Zeolite Molded Article Binder Composition for Wear Resistance and Flowability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zeolite molded articles lack sufficient wear resistance and flowability, leading to equipment trouble and prolonged packing and recovery times in adsorption towers.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of clay and silica sol as binders, with controlled aerated bulk density and sphericity, to produce a zeolite molded article with enhanced abrasion resistance and flowability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional binders (kaolin clay, bentonite clay, etc.) are used to increase strength, then wear resistance improves, but flowability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidflowability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder system by introducing silica sol with specific particle size distribution (D10: 0.01-0.1 μm, D50: 0.1-1.0 μm, D90: 1.0-10.0 μm) and controlling pH (7-11), which fundamentally alters the binding mechanism to achieve both wear resistance and flowability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite binder system combining clay (30-70 parts by weight) with silica sol (30-70 parts by weight) and water-soluble sodium salt (1-10 parts by weight), where the synergistic interaction between components produces a binder that maintains particle integrity while enabling smooth flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If more binder is added to improve strength, then wear resistance improves, but packing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidpacking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the binder composition parameters to achieve maximum binding efficiency at lower concentrations, with silica sol forming a gel structure that binds particles together while maintaining flowability, reducing required binder content and thus packing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of stationary object

If the zeolite molded article is made more compact to improve density, then aerated bulk density improves, but wear resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerated bulk densityVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the binder system through pH control (7-11) and silica sol gel formation, creating a binder that provides structural support for wear resistance while maintaining particle looseness for high aerated bulk density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting zeolite molded article exhibits high wear resistance and flowability, preventing pressure loss and facilitating efficient packing and recovery in adsorption towers.

Implementation Method 1

5 parts by weight or more and 40 parts by weight or less of a silica sol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGel formation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

it has a framework comprising silicon dioxide resistant to heat, and is thereby capable of adsorbing and desorbing VOCs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

0.5 parts by weight or more and 10 parts by weight or less of a water-soluble sodium salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

capable of adsorbing and desorbing VOCs at high temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 5

capable of adsorbing and desorbing VOCs at high temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Data Source

PatentUS12404180B2Highly wear-resistant zeolite molded article, and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 TOSOH CORP

AI summary

A zeolite molded article includes 100 parts by weight of zeolite, 35 parts by weight or more and 70 parts by weight or less of clay, 5 parts by weight or more and 40 parts by weight or less of a silica sol and 0.5 parts by weight or more and 10 parts by weight or less of a water-soluble sodium salt, having an abrasion resistance of 90% or more, an angle of repose of 40° or less, an aerated bulk density on the surface of the zeolite molded article of 0.5 kg/L or more, and a sphericity of the zeolite molded article of 1 or more and 3 or less. The zeolite contains at least one type of zeolite having Si/Al2 of 10 or more and 100,000 or less and a moisture adsorption amount of 10 (g/100 g) or less at 25° C. under a relative pressure of 0.5.