Process for extracting and purifying naturally occurring zeolite
US6662951B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC01B39/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for extracting and purifying naturally occurring zeolite from ores in the presence of other mineral phases by using mechanical dispersion and differential suspension to remove a majority of the clay content of the ore. The process continues by removal of contaminants with a higher mass to surface area ratio than that of the desired zeolite product by employing the properties of demineralized water in combination with a countercurrent flow separation column. No chemical flocculating or flotation agents are employed in the process. The process separates the particulate compound by using the separation effect of an electrical double layer which forms when the mixture is hydrated in a low electrolyte medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.