Industry

WHAT IS COMPOSTING?

Composting of waste is an aerobic (requires oxygen) natural process of “rotting” or decomposing organic matter by microorganisms under controlled conditions. The composting process involves four main components: organic matter, moisture, oxygen, and bacteria.

WHY COMPOST?

• To convert organically bound nitrogen to a form of nitrogen to a usable form of nitrogen

• Kill pathogens, weeds seeds and larvae

• Reduce the volume of material

• Provide a soil amendment

• Reduce contamination of groundwater

BENEFITS OF ZEOLITE IN COMPOST

REDUCES ODOR AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

• Zeolite captures ammonium that is the source of the ammonia gas that is the aerosol of odors.

INCREASES THE VALUE OF COMPOST

• Zeolite retains the nitrogen in the form of ammonium.

• The Zeolite also contains more than 3% potassium.

REDUCES VOLUME

• Reduces the volume of compost feedstock by up to 50%.

REDUCES FLIES*

• By absorbing ammonia gas.

HOLDS NITROGEN IN GROWTH ZONE

• Zeolite holds nitrogen in the growth zone where it is not water soluble, but plant accessible on an as needed basis.

INCREASES CROP YIELD

• Increases seed germination and growth.

• 20% higher yield.

IMPROVES SOIL QUALITY

• Increases nutrients, porosity, oxygen content, and mediates the pH.

HOLDS MOISTURE IN GROWTH ZONE

• Holds up to 50% of its weight in water and rehydrates at night when it is cooler.

PROTECTS GROUNDWATER FROM CONTAMINATION

• Inhibits the oxidation of ammonium to nitrates that are very water soluble and contaminate the groundwater.

IMPROVES MICROORGANISM DEVELOPMENT

• Counteracts the inhibitory effect of ammonia overloads on microorganisms.

• Microorganisms colonize on the surfaces of Zeolite where nutrients and water are available.

MANAGES OXYGEN LEVELS

Ammonia & Steam

• Zeolite porosity maintains the space needed for oxygen.

MEDIATES pH

• Maintains pH levels for composting and nitrogen utilization in soil.

MAINTAINS TEMPERATURE

• Enabled aeration for metabolic heat generation by aerobic microorganisms.

• Helps maintain the heat required to kill weed seeds, pathogens, and fly larvae.

MANAGES WATER

• Zeolite holds more than 50% of its weight in water in open channel-ways. and reduces evaporation from the compost.

REDUCES TIME

• Decreases the developmental lag phase of microorganisms.

HOW TO APPLY ZEOLITE

TOP DRESS FRESH MANURE AND COMPOST

• Captures ammonium before it can convert to ammonia gas (NH3), reducing nitrogen losses by 50%.

• Reduces odor and fly attraction.

• Top Dress Rate: 1 to 2%

NITROGEN FORMS

Organically bound nitrogen Bound in organic matter and unavailable to plants

Ammonia (NH3)

Gas

Ammonium (NH4+)

Plant available

Nitrite (NO3-)

Oxidizing bacteria convert ammonia

to nitrite, which is toxic to plants

Nitrate (NO3-)

Nitrite-oxidizing bacteria convert nitrite to nitrate, a plant available nitrogen, which is very water soluble

COMPOSTING PARAMETERS

COMPOST COMPONENTS: consist of (1) nutrients, (2) carbon and nitrogen

Nutrients: Adequate phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron, boron, copper, etc. are necessary for microbial metabolism, but they are normally in the compost feedstock.

Carbon and nitrogen: The two basic ingredients in composting are carbon and nitrogen. Ideally the C:N ratio by weight should be 30:1. Too low a carbon ratio will result in excess nitrogen that is lost as ammonia gas that

creates odor problems. Too high a carbon ratio inhibits the growth of microorganism populations and the compost will remain cool and the composting degradation will be slowed. When the compost is finished, the C:N ratio will be 10-15:1 because the microorganisms will convert two thirds of the carbon to carbon dioxide. The sources of carbon (generally brown in color) and nitrogen (generally green) are as follows:

MICROORGANISMS: The main microorganisms in composting are aerobic bacteria and fungi. If not enough oxygen is provided, the compost turns anaerobic (no oxygen), microorganisms die and the compost generates putrid smells, including hydrogen sulfide.

COMPOST CONDITIONS

OXYGEN: Aerobic microorganisms can survive on 5% oxygen, but >10% is considered optimal. Oxygen is most

commonly provided by turning the compost or by compressed air.

MOISTURE: Composting materials should contain between 40-60% moisture.

pH: A pH of 5.5-8.5 is ideal for the microorganisms. In early composting acids tend to accumulate and this promotes the fungi and the consequent breakdown of lignin and cellulose.

TEMPERATURE: The temperature in active compost piles range from 55-70o C which destroys pathogens and

weed seeds. Temperature is controlled by turning and the addition of water.

COMPOST MANAGEMENT

TURNING: If the temperature falls below 50oC or rises above 65oC, the compost is turned.

WATER: Additional water can be added during turning if the compost is too dry.

