundwater is an important part of the water
system. When vapor is cooled, clouds and rain
develop. Some of the rain percolate through the
soil and into the underlying rocks. The water in
the rocks is groundwater, which moves slowly.
A body of rock, which contains appreciable
quantities of water, is called an aquifier. Below
the water table, the aquifier is filled (or
saturated) with water. Above the water table is
the unsaturated zone. Some regions have two or
more water tables. These zones are usually
separated by water-impermeable material such
as boulder and clay.
Groundwater can be brought to the surface by
drilling below the water table, and pumped out.
The amount of water that can be pumped out
depends on the structure of the aquifer. Little
water is stored in tight granite layers, but large
quantities of water are stored in limestone
aquifier layers. In some areas, there are under
ground rivers.
Canada fresh water resources
Canada has 20% of the world's fresh water
supply. But 60% of that water flows north into the
 Ions in sea
Arctic Ocean, away from the vast water Minerals
majority of Canadians. usually
Environment Canada provides Speci (mg/k dissolve in
useful information regarding water es g) natural
resources, management, and water
related policies. Cl- 19,350 bodies such as lakes, rivers,
springs, and underground waterways (ground
Na+ 10,760
Fresh water is a commodity. As waters). These photographs show crystals of
such, it is a focal point of trade SO42- 2,710 typical calcite, present abundantly in the Earth
between Canada and the United Crust. Calcite is the major mineral in limestones,
States. Mg2+ 1,290 marbles, and sea shells.

Common ions present in Ca2+ 411 Calcium carbonate, CaCO3, is one of the most
natural water
common inorganic compounds in the Earth crust.
K+ 399 It is the ingradient for both calcite and aragonite.
Hydrology is also the study of how These two minerals have different crystal
solids and solute interact in, and HCO3- 142 structures and appearance. This photograph
with, water. In this link, the shows crystals of typical Calcite.
compositions of seawater, Br- 67
composition of the atmosphere,
Sr 8 Calcium-carbonate minerals dissolve in water,
compositions of rain and snow,
with a solubility product as shown below.
and compositions of river waters
and lake waters are given in BO43- 4.5
details. CaCO3 = Ca2+ + CO32-, Ksp = 5x10-9
F- 1.3
From the solubility product, we can (see example
A simplified table of the major ions
present in seawater from the H4SiO4 0.5-10 1) evaluate the molar solubility to be 7.1x10-5 M
above link is given here. The or 7.1 mg/L (7.1 ppm of CaCO3 in water). The
composition does vary, depending H
+
10-8.35 solubility increases as the pH decrease (increase
on region, depth, latitude, and acidity). This is compounded when the water is
water temperature. Waters at the river mouths saturated with carbon dioxide, CO2. Saturated
contain less salt. If the ions are utilized by living CO2 solution contains carbonic acid, which help
organism, its contents vary according to the
the dissolution due to the reaction:
populations of organisms.
H2O + CO2 = H2CO3
Dust particles and ions present in the air are
CaCO3 + H2CO3 = Ca2+ + 2 HCO3-
nucleation center of water drops. Thus, waters
from rain and snow also contain such ions: Ca2+,
Because of these reactions, some natural waters
Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+. These cations are balanced
by anions, HCO3-, SO4-, NO2-, Cl-, and NO3-. The pH contain more than 300 ppm calcium carbonates
of rain is between 5.5 and 5.6. or its equivalents.

Rain and snow waters eventually become river or

lake waters. When the rain or snow waters fall,
they interact with vegetation, top soil, bed rock,
river bed and lake bed, dissolving whatever is
soluble. Bacteria, algae, and water insects also
thrive. Solubilities of inorganic salts are governed
by the kinetics and equilibria of dissolution. The
most common ions in lake and river waters are
the same as those present in rainwater, but at
higher concentrations. The pH of these waters
depends on the river bed and lake bed. Natural
waters contain dissolved minerals. Waters
containing Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions are usually called
hard water.

