The role of perlite in saving water and energy (Case study: Arsedugah and Ghizlar Gonbadi perlite mines, NW Iran)

Perlite is a hydrated volcanic glass of rhyolitic composition containing 1 to 5 % of combined water. Its most significant property is its capability to expand to nearly 20 times its original volume while heated to a temperature within its softening range. The product is “expanded perlite which is low density, low thermal conductivity and high sound absorption that could be used in agriculture, construction and industry applications. Arsedugah and Ghizlar Gonbadi Perlite mines which are located in Ardebil and Zanjan were analyzed for their capacity to reduce of water usage in farms and greenhouse. Also, the perlite shows reliable result for optimizing energy in construction building.