TIME: The composting process occurs within 6-9 months. However, some in-vessel operations take only 30 days.

VOLUME: The loss of carbon dioxide and water may reduce the final volume of the compost by 50% or more.

METHODS

WINDROW COMPOSTING: This is common in fields and is better on a concrete or impermeable surface. The compost can be turned with tractors or compost turners.

IN-VESSEL COMPOSTING: This refers to composting in metal or plastic tanks or concrete bunkers that confine the material in buildings, containers, or vessels which protect groundwater and confine odors. These systems start with anaerobic digestion and finish with aerobic digestion.

How Zeolite Works

Zeolite has the ability to exchange ammonium (NH4+1) into its lattice through its cation exchange capacity (CEC).*

The Zeolite lattices are negatively charged and are able to hold positively charged ammonium (NH4+1) and potassium (K+1), which are accessible to microorganisms as needed for growth but not water soluble.

HOW ZEOLITE COMPOST WORKS IN THE SOIL*

Zeolite contains approximately 3.47% potassium, which is an important nutrient in fertilizers. Zeolite holds at least 55% of its weight in water that protects the plant against drought.

The plant releases hydrogen (H+1) during growth, which exchanges with ammonium (NH4+1) held in the Zeolite lattice, which is plant accessible but not water soluble.

Available water (H2O) is held in the open pore spaces of the Zeolite in the growth zone.

INDUSTRY

Chemicals

Zeolite will adsorb and mitigate odors from paints, solvents, alcohol, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), possibly methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), diesel, oils, gasoline, urine, acids, bases, antifreeze, chemical and laboratory spills.

Hospitals, Schools and Emergency Services. Zeolite will adsorb and mitigate odor from vomit, blood, urine, and excrement.

Concrete. Oil and other odoriferous liquids can be removed from concrete floors and other items by the use of -40 mesh Zeolite Repeat applications and rub it into the surface of the concrete.

Spill Kits for Airports, Vehicles, Aircraft. Sprinkle Zeolite on the spill and sweep it up.

Slaughter Houses, Rendering Plants, Fish Processing Facilities. Use Zeolite to manage odor build up in waste collection areas by top dressing waste and by hanging breathable Zeolite filled bags.

Service Stations, Shops and parking lots. Use Zeolite for clean up and odor control.

Landfills. Landfills can be top dressed with layers of Zeolite to reduce odors.

Mine ENuents. Zeolite is used extensively to prevent the formation of ammonia by removing ammonium from eNuents.

Stock tanks, Aquaculture, Aquariums, Fishponds. Remove algae and ammonium from stock tanks, fish hatcheries, ponds, fish transport trucks and other water sources.

• Zeolite will adsorb nitrogen (ammonium) before it gases to ammonia.

• Algae are attracted to the held ammonium and will migrate to the Zeolite resulting in clear water.

Mold and fungus. Zeolite is an effective desiccant. Moisture held in basements, closets and other damp areas contributes to the growth of mold and fungus and produces musty odors.

• Inhibits the growth of mold (that generate mycotoxins) and fungus in animal feed stuffs, dry distillers grain (DDG), basements, closets, crawl-ways, etc.

Septic, Sewer, Drainfield. A Zeolite top dress will deodorize flooded areas and absorb moisture.

DRINKING WATER FILTRATION

• Sand/anthracite and multimedia bed replacements in municipal water treatment plants.

• Surface and ground water filtration.

• Economical filter beds upstream from RO (reverse osmosis) and nano-membrane plants.

BENEFITS

Lower Capitol Requirement To Increase Filtration Capacity

The capacity of a sand/anthracite municipal water plant can be doubled with no additional cost by switching the filter media to zeolite.

Better Cleaning

Backwash, especially with air sparge, efficiently cleans bed granules.

Fewer Backwash Cycles

Zeolite requires only one half of the backwash cycles that are required by sand/anthracite.

Less Backwash Water

The fewer backwash cycles generally cut the amount of backwash water by one third to one half. This means treating less backwash water and greater plant treatment capacity.

Greater Loading Due To Greater Surface Area

Zeolite generally has 6 to 7 times the surface area as sand. This makes Zeolite a much better filter media with greater holding capacity.

Removal of Contaminants

Zeolite removes metals , radioactive elements, pathogens, nitrogen, certain organic  hydrocarbons, and many other contaminates.

Long Filter Bed Life

The anticipated filter bed life of Zeolite is more than 10 years. Other zeolites contain clay which drastically shortens the life of the filter bed.

Increases Flow Rates In Gravity Systems

In a Zeolite filter media system, the flow rate is typically greater in comparison to other materials.

Simpler Handling

Zeolite beds simplify filter bed material handling.

pH Modulation

Zeolite will tend to make slightly acidic (e.g. pH – 5.5-6.0) water more near neutral.

Land Application of Spent ZeoliteFilter Bed

Under most conditions, the spent Zeolite filter bed can be recycled as a soil amendment for lawns and gardens instead of disposing at industrial waste or HAZMAT sites.