Hard water

The carbon dioxide in natural water creates an
interesting phenomenon. Rainwater is saturated
with CO2, and it dissolves limestones. When CO2
is lost due to temperature changes or escaping
from water drops, the reverse reaction takes
place. The solid formed, however, may be a less
stable phase called aragonite, which has the
same chemical formula as, but a different crystal
structure than that of calcite.
The photograph here shows aragonite and
calcite. A common progression from aragonite
due to evaporative enrichment is seen this
photograph, where a nodular mass of calcite
popcorn is tipped by sprays of aragonite needles.
The rain dissolves calcium carbonate by the two
reactions shown above. The water carries the
ions with it, sips through the crack of the rocks.
When it reached the ceiling of a cave, the drop
dangles there for a long time before fallen. During
this time, the carbon dioxide escapes and the pH
of the water increases. Calcium carbonate
crystals begin to appear. Calcite, aragonite,
stalactite, and stalagmite are four common solids
found in the formation of caves.
Natural waters contain metal ions. Water
containing calcium, magnesium and their counter
anions are called hard waters. Hard waters need
to be treated for the following applications.
• Heat transfer carrier in boilers and in
cooling systems
• Solvents and reagents in industrial
chemical applications
• Domestic water for washing and cleaning
Temporary and permanent hard water
Due to the reversibility of the reaction,
CaCO3(s) + H2CO3 = Ca2+ + 2 HCO3-
water containing Ca2+, Mg2+ and CO32- ions is
called temporary hard water, because the
hardness can be removed by boiling. Boiling
drives the reverse reaction, causing deposit in
pipes and scales in boilers. The deposits lower the
efficiency of heat transfer in boilers, and diminish
flow rates of water in pipes. Thus, temporary hard
water has to be softened before it enters the
boiler, hot-water tank, or a cooling system. The
amount of metal ions that can be removed by
boiling is called temporary hardness
After boiling, metal ions remain due to presence
of chloride ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and a
rather high solubility of MgCO3. Amount of metal
ions that can not be removed by boiling is called
permanent hardness. Total hardness is the
sum of temperary hardness and permanent
hardness. Hardness is often expressed as
equivalence of amount of calcium ions in the
solution.
Thus, water conditioning is an important topic.
The value of water treatment market has been
estimated to be worth $30 billion.
Lime-soda softening
Lime-soda softening is the removal of temporary
hardness by adding a calculated amount of
hydrated lime, Ca(OH)2:
Ca2+ + 2 HCO3- + Ca(OH)2(s)  2 CaCO3(s)
+ 2 H2O
Adding more lime causes the pH of water to
increase, and as a result, magnesium ions are
removed by the reaction:
Mg2+ + Ca(OH)2(s)  Mg(OH)2(s) + Ca2+
The extra calcium ions can be removed by the
addition of sodium carbonate.
Na2CO3  2 Na+ + CO32-
Ca2+ + CO32- +  CaCO3(s)
In this treatment, the amount of Ca(OH)3 required
is equivalent to the temporary hardness plus the
magnesium hardness. The amount of sodium
carbonate required is equivalent to the
permanent hardness. Thus, lime-soda softening is
effective if both the temporary and total hardness
have been determined. The sodium ion will
remain in the water after the treatment. The pH
of the water is also rather high depending on the
amount of lime and sodium carbonates used.
Complexation treatment
Addition of complexing reagent to form soluble
complexes with Ca2+ and Mg2+ prevents the
formation of solid. One of the complexing agents
is sodium triphosphate Na3PO4, which is marketed
as Calgon, etc. The phosphate is the complexing
agent. Other complexing agents such as
Na2H2EDTA can also be used, but the complexing
agent EDTA4- forms strong complexes with
transition metals. This causes corrosion problem,
unless the pipes of the system are made of
stainless steel.
Ion exchange
Today, most water softeners are using zeolites
and employing ion exchange technique to soften
hard water.
Zeolites are a
group of
hydrated
crystalline
aluminosilicates found in certain volcanic rocks.
The tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum and
silicon atoms form AlO4 and SiO4 tetrahedral
groups. They interconnect to each other sharing
oxygen atoms forming cage-type structures as
shown on the right. This diagram and the next
structural diagram are taken from an introduction
to zeolites There are many kinds of zeolites, some
newly synthesized.
Whatever kind, the crystal structure of zeolites
contains large cages. The cages are connected to
each other forming a framework with many
cavities and channels. Both positive and negative
ions can be trapped in these cavities and
channels as shown below.
For each oxygen that is not shared in the AlO4
and SiO4 tetrahedral groups, a negative charge is
left on the group. These negative charges are
balanced by trapping alkali metal and alkaline
earth metal ions. When more cations are trapped,
hydroxide and chloride ions will remain in the
cavities and channels of the zeolites.
To prepare a zeolite for water treatment, they are
soaked in concentrated NaCl solution. The
cavities trap as many sodium ions as they can
accommodate. After the treatment, the zeolite is
designated as Na-zeolite. Then the salt solution is
drained, and the zeolite is washed with water to
eliminate the extra salt. When hard water flow
through them, calcium and magnesium ions will
be trapped by the Na-zeolite. For every Ca2+ or
Mg2+ trapped, two Na+ ions are released. The
treated water contains a rather high
concentration of Na+ ions, but low concentrations
of Mg2+ and Ca2+. Thus, zeolite ion exchange
convert hard water into soft water.
Pure water by ion exchange
Bayer markets LEWATIT ion
exchange resins for water
treatment. Anderson has its own
brand, but the type of resin is
not specified in their web site.
DongDa markets Strongly Acidic
Styrene Type Cation Exchange
Resin series, Strongly Basic Styrene Type Anion
Exchange Resin series, Macroporous Weakly
Basic Styrene Type Anion Exchange Resin series,
Macroporous Weakly Acidic Acrylic Acid Type
Cation Exchange Resin series, and more than 30
types Ion Exchange Resin. All ion exchange resins
are almost spherical beads as shown in the
picture (from DongDa).
In most cases, the resins are polystyrene with
functional -SO3H groups attached to the polymer
chain for cation exchange resin, and with
functional group -N(CH3)3+ attached to the chain
for anion exchange resin.
To prepare the resin for making pure or deionized
water, the cation resin is regenerated with HCl so
that the groups are really -SO3H. The anion resin
is regenerated with NaOH, so that the functional
groups are -N(CH3)3(OH). When water containing
any metal ion M+ and anion A- passes through the
ion exchange resins in two stages, the following
reactions take place,
M+ + -SO3H  H+ + -SO3M
A- + -N(CH3)3(OH)  OH- + -N(CH3)3A
H+ + OH- = H2O
Thus, ion exchange provides pure water to meet
laboratory requirement.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals FilStar Zeolite
Ammonia Remover
Canister filter media designed to fit the FilStar XP.
100% natural zeolite. Removes ammonia from
freshwater. Rechargeable pouch.
Zeolite Ammonia Remover - for fresh water:
Removes deadly ammonia, the number-one killer
of tropical fish Protects against ammonia "spikes"
in new aquariums Protects against ammonia
"surges" in established aquariums Made from
100% all-natural zeolite Rechargeable Zeolite
Ammonia Remover is a natural ammonia-
removing mineral for use in freshwater
aquariums. It works well in both newly set-up
aquariums to help prevent "new tank syndrome"
and in established aquariums to prevent sudden
"surges" in ammonia. Zeolite Ammonia Remover
is fully rechargeable and works in all types of
freshwater aquariums.
Ammonia in the Aquarium: Ammonia is a
common and very toxic waste product in
aquariums. Aquarium fish continuously release
ammonia. Urine, solid waste and uneaten fish
food also release ammonia as they decompose.
Nitrifying bacteria in the biological filter convert
toxic ammonia to nitrite (also toxic) and then to
relatively harmless nitrate. This process is called
the nitrogen cycle. Newly set-up aquariums do
not have enough nitrifying bacteria to keep
ammonia at safe levels. It can take 4 to 6 weeks
for the nitrifying bacteria to become established
and form an efficient biological filter. It is during
these first weeks that most aquarists experience
fish loss due to high ammonia levels. Elevated
ammonia levels damage the gills of fish,
preventing oxygen uptake. Even very low levels
of ammonia can cause detrimental metabolic
changes, leading to a greater susceptibility to
disease. Even in established aquariums, ammonia
can be a problem. Each time a new fish is added
to an aquarium, the biological filter must adjust
to the higher level of waste being produced.
When medications and remedies are used, the
biological filter is often disrupted. Under these
conditions, ammonia can reach harmful levels.
Zeolite Ammonia Remover is a very efficient
medium for completely removing ammonia waste
and greatly improving water quality for
freshwater aquarium fish.
What is Zeolite?
The short answer is micro-porous minerals of
volcanic origin.Zeolite is an inorganic porous
material having a highly regular structure of
pores and chambers that allows some molecules
to pass through, and causes others to be either
excluded, or broken down. It is in many ways, the
inorganic equivalent of organic enzymes.
The Origin of Zeolite
Zeolite begins as volcanic ash that is spewed into
the atmosphere during violent eruptions. Ash
plumes can travel thousands of miles before they
are deposited on the earth’s surface.
In nature, zeolites are often formed where
volcanic rock of specific chemical composition is
immersed in water so as to leach away some of
the components. Composition and pore size, of
course, depend upon what kind of rock minerals
are involved.
Zeolites are volcanic hard rock minerals. They are
derived from volcanic ash that is solidified and
mineralized over millions of years.
History of Zeolite Use In Water Applications
• B.C., Roman Aqua Ducts of Pure Water
• 1950’s, Zeolite Discoveries in USA
• 1970’s, Wastewater NH3 and Radioactive
removal
 • 1980’s Pool Use in Europe then in USA
• Commercial Pool Sales
• 1990’s Zeotech Pool Research

• 1999 = Sales est. 200 tons, 2004 estimate

2,500 tons and over 100,000 pool
installations.
Zeolites have many useful purposes. They can
perform ion exchange, filtering, odor removal,
chemical sieve and gas absorption tasks. The
most well known use for zeolites is in water
filtration applications.
Zeolites are typically soft to moderately hard,
light in density, transparent to translucent and General
have similar origins. There are about 45 natural
minerals that are recognized members of the Category Mineral
Zeolite Group.
Industry has mimicked some of the natural Chemical
Al2Si2O5(OH)4
zeolites, and formed many new ones targeted formula
towards very specific purposes. Zeotech
Corporation mines a natural zeolite called
Identification
clinoptilolite and through extensive research and
development has developed a variety of all-
natural and chemically modified products for a White, sometimes red,
wide range of applications. Clinoptilolite (or clino) Color blue or brown tints from
is the most abundant zeolite found and is suited
impurities
for the broadcast use of applications.

