About Zeolite
Zeolite is a crystallin, porous alumino-silicate,
with the capacity to exchange selective ions. Natural zeolites have physical
and chemical properties suitable for wide-range industrial and commercial appliactions. Zeolite has a unique
interconnecting lattice structure. This unique structure is arranged in such
a way that a honeycomb framework of a consistent diameter of interconnecting channels
and pores is formed. The negatively charged alumina and neutrally charged
silica tetrahedral building blocks are stacked to produce the open three-dimensional
honeycomb framework. As a result of the unique structure, Zeolites are able
to attract odors and gasses and trap them safely and effectively in its crystalline
structure.
For more information specifically about KMI's Zeolite please click
here.
Some of the potential uses for zeolites are shown below:
Common Uses
Agriculture :
Field soil amendments, Animal waste treatment,
Animal feed additive.
Decreases ammonia levels in ponds and tanks; filtrates water for cleaner tanks.
Aquaculture :
Aquarium water ammonia control,
Fish hatchery water treatment
Building industry :
Cement and concrete aggregate,
Fly ash substitute
Horticulture :
Soil amendments,
Gardens/nursery beds
Reclamation/revegetation,
Turf grass soil amendment
Golf course mixes
Precasting :
Lightweight aggregate,
High strength
Zeolite has been found to be an excellent pozzolan (Portland cement substitute)
in concrete
It is much cheaper and more energy efficient to produce than Portland Cement
15-40% of the cement can be effectively replaced by Zeolite
10 tons of Zeolite used as a pozzolan saves approximately 1 ton of fuel.
Waste Water Treatment :
Waste water ammonia removal,
Pollution abatement processes,
Nuclear waste removal and containment
Other uses :
Odor control products,
Kitty litter,
Oil spill sorbate
Pollution Control :
Zeolites have been found to increase biological activity, reduce nutrient
levels, cut sludge volume and odours, reduce ammonia and BOD levels in ion exchange
columns or bed effluent, can be back flushed and regenerated, with ammonia recovered
for fertilizer, increases sewerage plant capacity and life cycle.
Mining :
Remediation of mines through absorption and retention of dangerous heavy
metals and other metallurgical wastes.
Crops/Pastures :
Higher yields through making fertilisers more effective by preventing leeching
and holding valuable nutrients such as ammonium nitrate, potassium, magnesium and
calcium as well as trace elements for slow release as needed. Also produces long
term soil improvements.
Horticulture :
Retains nutrients longer to lower fertiliser costs; substantial yield improvements;
less nutrient leeching; long term soil improvement.
Stockfeeds :
Diminishes ammonia toxicity and scouring; increases nitrogen levels in
manures for higher fertiliser values; reduces odour levels in sheds and a safer,
slow release off ammonia from urea; produces lower mortality rates in fowls and
limits the moisture levels in organic wastes.
Turf :
Produces significant turf root improvement; dense and deeper feeder root system;
less fertilisers required; retention of key nutrients; increased soil potassium
levels; permanent increase in cation-exchange capacity.
Vermiculture :
Traps nitrogen through cation-exchange, eliminates odours in worm farms,
absorbs and holds heavy metals, stabilises the pH value of worm beds; increases
the nutrient value of vermicast.
Benefits of using Zeolite in cement and precasting applications :
Lighter in weight,
Increases sulfate resistance with high alkali cement,
Has shown greater resistance to corrosion by soils high in sulfate,
Inhibits Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR),
Improved resistance to chemical attacks by salts on concretes used in desert soils,
Reduction in amount and rate of heat evolution during hydration,
Improved ultimate compressive strength,
Longer setting time, Improved workability,
Reduced permeability,
Fly ash substitute, more energy effecient than producing Portland
cement, environmentally friendly
Uses of Zeolite with cement :
Precast walls,
Concrete Siding, Flatwork, Highways,
Roof Tiles, Blocks,
Mortar, Stucco,
Mass footings, Sculptures, Zeolite as pozzolan saves money and fuel
Benefits of using Zeolite in Horticulture applications :
Increases cation exchange capacity (CEC),
Improves porosity. Water-holding properties, Increases nitrogen retention in the soil, Reduces ammonia volatilization,
Reduces nitrate leaching,
Improves potassium retention,
Improves the utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus by plants,
Decreases water runoff and ponding,
Decreases ocurrence of localized dry spots,
Increases amount of water available to plants, Increases length of time between irrigations,
Inorganic substitute for peat moss in mixes,
Increases in fertilizer use efficiency,
Relieves compacted soils,
Excellent tolerance to traffic. LA wear index (%) is 24, USGA specs should
not exceed 40
Uses of Zeolite for landscaping :
Aerification, topdressing, new construction, greenhouse mixes, landscape mixes,
golf course mixes, planters, turfgrass production
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