Patent ID: 7004328
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: B01D,B03B,C01B

Abstract:
1. A method for the extraction and purification of zeolite from a zeolite ore containing other mineral phases comprising: preparing a slurry comprising low electrolyte demineralized water and mechanically preprocessed zeolite ore having a mean particle size ranging from about 10 to 40 microns, said slurry having a density of about 5% to 40%, and said slurry having a low electrolyte demineralized water to mechanically preprocessed zeolite ore mass ratio sufficient to substantially suspend any clay fraction of said zeolite ore; subjecting said slurry to mechanical dispersion; allowing said zeolite to settle from said slurry resulting in an upper aqueous fraction and a settled zeolite fraction; separating said settled zeolite fraction and said upper aqueous suspended fraction; and mixing said settled zeolite fraction with demineralized water to produce a slurried process stream.