Clinoptilolite

Clinoptilolite zeolite is the main element of the rock having the same name in which it is present in very high levels (87-80%). Commercially it is customary to distinguish these rocks in: volcanic clinoptilolite and sedimentary clinoptilolite even if the precursor is attributable to a volcanic ≪glass≫, in most cases.

Clinoptilolite rocks has a good mechanical and friction resistance which makes them advantageously usable in water purification plants as they do not wear out during the treatment.

The use of clinoptilolite zeolite also depends on its effectiveness in the treatment of waters of different origins. It is in fact particularly selective in the removal of pollutants and can be conveniently used for the abatement of polluting ions (such as NH4) present in waste water. After the treatment, the water is depleted or free from pollutants.

Thanks to these characteristics, the water purification process through clinoptilolite zeolite is applicable on an industrial scale; to evaluate the effectiveness of clinoptilolite zeolite it will be necessary to analyse the waste water to be purified since each type has its own chemical composition.

The use of clinoptilolite zeolite has been proposed for use in the purification of waste water containing radioactive ions, while innovative research has highlighted the possibility of using this raw material in the production of light aggregates.