Crystal
Earthy
habit
Kaolinite
Crystal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia triclinic
system
(Redirected from Kaolin)

• Ten things you may not know about Wikipedia • Cleavage perfect on {001}

• Ten things you may not know about Wikipedia • Fracture Perfect

Jump to: navigation, search

Mohs Scale
2 - 2.5
This article or section includes a list of hardness
references or external links, but its
sources remain unclear because it lacks Luster dull and earthy
in-text citations.
You can improve this article by Refractive α 1.553 - 1.565, β 1.559
introducing more precise citations. index - 1.569, γ 1.569 - 1.570

"Kaolin" redirects here. For the band, see Kaolin Streak white
(band). For the Sailor Moon character, see Death
Busters. Specific
2.16 - 2.68
gravity
Kaolinite
References [1][2]
Kaolinite is a clay mineral with the chemical
composition Al2Si2O5(OH)4. It is a layered silicate
mineral, with one tetrahedral sheet linked
through oxygen atoms to one octahedral sheet of
alumina octahedra (Deer et al., 1992). Rocks that
are rich in kaolinite are known as china clay or
kaolin.
The name is derived from Gaolin 高岭 ("High Hill")
in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China. Kaolinite
was first described as a mineral species in 1867
for an occurrence in the Jari River basin of Brazil.
[3]
Kaolinite is one of the most common minerals; it
is mined, as kaolin, in Brazil, France, United
Kingdom, Germany, India, Australia, Korea , the
People's Republic of China, and the USA.
Kaolinite has a low shrink-swell capacity and a
low cation exchange capacity (1-15 meq/100g.) It
is a soft, earthy, usually white mineral
(dioctahedral phyllosilicate clay), produced by the
chemical weathering of aluminium silicate
minerals like feldspar. In many parts of the world,
it is colored pink-orange-red by iron oxide, giving
it a distinct rust hue. Lighter concentrations yield
white, yellow or light orange colours. Alternating
layers are sometimes found, as at Providence
Canyon State Park in Georgia, USA.
A kaolin mine in Ruse Province, Bulgaria
Contents
[hide] [hide]
• 1 Predominance in tropical
soils
• 2 Structural transformations
• 3 Uses
• 4 Miscellany
• 5 See also
• 6 Footnotes
• 7 References
• 8 External links
[edit] Predominance in tropical soils
Kaolinite clay occurs in abundance in soils that
have formed from the chemical weathering of
rocks in hot, moist climates - for example in
tropical rainforest areas. Comparing soils along a
gradient towards progressively cooler or drier
climates, the proportion of kaolonite decreases,
while the proprtion of other clay minerals such as
illite (in cooler climates) or smectite (in drier
climates) increases. Such climatically-related
differences in clay mineral content are often used
to infer changes in climates in the geological
past, where ancient soils have been buried and
preserved.
[edit] Structural transformations
Kaolin-type clays undergo a series of phase
transformations upon thermal treatment in air at
atmospheric pressure. Endothermic
dehydroxylation (or alternatively, dehydration)
begins at 550-600 °C to produce disordered
metakaolin, Al2Si2O7, but continuous hydroxyl loss
(-OH) is observed up to 900 °C and has been
attributed to gradual oxolation of the metakaolin
(Bellotto et al., 1995). Due to historic
disagreement concerning the nature of the
metakaolin phase, extensive research has led to
general consensus that metakaolin is not a
simple mixture of amorphous silica (SiO2) and
alumina (Al2O3), but rather a complex amorphous
structure that retains some longer-range order
(but not strictly crystalline) due to stacking of its
hexagonal layers (Bellotto et al., 1995).
2 Al2Si2O5(OH)4 —> 2 Al2Si2O7 + 4 H2O
Further heating to 925-950 °C converts
metakaolin to a defect aluminum-silicon spinel,
Si3Al4O12, which is sometimes also referred to as a
gamma-alumina type structure:
2 Al2Si2O7 —> Si3Al4O12 + SiO2
Upon calcination to ~1050 °C, the spinel phase
(Si3Al4O12) nucleates and transforms to mullite, 3
Al2O3 · 2 SiO2, and highly crystalline cristobalite,
SiO2:
3 Si3Al4O12 —> 2 Si2Al6O13 + 5 SiO2
[edit] Uses
Kaolin is used in ceramics, medicine, coated
paper, as a food additive, in toothpaste, as a light
diffusing material in white incandescent light
bulbs, and in cosmetics. It is also used in most
paints and inks. The largest use is in the
production of paper, including ensuring the gloss
on some grades of paper. Commercial grades of
kaolin are supplied and transported as dry
powder, semi-dry noodle or as liquid slurry.

A more recent, and more limited, use is as a

specially formulated spray applied to fruits,
vegetables, and other vegetation to repel or deter
insect damage. A traditional use is to soothe an
upset stomach, similar to the way parrots (and
later, humans) in South America originally used it.
[4]
Until the early 1990s it was the active
substance of anti-diarrhea medicine Kaopectate.

Kaolin. (unknown scale)

In April of 2008, the Naval Medical Research
Center announced the successful use of a
Kaolinite-derived aluminosilicate nanoparticles
infusion in traditional gauze known commercially
as QuikClot® Combat Gauze.[5] [6].
[edit] Miscellany
The crystallography of kaolinite played a role in
Linus Pauling's work on the nature of the
chemical bond.
When heated to between 650°C and 900°C
kaolinite dehydroxylates to form Metakaolin.
According to the American [National Precast
Concrete Association] this is a supplementary
cementitious material (SCM), when added to a
concrete mix Metakaolin affects the acceleration
of Portland cement hydration when replacing
Portland cement by 20 percent by weight.

The Eden Project

Kaolinite can contain very small traces of uranium

and thorium, and is therefore useful in
radiological dating. While a single magazine
made using kaolin does not contain enough
radioactive material to be detected by a security-
oriented monitor, this does result in truckloads of
high end glossy paper occasionally tripping an
overly-sensitive radiation monitor.

The Eden Project, a large environmental complex

near St Austell, Cornwall, England, is constructed
in a disused china clay pit.