SWIMMING POOL FILTRATION

BENEFITS

Increased flow rate

DE (diatomaceous earth) like clarity

Zeolite has is a nominal 3 to 5 micron filter rating.

Reduces backwash time by up to 50% Higher loading capacity than sand

Zeolite has an extensive surface area for greater filtration.

Less chlorine is needed

Zeolite exchanges ammonium from urine directly into the crystal lattice where it is not water soluble, reducing the level of chlorination.

Reduces eye irritation

Less chlorine is used and fewer chloramines (that burn the eyes) are formed.

Life expectancy is the same as sand

Simple disposal

Used Zeolite can be applied as a soil amendment for gardens and

potted plants.

ZEOLITE FILTER MEDIA BASICS

ZEOLITE FOR PHYSICAL FILTRATION BARRIER TO PATHOGENS SUCH AS BACTERIA AND BACTERIAL SPORES

Physical filtration barriers for accumulation or collection of microorganisms in water that endanger human health have been in focus during the last several years. Under certain conditions, Zeolite collects pathogens, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, bacteria and their spores. Most of these organisms and their spores are in the size range of 0.5-10 micrometers (microns). In contrast, the water permeable pores in Zeolite are mostly smaller than .05 microns; therefore the zeolite fragment or granule can “surface collect” a high percentage of these microorganisms while the water passes through the zeolite fragment.

The drinking water standards for microorganism pathogens, and turbidity can be more easily met using a natural, relatively low-cost material, such as Zeolite rather than “sand”.

The advantages of using Zeolite in physical filtration systems:

• The high internal and external surface area of Zeolite (25m2/g) exceeds that of quartz by more than 10 times.

• Zeolite fragments tend to be discoid shaped, rather than round, thus presenting a large surface area (per unit of mass).

• Zeolite pore space permeability for water transmission through the grains or fragments is 100% better when compared to non-permeable quartz grains.

WASTE WATER FLOCCULATION

ZEOLITE FLOCCULATION SPECIFICATIONS

APPLICATIONS

Minus 40 mesh Zeolite is an advanced, surface water turbidity, silt sorption and flocculation product developed for municipal drinking water

plants and industrial pumping stations. Zeolite is used for auger or slurry fed treatment (higher turbidity water requires higher doses). The sorbed/flocculated solids are granular with a specific gravity of 1.2 to 1.4. The specific gravity of Zeolite is 2 to 2.1, which enhances rapid settling.

• Drinking water-alum & polymer flocculation chemistry replacement.

• Turbidity, silt, algae (bio-particle) & TOCs removal from surface water.

• Enhances clarification performance; decreases filter bed solids loading.

BENEFITS

Better Solid/Liquid Separation than Alum and Polymer

The specific gravity of the alum/polymer floccules is 1.03 and this results in many “pin flocs” that do not settle. The specific gravity of the Zeolite is 1.4 and this results in a clean solid/liquid separation and interface giving better clarity.

ZEOLITE System Reagent Not Bulky

The alum/polymer reagent is bulky and hard to handle compared to the Zeolite system.

Apply Spent ZEOLITE Reagent on Land

The spent alum/polymer reagent must be taken to a licensed land fill.

Lower Cost with ZEOLITE

Although the reagent cost of the Zeolite systems is about 10% higher than the alum/polymer system the overall cost

is much less due to easier dewatering and a lower solids management cost.

Better Removal of Heavy Metals, Certain Hydrocarbons, Chloramines, and Ammonium

CATION AND ANION REMOVAL

Cation Removal

Zeolite is a negatively charged cation exchange agent. As a result of its high cation exchange capacity, Zeolite is able to exchange various cations (ions with a positive charge) into its lattice depending on their molecular size, competing cations, and concentrations. During the cation exchange process, cations move from the Zeolite mineral lattice and are replaced by other cations, which are held in a non-water soluble state within the lattice.

CATION EXCHANGE PROCESS

Zeolite has two ways of holding cations (positive ions; such as ammonium, calcium, sodium, and potassium). The first way is in its crystal lattice where the ammonium and other cations are held and are not water soluble. The second way is in its channel-ways where Zeolite can hold up to 55% of its weight in water. In this case the cations are more loosely held and are water-soluble. Zeolite is an excellent desiccant.

OIL SPILL REMOVAL FROM WATER

ZEOLITE OIL REMOVAL SPECIFICATIONS

BENEFITS

Surface application

When surface applied to remove oil sheen, the dry dust floats by virtue of the air in the numerous channel-ways in the mineral.

Oil containment

The floating mineral adsorbs the oil and the specific gravity of the mineral increases. At a saturated level, the mineral coagulates into a clump and sinks. The oil sheen is removed.

Depending on the thoroughness of the mixing, Zeolite will hold the oil indefinitely on the sea floor or bottom. In the case of an oil-sheen, all the oil enters the mineral channel-ways and is permanently encapsulated after it sinks.

Zeolite removes heavy concentrations of oil

In the case of massive amounts of oil, the oil will initially sink when absorbed by Zeolite. Larger globules are released back to the surface and will be contained by additional Zeolite treatment.

Zeolite can be inoculated with oil digesting microbes