CLINOPTILOLITE - UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FOR KINETIC GAS SEPARATIONS

A review of the literature regarding the structure, composition, and ion exchange of clinoptilolite, as well as adsorption and diffusion in this natural zeolite, is summarized. Recently, adsorption and diffusion in modified clinoptilolites have been related to the location of exchangeable cations and the corresponding effects of these cations upon channel blockage. These results suggest a much greater potential for separation of gas mixtures by this natural zeolite than previously recognized. The kinetic separation of N2/CH4 has been examined in terms of the equilibrium and rate properties of the modified clinoptilolites, and a pressure swing adsorption model has been applied to predict process performance.