Sandersville, a small town in Georgia, USA, holds

an annual kaolin festival every year. Sandersville
has huge kaolin deposits throughout the town
and the surrounding areas. The town is based on
the kaolin industry.
The uses for natural zeolites, can be generally
categorized into three functional classifications,
and within each function exists a broad range of
applications.
1. GAS ADSORPTION:
Odor Control
Industrial Gas Separation
2. WATER ADSORPTION/DESORPTION:
Heat Storage and Solar Refrigeration
Desiccants
3. ION EXCHANGE:
Water Treatment
Aquaculture
Agriculture & Horticulture
GAS ADSORPTION
The ability of activated zeolites to adsorb many
gases on a selective basis is in part determined
by the size of the channels ranging from 2.5 to
4.3A in diameter (according to zeolite type).
Specific channel size enables zeolites to act as
molecular gas sieves and selectively adsorb such
gases as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon
monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, water
vapor, oxygen, nitrogen, formaldehyde, and
others. CABSORB ZS/ZC 500A has about 47% void
space and a surface area about 500 square
meters per gram which is larger than any other
natural zeolite mineral. This means the rate of
both sorption and ion exchange are higher than
in any other natural zeolite.
The ability of zeolites to adsorb certain gases
readily lends them to odor control applications.
Public toilets, horse stables, chicken houses, and
feed lots all release offensive ammonia fumes
causing distress to the animals as well as human
beings. These problems can be arrested by the
application of ZS403H, ZK406H zeolite products.
Homeowners with pets often have pet litter trays
which cause to unpleasant and offensive odors.
Zeolite placed in the litter tray with the normal
litter can eliminate these odors by adsorbing
ammonia and volatile organic compounds.
The potential use of zeolites in many industries
for select removal of gases from composite
gaseous mixtures is seemingly endless. See Data
Sheet #6 for a partial listing of the gases that can
be adsorbed.
WATER ADSORPTION/DESORPTION
Natural zeolites possess a high affinity for water
and have the capability of adsorbing and
desorbing it without damage to the crystal
structure. This property makes them useful in
desiccation as well as other unique commercial
systems, such as in heat storage. In many
industrial and commercial applications, zeolites
have been found highly effective in controlling
moisture levels particularly in low humidity
ranges where other desiccants are less effective.
GSA Resources, Inc. produces ZS/ZC500A as cost
effective molecular sieve products.
The capability to adsorb/desorb water without
change in matrix, coupled with a high heat of
adsorption, allows natural zeolites to effectively
and efficiently store heat energy for later use. A
problem of many alternative heat energy systems
utilizing non-zeolite heat storage media has been
low efficiency and high cost. Natural zeolites
provide a low cost, efficient media for heat
storage (to include storage of waste and/or off-
peak heat energy) and solar refrigeration
applications.
ION EXCHANGE
The highly selective cation exchange capacity
makes zeolites especially beneficial in controlling
specific cationic levels in water systems,
agriculture and many other areas. Heavy metal
ion uptake capabilities of ZS500H are superior to
those of the synthetic zeolites 3A, 4A, 5A and
equivalent to 13X for the removal of Cu+2, Pb+2,
and Zn+2 from solution. ZS500RW is qualified for
radioactive waste treatment for the removal of
both Sr90 and Ce137.
As an example of selective cation removal,
radioactive strontium can be removed from
nuclear effluents by passing it through a zeolite
filtration column. The efficiency of strontium
removal is dependent upon many factors,
including the relative concentrations of other
competing cations in the effluent . Sewage breaks
down into ammonium. This cation can be
removed from secondarily treated waste water in
much the same way as is strontium. ZS403H is a
high crystallinity clinoptilolite also suitable for this
application.
When fish feed, their normal biological processes
quickly contaminate the water in which they live
with ammonium. Natural zeolites can be used to
ensure removal of ammonium in fish farms, fish Aquaculture
aquaria, and fish transport.

Crop growers often use an ammonium based

fertilizer to supply nitrogen as an essential The
nutrient. Too high a concentration ammonium unique
supplied to emerging crops can be toxic and can
lead to "burning" of the root systems. This means
that fertilizer levels have to be rigorously
controlled, often requiring successive application
of plant nutrients. Ideally, a one time treatment
with an ammonium based fertilizer without root
"burning" would be more cost effective than the
extra labor and time involved for several
applications. Proper use of natural zeolites many
help solve this problem. The clinoptilolite product
ZK406H has proven to be very useful in these properties of these naturally occurring minerals
applications. make GSA zeolites beneficial in a variety of end
uses in aquaculture. Their high cation exchange
The correct type of zeolite application to soils capacity (C.E.C.) allows them to be an excellent
may be expected to do the following: medium for the removal of toxic ammonia by way
of ion exchange as a physical/chemical filter, or
Act as a slow release mechanism of potassium for bacterial breakdown as a substrate in a
biological filter. Plus, the affinity of some GSA
and ammonium in soil system
zeolites for nitrogen makes them capable of
Reduce ammonium toxicity by preventing root producing oxygen enriched air for water system
aeration.
"burning"

Improve the retention of ammonium, thus
reducing the loss of nitrogen contained in
fertilizers. Such losses are the result of
leaching and subsequent runoff caused by
heavy rainfall or excessive irrigation
Zeolites properly applied to soils not only control
high nitrogen levels but also can have a
significant impact upon reducing water pollution
caused by field runoff. High nitrogen levels in
river water reduce the waters ability to adsorb
oxygen. Adequate oxygen levels are imperative
to fish and aquatic life. Regulatory agencies are
concerned about the increasing levels of
undesirable pollutants in water and the financial
resources of companies and municipalities that
have to invest in equipment required to achieve
increasingly more stringent standards. Chemical
effluents from various chemical waste dumps are
often sources of water pollution where zeolites
can be of benefit by sequestering the substances
prior to migration into the water system.
The ability of GSA zeolites to chemically reduce
ammonia is accomplished by the adsorption of
ammonium on the natural zeolite thereby shifting
the NH4 - NH3 equilibrium in the aqueous solution
and reducing the potential for NH3 toxicity. When
the optimum quantity of GSA zeolites is used, the
NH4 level is reduced at a rate highly dependent
upon the rate of water movement.
The actual quantity of natural zeolites required
depends upon water pH, water temperature,
water volume, fish species, concentration of fish
population, water quality and the rate of water
flow through the zeolite bed. Regeneration of the
natural zeolite is accomplished with a brine
solution which allows for the continuous reuse of
the ion exchange bed. Actual specifications for
use and regeneration are available through a
number of GSA distributors.
A variety of systems have been designed and
engineered utilizing GSA zeolites in the reduction
of ammonia in fish rearing environments.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, REFER TO THE

FOLLOWING WEB PAGES:

