Iranian firm produces synthetic zeolite, saving $8.5 million in foreign currency

An Iranian technology company participating in the “Far-e Iran” (Glory of Iran) exhibition has successfully developed synthetic zeolite powder, a strategic industrial material whose domestic production is expected to save the country approximately $8.5 million in foreign currency. 

According to the Iranian Vice Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, chemical engineer Amana Torabi from the research division of BehDash Chemical Company said the firm, comprising nine active subsidiaries, has focused part of its operations on producing base chemicals, including zeolite powder. 

She said the product rivals foreign equivalents and in some technical indicators even surpasses them. 

Torabi explained that the powder is used in the mercaptan removal process in natural gas treatment and in oxygen-nitrogen separation, a technology essential for medical oxygen generators. 

The material also serves as the base for granule and extruded products used across various industries. 

She noted that the company manufactures all raw materials internally, making the production process entirely domestic. 

The zeolite is used in detergents as well as the oil and gas sector. 

The product has been validated by the Research Institute of Petroleum Industry and will soon be used for the first time in Iran at Phase 9 of the South Pars gas complex. 

With an annual production capacity of 3,000 tons, the synthetic zeolite is classified as a knowledge-based product due to nanotechnology applied during its manufacturing process.