Spherical Zeolite-Binder Agglomerates

Abstract

The aim of the present research is to prepare a drying agent adsorbent in the form of spherical particles, using locally available raw materials. This absorbent is to be used as a drying agent in the dehydration of gases. The local materials are the Iraqi synthetic zeolite (type 4A) molecular sieve as the adsorbent material and Iraqi kaolin clay as a binder. The physical and mechanical behaviour of these spherical adsorbent particles was studied, as well as the effect of binder amount and calcination temperature on their properties. In addition, a sample containing cork powder or grog (calcined kaolin clay) as materials to increase porosity has been prepared. The results obtained showed that the best conditions, which can give physical and mechanical properties comparable with the imported spherical adsorbent samples, can be obtained when the amount of binder added is 10 or 20 wt% and the calcination temperature is 823 or 923 K.