Figure 1 depicts a typical fish rearing system
utilizing natural zeolites.
Variations of this basic use are available for home
and commercial aquarium as well as fish
transportation systems. In the trans-shipment of
fish, GSA zeolites allow the safe transport of more
fish over a longer period of time.
As a substrate in biological filters, GSA zeolites
are remarkably effective as well. They provide a
suitable habitat for the growth of the bacterial
populations required in the breakdown of NH4 to
NO3 and remain effective as chemical filters
capable of modifying fluctuations in the systems
NH4 levels. This property actually enhances the
biological functions making NH4 available to
bacteria at a more stable level, thus enabling this
population to remain abundant during periods of
low NH4 contamination. The bacterial population
may then better respond to dramatic changes in
concentration.
Removal of Arsenic
and Other Heavy Metals from Water
Arsenic is
a prepared in powdered form and used in an
naturally
occurring
element
in the
environment. Arsenic in ground water is largely
the result of minerals dissolving naturally from
weathered rocks and soils. Arsenic has many
industrial uses such as hardening of copper and
lead alloys, pigmentation in paints and fireworks,
and the manufacture of glass, cloth, and
electrical semiconductors. Arsenic is also used
extensively in the production of agricultural
pesticides, which includes herbicides,
insecticides, desiccants, wood preservatives and
feed additives. Runoff from these uses and the
leaching of arsenic from waste generated from
these uses has resulted in increased levels of
various forms of soluble arsenic in water.
Inorganic arsenic is highly toxic to mammals and
aquatic species. When ingested, it is readily
absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, the
lungs, and to a lesser extent from the skin, and
becomes distributed throughout the body.
Recently, arsenic in water supplies has been
linked to arsenical dermatosis and skin cancer.
Because of recent studies further revealing its
toxicity, the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) has classified arsenic as
a human carcinogen (Group A) and has
promulgated regulations lowering its maximum
contaminant level from its present requirement
of50 parts per billion (ppb) to 5 ppb or less.
GSA's process of removing arsenic employs a
modified zeolite mineral, chabazite, product code
ZS500As. The modification involves exposing the
zeolite material to concentrated ferrous aqueous
solutions to form an iron-laden zeolite mineral,
thereby greatly increasing the zeolites affinity for
arsenic. When contact is made between
contaminated water and the zeolites, the zeolites
act as sorbents, chemically bonding with the
arsenic, which is then removed. The media can
be used in a column as a filter, or they can be
existing water treatment plant.
Advantages Over Other Processes
provides a method of removing aqueous
arsenic species from natural water having a pH
range from 3 to 8.
provides a method of removing arsenic
species in the form of both arsenate and
arsenite from an aqueous medium without the
need to oxidize arsenite to arsenate.
provides a method of removing aqueous
arsenic species from an aqueous medium to a
detection level for arsenic species of 5 ppb.
 provides an inexpensive sorbent material to
remove aqueous arsenic species from an
aqueous medium, which does not need to be
reused in order to be economically applicable.
provides a cost effective means to remove
aqueous arsenic species from an aqueous
medium, which will not leach aqueous arsenic
species and can be readily disposed of as non-
hazardous waste.
the arsenic-laden zeolites have passed the
EPA's Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure test and can be safely disposed of in
a non-hazardous waste landfill.
CATION-EXCHANGE CAPACITY OF ZEOLITES
Zeolites are crystalline, hydrated
aluminosilicates of alkali and alkaline earth
metals, having infinite, three-dimensional atomic
structures. They are further characterized by the
ability to lose and gain water reversibly and to
exchange certain constituent atoms, also without
major change of atomic structure. Along with
quartz and feldspar minerals, zeolites are three-
dimensional frameworks of silicate (SiO4)
tetrahedra in which all four corner oxygens of
each tetrahedron are shared with adjacent
tetrahedra. If each tetrahedron in the framework
contains silicon as its central atom, the overall
structure is electrically neutral, as is quartz
(SiO)2). In zeolite structures, some of the quadri-
charged silicon is replaced by triply-charged
aluminum, giving rise to a deficiency of positive
charge. The charge is balanced by the presence
of singly-and doubly-charged atoms, such as
sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and
magnesium (Mg2+), elsewhere in the structure.
The empirical formula of a zeolite is of the type:
M2/nO • Al2O3 • xSiO2 • yH2O,
where M is any alkali or alkaline earth atom, n is
the charge on that atom, x is a number from 2 to
10, and y is a number from 2 to 7. The chemical
formula for clinoptilolite, a common natural
zeolite is:
(Na3K3)(Al6Si40)O96 • 24H2O.
Atoms or cations (i.e., charged metal atoms)
within the second set of parentheses are known
as structural atoms, because with oxygen they
make up the rigid framework of the structure.
Those within the first set of parentheses are
known as exchangeable ions, because they can
be replaced (exchanged) more or less easily with
other cations in aqueous solution, without
affecting the aluminosilicate framework. This
phenomenon is known as ion exchange, or more
commonly cation exchange. The exchange
process involves replacing one singly-charged
exchangeable atom in the zeolite by one singly-
charged atom from the solution or replacing two
singly-charged exchangeable atoms in the zeolite
by one doubly-charged atom from the solution.
The magnitude of such cation exchange in a
given zeolite is known as its cation-exchange
capacity (CEC) and is commonly measured in
terms of moles of exchangeable cation per gram
(or 100 grams) of zeolite or in terms of
equivalents of exchangeable cations per gram (or
100 grams) of zeolite.
A mole of an atom or cation is its molecular or
atomic weight written in terms of grains (i.e.,
gram-molecular weight); thus, a mole of sodium
(Na) weighs 22.99 grams, and a mole of calcium
(Ca) weights 40.08 g. Because the number of
cations in solution that can replace exchangeable
cations in a zeolite depend on the charge on the
species being exchanged, i.e., 2 Na+ cations can
be exchanged for one Ca2+ cation or one Ca2+ can
be exchanged for 2 K+cations, expressing the
cation-exchange capacity of a given zeolite in
terms of moles requires that the nature of the
exchanging cations be stated for each exchange
reaction. Expressing CEC is terms of equivalents
(or milliequivalents) eliminates the need for such
cumbersome expressions, because the number of
equivalents being exchanged is the same
regardless of the charge of the cation To
calculate equivalent weight (or gram-equivalent
weight) of a given cation, the gram-molecular
weight (mole) must be divided by the charge on
the cation. Thus, the gram-equivalent weight of
calcium (Ca2+) is 40.08/2 = 20.04, half the gram-
molecular weight. Hence, one mole of Ca2+ (40.08
g) would equal two equivalents of Ca2+(20.04 g),
but one mole of Na+ (22.99 g) would still be equal
to one equivalent of Na+ (22.99 g).
To calculate the CEC of a given zeolite, one must
know the chemical formula of the zeolite. For
example, using the formula of clinoptilolite listed
above, note that for each formula unit, 3 Na + 3 K
are exchangeable or that 6 equivalents of cations
are exchangeable for each formula unit. The
weight of a formula unit can be calculated by
adding up the atomic weights of the constituent
atoms. For the above formula, this amounts to
2774.37 g. Thus, this particular clinoptilolite
would have a cation-exchange capacity of 6
equivalents per 2774.37 gram, or, recalculating,
0.00216 equivalents per gram, or 216 equivalents
per 100 grams or 2.16 milliequivalents (meq) per
gram. If we were to exchange the singly-charged
Na and K in this formula with doubly-charged Ca,
the resultant formula would be written:
(Ca3)(Al8Si40)O96 • 24H20.
Note that only half as many double-charged
calcium ions are needed to balance the number
of singly charged sodium and potassium ions.
Calculating the CEC of the Ca-exchanged
clinoptilolite yields the same value in terms of
meq/g (actually very slightly more because the
molecular weight of 4 calciums is slightly less
than the molecular weight of 4 sodiums + 4
potassium.)
Using CEC expressed in terms of milliequivalents
(mcci) per gram (or 100 g) makes it easy to
compare bow much of any cation can be
exchanged by a particular zeolite, without having
to worry about the charge on the cation involved.
The calculated CECs of common zeolites, based
on theoretical formulae, follow:
Clinoptilolite (NaK 3)(Al6Si40O96) • 24H2O
zeolite (or zeolitic ore, for that matter) is known
(in terms of meq/g), this is an easy calculation.
The number of milliequivalents of the given
cation (i.e., NH4+ or Cu2+) must be converted to
grams by multiplying by the gram-equivalent
weight of the cation. For singly-charged cations,
this is the same as multiplying by the gram-
molecular weight, but for double charged cations
(e.g., Cu2+), the number of meq/g must be
multiplied by half the gram-molecular weight (i.e.,
converting gram-equivalent weight to gram-
molecular weight). Hence, 1 g of a sample of
clinoptilolite-rich ore having a measured CEC of
2.00 meq/g could load (exchange) 3.67 wt. %
(g/100 g) NH4+; likewise, 1 g of a chabazite-rich
ore (measured CEC = 3.70 meq/g) could
exchange 11.75 wt.4 % (g/100 g) Cu. The
calculation is simple; merely multiply the known
CEC of the zeolitic material by the milliequivalent
weight (i.e., 1/1000 of the equivalent weight) of
the atomic species involved. The following table
lists the number of grams of various atoms taken
up by one gram of zeolitic materials having the
indicated CECs.
Detergents

Mordenite (Na8)(Al8Si40O96) • 24H20 PQ zeolites, with their many functional benefits,

are important ingredients in today’s detergent
Erionite (Na3Ca3K2)(Al9Si27O72) • 27H2O formulations. Zeolites make possible the
formulation of high-performance, low-cost,
environmentally friendly detergents that are
Chabazite (Na6K6)(Al12Si24O72) • 40H2O phosphate-free.

