ZEOLITES: LIMITATIONS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
ZEOLITES: Zeolites are naturally occuring hydrated sodium alumino silicate minerals. LIMITATIONS of Zeolite Process: If the supplied water is turbid, the suspended matter must be removed first by coagulation, filtration, etc. Otherwise, the turbidity will clog the pores of zeolite bed making it inactive. If the water contains coloured ions (Mn2+, Fe2+), these ions should be removed first because these ions produce manganese and iron zeolite, which cannot be regenerated. If any mineral acid present in the water, it will destroy the zeolite bed, therefore it is neutralised first with soda (Na2CO3). ADVANTAGES of Zeolite Process: Water quality of below 5 ppm hardness is obtained. This equipment is compact and occupies small space. It requires less time for softening. It requires less skill for maintenance and operation. No sludge is formed during this process. Its operation is also easy. DISADVANTAGES of Zeolite Process: This process cannot be used for turbid and acidic water as they w