Iran achieves technology to produce ‘synthetic zeolite powder’; applicable in gas purification
According to the Sedaye Sama News Agency, According to the Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Amana Torabi, PhD in Chemical Engineering and a researcher at Behdesh Chemical Company, explained the details of producing one of the strategic products of this group. She stated that Behdesh Chemical Company consists of nine active companies, part of which is dedicated to producing basic chemical products. One of these products is zeolite powder, which can compete with foreign samples and even surpass them in some technical indicators.
She added that this powder is used in the mercaptan removal process from natural gas as well as in oxygen and nitrogen separation, which is one of its main applications in medical equipment and oxygen generators.
Torabi continued that this powdered form serves as a base for producing products such as granules and extrudates, used in various industries. Its main material is zeolite, a mineral with sufficient deposits in the country. Zeolites are divided into natural and synthetic types; the produced product is synthetic, and its raw materials are also produced in-house, meaning the production process is entirely domestic.
She emphasized the importance of the technology used, stating that the powdering process is crucial because it forms the base for granule production. The company’s zeolite, besides its application in detergents and cleaning agents, is also used in the oil and gas industry. All research, development, and production stages are conducted domestically without using any foreign sources.
Torabi added that currently, the product’s primary application is in natural gas purification. The Reference Laboratory of the Petroleum Industry Research Institute has conducted final tests and confirmed the product. The powder is expected to be used for the first time in the country at the Ninth South Pars Refinery soon.
Regarding production capacity, she stated that 3,000 tons of this product can be produced annually in the country. Although not produced in a nano form, it is considered knowledge-based technology because the use of nanotechnology during manufacturing has added new features to the product.
According to her, industrial production of this product will result in a $8.5 million foreign currency savings.
Source: Mehr News Agency