Zeolites improve cleaning by removing hardness

Phillipsite (Na5K6)(Al10Si22O64) • 20H2O ions from wash water. Zeolites also act as a
processing aid. Their extremely high liquid
carrying capacities allow formulation of high
Analcime (Na16(Al16Si32)O96 • 16H2O
density Ultra detergents.

Laumonite (Ca4)(Al8Si16O48) • 16H2O When dry blended at lower levels, zeolites

function as a flow aid and an anti-caking agent in
powder formulations.
Natrolite (Na16)(Al16Si24O80) • 16H2O
Zeolites can also be used to improve the
Faujasite (Na58)(Al58Si134O384 • 240H2O performance of touchless, high-pressure
detergents used in carwash, fleet wash, and
power washing applications.
Synthetic zeolite A (Na12(A112Si12O48) • 27H2O
Product Details:
Synthetic zeolite X (Na86)(Al86Si106O384) • 264H20
VALFOR® 100 Zeolite type A

It is often desirable to express cation-exchange

capacity in terms of weight percent (e.g., how
many grams of ammonium ion (NH4+) could be
exchanged onto 1 gram of clinoptilolite, or how
many grams of copper could be removed from
solution by 1 gram of chabazite). If the CEC of the
GSA zeolites are naturally occurring minerals.
Their high heat of adsorption and ability to
hydrate and dehydrate while maintaining
structural stability have been found to be useful
in various heat storage and solar refrigeration
systems. This hygroscopic property coupled with
rapid, intense exothermic reaction when taken
from a dehydrated to a hydrated form (heat of
adsorption), makes natural zeolites effective in
the storage of solar and waste heat energy.
Low energy density and time of availability have
been key problems in the use of solar and waste
heat energy. Commercial storage systems have
been developed incorporating GSA zeolites to
overcome these problems. These systems are
capable of operating from solar, industrial waste
heat and other thermal sources, thereby
converting under utilized resources into useful
energy.
The capacity of natural zeolites to store heat
energy and adsorb water vapor used in that
exchange of energy comes from their honeycomb
structure and resultant high internal surface area.
When "charged" with heat, GSA zeolites can store
latent heat energy indefinitely if maintained in a
controlled environment and not exposed to water
vapor. This stored energy can be liberated as
needed by simple addition of controlled amounts
of water vapor which initiates the exothermic
reaction. Most other storage media lack this basic
property.
Figure 1 demonstrates
the use of GSA zeolites
as heat storage media.
Heat storage units using natural zeolites reduce
dependence on secondary/backup heating
systems and allow for efficient and safe use of
waste heat.
The principle of adsorption-desorption can be
utilized as a key component in the refrigeration
cycle as well. In this case, natural zeolites are
used as a transfer mechanism moving water as a
refrigerant through the condensers and
evaporators. The efficiency of the system is
based on the nonlinearity of the natural zeolites
adsorption isotherms as compared to pressure.
GSA zeolites will adsorb water vapor at low partial
pressure and desorb a majority of it at high
partial pressure. This difference in partial
pressure may be achieved through temperature
changes which would be experienced in a solar
panel going from high day temperatures to low
night temperatures.
"Liquid Zeolite - A New Scientific
Breakthrough"
Zeolite, as you may already
know from reading the other
pages on this site, is a natural
mineral that traps toxins and
heavy metals in its unique
honeycomb framework (like
cages, seen to the right),
effectively detoxing the body
efficiently, quickly, and most
importantly, safely.
Powdered forms of zeolite have been used
for centuries by tens of thousands of people
to reach unimagined levels of health and
vitality. The story of the "volcanic rocks" has
been passed down from generation-to-generation
by those who have experienced its life-changing
effects. It's been said that no other detoxifier can
come close to the efficiency of zeolite... when it is
manufactured properly that is.
Although the powered forms do have many
benefits, there's also a downside. In powered
forms, the zeolite mineral has already drawn
toxins to itself from nature, and the substance is
not manufactured to remove these.
With a liquid zeolite product, the zeolite
molecule is heated up in a unique process
that cleans the cages of impurities and
lengthens the chemical bonds. Therefore, not
only are all the existing toxins removed, but the
liquid zeolite is now up to 20x more active than in
powered forms.
Suspended in a clear and tasteless solution that is
simply added to water, this activated liquid
zeolite is sold in small plastic bottles labeled
"Natural Cellular Defense™"...
"The most important supplement you'll ever take"
Natural Cellular
Defense™ by Waiora is a
patented liquid zeolite
health supplement that
uses a unique
manufacturing process that
not only removes all
impurities from the starting
zeolite mineral and
increases the potency, but
"activates" the free-floating cages or boxes so
that they are preloaded with magnesium,
calcium, and phosphorous ions. These ions not
 only exchange easily with heavy metals, but are
also healthy for the body.
The liquid zeolite is so efficient that just 100
drops has the equivalent toxin absorption area of
nearly 8m²! There is no other health
supplement on the market that is as pure or
as effective at detoxifying the body. In fact,
this supplement is so safe that it has been taken
by pregnant women and babies.
Natural Cellular Defense™ has been clinically
formulated to help support a healthy immune
system, remove heavy metals and toxins,
and balance your body's pH levels.
This patented liquid zeolite took fourteen years of
extensive development and testing to become
the powerful supplement that it is today. The
manufacturing process uses the same top grade
zeolite used by NASA as a starting material. The
mineral is sourced from mines in Montana and
Texas (known for their zeolite purity) before it's
put through the liquidation, purification, and
activation process.
Here's some great informational videos to check
out:
NEW! - MSNBC's "How Toxic is the World We Live In?" Video a cause of some respiratory ailments in both
Click to Watch - Cable Modem
Click to Watch - 56K Modem
The "Natural Cellular Defense™ Testimonials" Video
Click to Watch - Cable Modem
Click to Watch - 56K Modem
The "Science of Natural Cellular Defense™" Video
Click to Watch - Cable Modem
Click to Watch - 56K Modem
Odor Control
GSA zeolites are naturally occurring minerals
which are uniquely effective in the control of
ammonia and its resultant malodor. These zeolite
minerals also appear to have some impact upon
hydrogen sulfide, another olfactory irritant.
Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide are two gaseous
by-products from the breakdown of organic
matter whether it be food waste products in the
home or in animal rearing areas. Both of these
gases, when released into the atmosphere, are
irritating and, according to health officials,
damaging when prolonged exposure occurs
relatively high levels.
Ammonia is an offensive odor for both man and
animal and its potential for aggravation of both
eye and respiratory systems becomes acute as
accumulations increase in confined areas.
Concentrations of ammonia in enclosed chicken
coops have been severe enough to cause
blindness, pneumonia and inhibit growth.
Hydrogen sulfide, a typical gaseous by-product
from waste decomposition, is also believed to be
animals and humans. Unpleasant odor can also
result from the breakdown of foods and other
organic products in storage areas as well as the
decomposition of wastes and unwanted by-
products in various industrial processes, disposal
sites, garbage bins, and pet litter boxes.
Natural zeolites, such as those available through
GSA Resources, have been found to be
particularly helpful in the control of ammonia and
hydrogen sulfide in confined livestock rearing
areas, zoos, kennels, pet shops and pet litter
trays. These natural minerals have also been
used very effectively in the control of malodors
emanating from waste disposal areas, garbage
bins, diaper pails, refrigerators, pantries, and
some industrial processes.
GSA zeolites are able to perform this function due
to their ability to adsorb certain volatile organic
compounds, cations and gases. ZK406H, a
natural zeolite product, can selectively adsorb the
ammonia nitrogen produced as wastes
decompose.
Due to the variety of applications of this unique
mineral, the application rates are generalized as
follows 1/2 to 2 pounds per square foot in animal
confinement areas adjusted according to animal
concentration and resultant ammonia and
hydrogen sulfide levels, dusted over waste in
waste depositories according to mass of waste
and rate of decomposition; one pound of zeolite
per month placed in an open container and
stirred weekly in food storage areas, used as a
filter media in air ventilation systems for removal
of airborne malodors.
Due to its unique properties, and once loaded
with ammonium from odor control applications;
GSA zeolites make a remarkable soil amendment
and may be added to potted plants, lawns,
gardens, and agricultural fields. The zeolite then
makes nitrogen (from the ammonium) available
to the plants over an extended period of time.
This acts as a slow release mechanism in the soil,
making fertilizers more effective by increasing
their efficiency. Therefore, use of GSA zeolites for
odor control can result in a useful or saleable by-
product.
• One of the first full scale projects to
incorporate natural zeolites in a municipal
tertiary water treatment system was built
for the Tahoe Truckee Sanitation Agency.
This system, designed by CH2M Hill,
utilizes zeolite as an ion exchange
medium for the removal of ammonium
(NH+4). The municipal effluent containing
ammonium is passed through the natural
zeolite which adsorbs the ammonium ion.
The efficiency of ammonium removal is
dependent upon temperature, water
quality, and rate of flow. Regeneration of
the natural zeolite bed for reuse is
achieved by passing a brine solution
through it. The regenerant then is passed
through a stripping unit and the
ammonium is converted into ammonium
sulfate, and sold as a fertilizer.

