PROJECT OVERVIEW
Pakistan have two huge deposits of Kaolin in Nagar Parker, Sindh and Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province. The total reserves in Nagar Parker and Swat are estimated to be 4.333 and 2.8 million tons, respectively. This project aims to convert raw Kaolin into Zeolite; a value-added product that can be used in variety of industries including petroleum refineries and water treatment plants. Though, research concerning the production of Zeolite from alumina and silica-based compounds in an economic and environment-friendly manner is in progress, however, synthesis of Nagarparker Kaolin into good quality Zeolite has not been attempted yet.
The focus of this research will, therefore, be to convert Kaolin into a value-added market product. In addition, the proposed research also involving budding PhD and Masters students who will not only develop efficiency of human resources, but, will also enhance the research capacity potential of Mehran University as a whole. The outcome of the research is targeted towards its application in designing prototype pilot plant for Zeolite production.
To achieve this, corporate sector participation will be harnessed in order to take the knowledge base gained during this research to the next level. It is anticipated that the joint venturing will also transpire into the establishment of a sustainable industry in Thar desert, which may offer job opportunities to the local inhabitants. As a result of this economic activity in Thar desert, the quality of life will also be improved.
Pakistan have two huge deposits of Kaolin in Nagar Parker, Sindh and Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province. The total reserves in Nagar Parker and Swat are estimated to be 4.333 and 2.8 million tons, respectively. This project aims to convert raw Kaolin into Zeolite; a value-added product that can be used in variety of industries including petroleum refineries and water treatment plants. Though, research concerning the production of Zeolite from alumina and silica-based compounds in an economic and environment-friendly manner is in progress, however, synthesis of Nagarparker Kaolin into good quality Zeolite has not been attempted yet.
The focus of this research will, therefore, be to convert Kaolin into a value-added market product. In addition, the proposed research also involving budding PhD and Masters students who will not only develop efficiency of human resources, but, will also enhance the research capacity potential of Mehran University as a whole. The outcome of the research is targeted towards its application in designing prototype pilot plant for Zeolite production.
To achieve this, corporate sector participation will be harnessed in order to take the knowledge base gained during this research to the next level. It is anticipated that the joint venturing will also transpire into the establishment of a sustainable industry in Thar desert, which may offer job opportunities to the local inhabitants. As a result of this economic activity in Thar desert, the quality of life will also be improved.