Quality of Zeolite in the Function of Size Class

Abstract

Testing of the quality of zeolite from the Igros and Donje Jesenje deposits was carried out by size classes. The objective of the testing was to point out the importance of the selection of the preparation procedure in determining the quality of individual size classes provide the required quality of zeolite product range. The results indicate that the Igros and Donje Jesenje zeolite deposits differ by the quality of some size classes. While the Igros sample has better quality of fine size classes, in the case of the Donje Jesenje deposit, the sample size class -2.4 +0.4 mm indicates better quality. Specifically, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the Igros zeolite is the highest at 161.25 meq/100g in the case of size class -5 +2.4 mm, while the highest CEC of zeolite from the Donje Jesenje deposits, 163.97 meq/100g, was found for the class -0.4 +0.063 mm. The results of XRD analyses showed that the mineral content was distributed differently in the Igros sample relative to the Donje Jesenje sample. The XRPD results showed a higher content of zeolite minerals in coarse size classes of the Igros sample, while in the Donje Jasenje zeolite, the size class of -0.063 +0 mm, and the presence of feldspar and lower content of clinoptilotite were observed. These results indicate that it is necessary to use the methods for obtaining finer size classes and classification in order to achieve the required quality of zeolite product range.