In the production of zeolite-based adsorbents the inorganic binders such as bentonite and kaolin are normally used to extrude the solid in different shapes such as Raschig ring. In this investigation, statistical combinations of a three-component mixture were designed to achieve synergetic values of mechanical characteristics and lead removal efficiency. The adsorbents in the form of Raschig ring were shaped by a single screw extruder and calcined at different temperatures after drying in laboratory oven. The adsorbent properties such as porosity, compressive strength and removal efficiency were measured. The response surface algorithm was applied to analyze the obtained data. The feasibility of Weibull statistical theory was examined to determine the reliability of adsorbents. The results were very satisfactory for characterizing and predicting the reliability and manufacturing technical factors. The best calcination temperature was determined to simultaneously optimize removal efficiency and mechanical characteristics. However, the Weibull modulus should be considered for fabricating reliable adsorbent. According the laboratory experiments and statistical algorithms used in this study, the suitable combination region in which the ring acts as a good adsorbent were determined. It is concluded that the use of these procedures can be important tools to manufacture reliable adsorbent. The obtained results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy observations.
