Title of Process/ Know-how/ Product/Design/Equipment
Processes for the utilization of kimberlite waste for the manufacture of sodium silicate, detergent grade zeolite A and precipitated silica
Application/Uses/Problem being addressed
Huge quantity of kimberlite waste is available in Panna (~0.9 million ton of Kimberlite waste annually), major constituents of this mineral waste is magnesium silicate mineral of serpentine group. The conversion of the waste to value added products make diamond mining more environmentally friendly.
Utilization of kimberlite tailing for producing value added products like sodium silicate, precipitated silica and zeolite-A.
Precipitated silica is used in rubber, toothpaste, paint and paper industries and Zeolite –A as an environmentally friendly builder in detergent replacing phosphate.
Salient Technical Features including Competing Features/ Impact
This is the first time that such technology has been developed for the utilization of Kimberlite tailing for producing value added products like sodium silicate, precipitated silica and zeolite-A and other value added by product like Magnesia, pigment grade iron and titania. Developed process offers an alternative raw material for sodium silicate which is based on utilization of industrial waste. This is ecologically better option than using natural occurring sand mines.
A process for the utilization of kimberlite waste for the preparation of sodium silicate on ~ 50 kg/batch has been developed. Processes for the preparation of detergent grade zeolite-A (10 kg/batch) and precipitated silica (5 kg/batch) have been developed using the sodium silicate prepared from Kimberlite waste
TRL Level & Scale of Development:
Pilot Scale
Business scope & opportunity (in terms of scale, cost, market etc.):
As India and other specific countries has huge kimberlite tailing (in the diamond mines), there exists huge opportunity and business potential to valorise into many useful products; There is a scope of preparation of magnesia and titania base products also.
Environmental Considerations:
Waste utilization from diamond mining into valued added products. It is pertinent to look for value addition of this waste not only to make diamond mining more economic but also to make diamond production environmentally friendly.
Status of Licensing:
Not yet licensedStatus of Commercialization:
Not applicableMajor Raw Materials Needed
Kimberlite tailing (diamond mining waste), caustic soda, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid
Major Plant Equipment and Machinery Required
General chemical process equipment like reactors, filter, boiler, dryer, pulverizer etc.
Techno-Economics
Cost of precipitated silica is projected to be under ₹50 per kg; Cost of detergent grade zeolites-A is projected to be ₹30 per kg; Will be provided on specific request.
Technology Package
Will be provided on specific request.