PQ Zeolites VALFOR® 100

Sodium Aluminosilicate Hydrated Type Na-A

Zeolite Powder

VALFOR® Zeolite, with its many functional

benefits, is an important ingredient in consumer
and Industrial Institutional detergent
formulations.

VALFOR 100 Zeolite -
• Makes possible the formulation of high-
performance, low-cost, environmentally
responsible detergents that are
phosphate-free.
• Promotes cleaning by removing hardness
ions from wash water.
• Removes water hardness at the same rate
as phosphates and NTA.
• Removes heavy metal ions, such as iron,
copper, and manganese, which can
discolor fabric and deactivate bleach.
• Allows for the production of high density
Ultra detergents.
• Acts as a flow-aid/anti-caking agent by
absorbing high loading of liquid
ingredients in powder detergent
formulations.
Supplemental Documents:
(Note: The Acrobat Reader® is required to
view/print any file available on this page. Click
here to go to the Adobe webpage to install.)
Figure 1 depicts the basic design of a tertiary water treatment system
utilizing natural zeolites.
• A pilot project near Denver, Colorado, is
now using natural zeolites for the removal
of ammonium in a potable water system.
Similar systems are now in production
which remove various pollutants including
heavy metals and radioactive ions from
industrial effluents.
• One alternative to a typical tertiary water
treatment plant is to apply effluents over
natural soils. The soil filters the pollutants
from the water as it gradually percolates
to the natural ground-water table which
may be recovered from wells for reuse.
The soil, as an ion exchange medium, is
regenerated by way of crop production
capable of removing many of the
pollutants. A major limitation of such
systems is the requirement for percolation
which typically necessitates the use of a
sandy soil type not ideal for ion exchange.
The low cation exchange capacity of these
sandy soil can then be enhanced through
the addition of GSA zeolites which will not
impede percolation. Tests of such a
system were carried out by Dr. Ian Pepper
 of the University of Arizona. In these tests,
a turf grass was used to regenerate the
system and adequate efficiencies of
pollutant removal were found to be
attainable. Additions of natural zeolites in
these systems may be found to favorably
improve the sequestering of heavy metals.
Further testing is required to fully
demonstrate this possibility.
• Systems for the specific removal of cations
from industrial wastes utilizing natural
zeolites as a component of the filter
medium have been commercialized. These
systems have successfully recovered
precious metals from plating operations as
well as basic industrial pollutants from
effluents.
Natural Activated Cellular Liquid Zeolite
Natural Activated Cellular Liquid Zeolite or the
many other names that this product can be
named such as Liquid Zeolite, Cellular Zeolite,
Natural Zeolite or any combination of those words
is truly an amazing product. Zeolites really
deserve a health category of their own but can be
classified in so many at the same time. Zeolites
are powerful detoxifiers and this is probably the
most sought after use. Cellular Liquid Zeolites are
by far the best minerals for chelating heavy
metals, herbicides, pesticides and other toxins.
Liquid Zeolites have also become very powerful
and effective dealing with autism, all kinds of
cancers and other serious health complications.
It’s no coincidence that zeolites, either liquid
zeolites or powdered zeolites, have been used by
Asian societies for a very long time. These
societies did not suffer from the same
overwhelming number of cancers including breast
cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, prostate cancer,
etc. and other health problems but whenever a
problem did arise they knew the herbal and
alternative remedies.
Cancer is caused and can be remedied by 3 very
important fundamentals:
* Acidic body conditions
* Low oxygenated
* Toxic build-up
Now of course these aren’t the only causes nor
are they the only solutions but are important in
understanding what cancer is in order to have a
fighting chance. Luckily, alternative supplements
are available that rectify these major problems
and information on proper dieting is no longer a
mystery.
Zeolite is a natural detox product that also has
many other benefits. Removing heavy metals is
important because of the link to serious diseases.
Zeolite really goes into the body and starts to
repair all the damage. Some of the stuff in your
body is causing cancer and something else is
there that is allowing for it to happen, zeolite
removes both. Of course, "cure for cancer" is
tossed around but it shouldn't be. Zeolite will
definitely cleanse the body of many cancer
causing agents and strengthen the system but
it's only a small part in the fight against cancer.
- Some testimonials suggest that natural zeolite
promotes a sense of general well-being, clarity,
and even happiness. These can be attributed to
the elimination of toxins and also, according to
preliminary research, zeolite has shown to relieve
depression by increase the product of serotonin
in the body.
- Reports also suggest that zeolite increases
energy, immune function, and general health.
- Cellular Zeolite also neutralizes the formation of
nitrosamines in the stomach. Nitrosamines are
found in processed meats. These toxins are
highly cancer causing, and become a significant
factor in stomach cancer. Zeolite also has an
effect on relieving acid reflux.
- Zeolite captures triggering antigens, which
cause allergies, migraines, and asthma. By doing
so, the rate and severity of these annoying
symptoms are lessened.
- LiquidZeolite directly absorbs free radicals. This
decreases the damage caused to the body by the
usually high levels of free radicals.
Cellular Liquid Zeolite health benefits:
1. Natural Cellular Liquid Zeolite
removes heavy metals,
nitrosamines, toxins and poisons
from within your body (cells,
tissues, organs) by trapping
them within the actual zeolite
and flushing them out of the
system completely.
Unfortunately, all this is found in
the food we eat, the air we
breathe and on the planet we
will. We cannot escape the
constant exposure but we can
limit ourselves by making
conscious eating decisions and
supplementing with powerful
health products.
A. Some of these metals include but are not a body detoxifier, balances body's pH levels,
limited to mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead, etc. removes toxins and more.
Some toxins and poisons include pesticides,
herbicides, free radicals, PCB’s and other The list of health benefits is constantly growing
chemicals. All of this leads to the depletion and and people are seeing tremendous results.
weakening of your immune system. In case Natural Activated Cellular Liquid Zeolite is still
anyone has forgotten, the immune system is the relatively new but extensive research is being
body’s FIRST and MOST IMPORTANT line of conducted all the time. Zeolite isn’t an overnight
defense against all disease. miracle but one major part of a serious regime
including other supplements and proper nutrition.
2. Balances pH. The bloods normal pH range is
about 7.3 (neutral is 7.00). This is measured on a
scale of 1-14. Many people believe that healing
can only take place when pH is returned to its
neutral state (even slightly alkaline). Cellular
Liquid Zeolite is one product that balances pH.

