Zeolite Facts

Zeolites are naturally occurring minerals derived from ash showers deposited in lake beds during intensive volcanic activity about 250,000 years ago. Hot water (120ｰC) rising from subsurface thermal activity transformed the clays into soft rocks with an ordered network of interconnected passageways. Our zeolites are predominantly mordenite and clinoptilolite. They are geologically young and possess different performance characteristics than the older (2 million years) zeolites from other parts of the world.

Ionic absorbing power

During the thermal alteration period, amorphous material was washed from the clays leaving a unique 3-D skeleton of aluminium and silica oxides which have a high negative charge (cation exchange capacity is greater than 100meq/100gms). Positively charged cations in solution (eg ammonium, potassium, calcium) or molecules suspended in air (eg. ammonia, sulphides, odorous vapours) can be absorbed into the zeolite. Cation concentration, charge characteristics and pH determine the rate of later release from the zeolite structure.

Physical absorbing power

The 3-D skeleton also has a large internal surface structure (50 to 135 square millimetres/gm) with pore sizes that allow some molecules to enter and become trapped in the latticework while others are excluded. Geologically young zeolites tend to have less blockages in the honeycomb structure and therefore are able to absorb more liquids than the older, glassy zeolites. A large internal volume enables these younger zeolites to absorb about 100% of their own weight as liquid.

The combination of the ionic and physical absorbing characteristics produces a unique material that can absorb a range of hazardous liquids, odours and vapours.