Feasibility Study for Production of Zeolite A based on Kaolin

Abstract

In industry, kaolin is widely employed as an additive to paper, rubber and ceramics, among other uses, and can be synthesized into zeolite. Zeolites have been hydrothermally synthesized using alumina and silica based on deposits (kaolin) sampled from region in Bangka- Belitung. The synthesis of Zeolite A based on kaolin through several process stages such as drying, grinding and sieving prior to the hydrothermal process. It is then calcined into metakaolin, followed by the addition of NaOH solution, heating, filtration and washing to obtain the synthesis. This study examines how assessment models can be built and used for financial, technical, and marketing feasibility analysis of synthesized Zeolite A from kaolin. A new optimization method used to estimate financing requirements of investment products is presented, as well as a new method to predict the optimal year to sell the product. The conclusion is that Net Present Value with a positive value, Pay Back Period, Internal Rate of Return 30.78% higher than the interest rate set at 12%, and marketing aspects show that the process is feasible.