When pH is either too high or two low, these and

other problems may arise:

• Beneficial enzymes that are in your body will

actually hurt you.
• The whole oxygen carrying system will suffer.
• The microbes found in your blood will be altered
or even become pathogenic! Fundamentals of the
• Proper mineral assimilation will not occur (Why Zeolite/Water Adsorption
eat foods with high mineral content if these
minerals are not even used by your body?!). Technology
3. Zeolite has been shown to block viruses. The natural mineral Zeolite has the property to
Similar to the interaction with heavy metals and
attract (adsorb) water vapor and to incorporate it in
toxins the liquid zeolite traps and eliminates
viruses. its internal crystal lattice while releasing heat at the
same time.
4. Helps the digestive tract and increases nutrient
absorption.

5. Reduces and may eliminate acid reflux

(heartburn).

6. Strengthens immune system to levels never If this process proceeds in an evacuated

thought possible.
7. Zeolite is a powerful antioxidant (getting sick is
not natural or normal)!
8. Reported to have dropped blood sugar an
unimaginable 50 points!
9. Activates P21 gene which is appears to halt the
growth of tumors by directly suppressing growth
signals.
10. Cellular Zeolite absorbs free radicals.
11. Zeolite is non-toxic and 100% natural.
(airless) environment the attraction of water
by the zeolite is so forceful that the internal
pressure drops dramatically. The remaining
water in an attached vessel evaporates, cools
down and freezes immediately due to the
heat of evaporation. The resulting ice can be
used for cooling and air conditioning while
the simultaneously produced heat of
adsorption within the zeolite tank can be
utilized for heating. If a valve is included
between the two vessels, the heat or cold
production can be interrupted for any periods
without loss of energy.

Cellular Zeolite is something that cannot be

replaced with any other products. It functions as

The first phase of this process proceeds up to
the point when the zeolite is saturated with
water. The reverse process is initiated by
heating the zeolite at high temperatures in
the second phase. The adsorbed water
molecules are forced to evaporate
(desorption). Condensation takes place in the
water tank (condensor). The sequence of
adsorption/desorption processes is
completely reversible and can be repeated
indefinitely.
A nearly continuous cooling power is accomplished
if two or more of these sorption devices are operated
in a phase-shifted manner. The regeneration can be
performed with electric energy or – preferably from
the perspective of primary energy usage – with heat
from combustion processes or even with solar
collectors.
As shown in the figure, the driving energy source is
heat (100 %) which picks up an additional 30 % of
net cooling power and thus provides a usable net
heating power of 130 % as the overall result of the
conversion cycle. If this system is applied in dual
use mode for heating as well as cooling in parallel,
the overall net effect amounts to 160 % of the
expended heat input (100 %), provided as heat
output (130 %) and cooling power (30 %).
Even with electrical heating, a sorption system
provides considerable energy savings and a
corresponding reduction of carbon dioxide
production.
With other input heat sources the energy saving
potential is much higher, with corresponding
environmental benefits. Even the single use mode,
utilizing only heating or only cooling power, is
comparable or better (with respect to energy
utilization) than any conventional technology.
Zeolite
The name zeolite is a general term for a stonelike
material which consist of crystalline metal-alumo-
silicates with a large internal surface area of up to
1000 m²/g, strong electrostatic fields in the crystal
lattice and with a volumetric density of about 0.8
kg/dm³. The word zeolite is of greek origin and
means – directly translated – »boiling rock« which
describes the effect which is to be seen if water is
poured over dry zeolite. In 1925 the process of
water and methanol separation using zeolites was
observed for the first time. And due to this
separation action (sieve action) the name
»molecular sieve« was later attributed to zeolites.
Zeolites are non-poisonous, inflammable, are
naturally available in abundance and are therefore
compatible with the environment. More than 40
natural and 100 synthetic zeolites are known.
The most important property of
a number of zeolites is their
ability for reversible adsorption
of water. Even after several
thousand adsorption/desorption
cycles the structural changes of
the crystal latice are
insignificant if the process
parameters pressure and
temperature do not exceed
certain limits. – The application
diversity of zeolites is
tremendous: they are applied as
molecular sieves, as adsorbents,
as catalyst in cracking of
 hydrocarbons in the pretro-
chemical industry, as filler
component in paper production
and as ion exchange material in
detergents
Currently the chemical industry
produces more than 1.4 million
tons of synthetic zeolite
annually and it can be expected
that the world wide demand and
consequently the production
will further increase. The price,
e.g. for laundry detergent
zeolite is between 1.00 and 8.00
DM/kg, depending on the type
and consistency of material
delivered. The price for
specialized zeolites is higher.
positions. Because of the
strong local electrical dipole
moment in the lattice
framework, zeolites adsorb
all polar and non-polar
molecules that will fit into
their specific framework.
This adsorption process is
accompanied by release of
heat, the »heat of
adsorption«. Theoretical and
experimental studies have
determined quantitative heat
of adsorption values for
zeolite based thermal
processes.

Structures
The basic building blocks of
zeolites are tetrahedras
consisting of four oxygen
anions and one centrally
positioned silicon or
aluminum cation.Zeolites
are classified according to
the various tetrahedral
frameworks formed by these
Structure of A-Zeolite basic building blocks. The
structure of the synthetic
zeolites of types A, X and Y
which have gained
importance in industrial
processes, are shown in the
figure. The aluminum and
silicon atoms are positioned
at the junctions while the
oxygen atoms form the
bridges between the
tetrahedras. The difference
in electro-chemical charges
between the aluminum and
silicon atoms per one
aluminum atom results in a
non-compensated negative
charge. The balance is
restored by metal cations
which occupy preferred