Diatomaceous Earth Powder for Filtration and Absorption

Formation and Composition
Diatomite represents a geologically significant sedimentary rock formed from the fossilized remains of diatoms - microscopic unicellular algae that thrived in ancient aquatic ecosystems. As a non-renewable resource, its formation requires specific geological conditions over millions of years. The fundamental chemical composition consists primarily of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with quality directly correlating to SiO₂ purity. High-grade diatomite typically contains 85-94% SiO₂, while premium deposits may exceed 94% purity. This silica content serves as the primary determinant of commercial value and application potential.

Structural Characteristics
The material's exceptional properties stem from its unique microstructure:

• Highly porous architecture with 80-90% void volume

• Low bulk density ranging from 0.15 to 0.45 g/cm³

• Extensive specific surface area (15-60 m²/g)

• Remarkable chemical inertness and thermal stability

• Characteristic honeycomb morphology with nano-scale pores

Physical Properties
Diatomite exhibits several distinctive physical behaviors:

• Thermal Properties: Low thermal conductivity (0.05-0.10 W/m·K)

• Acoustic Performance: Sound absorption coefficient of 0.8-1.2 at 500-4000 Hz

• Electrical Characteristics: High dielectric strength (>10 kV/mm)

• Safety Profile: Non-toxic and odorless, meeting FDA food contact standards

Industrial Applications
The material's unique combination of properties enables diverse industrial applications:

Food Processing Industry

• Condiment Production: Essential for clarifying and filtering:

  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG) purification

  • Soy sauce and vinegar filtration

  • Edible oil processing (corn, rapeseed, soybean oils)

• Beverage Applications:

  • Beer and wine clarification

  • Fruit juice and syrup filtration

  • Beverage base stock processing

Sugar Refining Sector

• Glucose and fructose syrup purification

• Starch sugar processing

• Sucrose decolorization

• Invert sugar production

Pharmaceutical Applications

• Antibiotic manufacturing

• Enzyme purification

• Vitamin concentration

• Traditional Chinese medicine refinement

• Dental material formulations

• Cosmetic ingredient processing

Chemical Manufacturing

• Organic acid purification (citric, lactic, acetic acids)

• Mineral acid processing

• Alkyd resin production

• Sodium thiocyanate refinement

• Paint and coating formulations

• Synthetic resin manufacturing

Petroleum and Lubricant Industry

• Lubricating oil filtration

• Oil additive processing

• Metalworking fluid production

• Transformer oil refinement

• Petroleum product treatment

• Coal tar purification

Technical Advantages in Industrial Use

• Superior filtration efficiency (99.9% particle retention)

• Enhanced flow rates compared to alternative filter aids

• Reduced product loss during processing

• Improved clarity and brightness of final products

• Extended filter cycle durations

Environmental Benefits

• Naturally occurring and chemically inert

• Reduces need for synthetic processing aids

• Biodegradable and environmentally safe

• Can be regenerated and reused in certain applications

Quality Specifications
Industrial-grade diatomite meets stringent specifications:

• pH range: 6.5-8.5 (10% slurry)

• Moisture content: <5% (105°C drying)

• Loss on ignition: <5% (1000°C)

• Soluble salts: <0.5%

Processing Considerations

• Optimal operating temperature range: 20-300°C

• Recommended pressure differentials: 0.1-0.5 MPa

• Standard filtration velocities: 0.5-2.0 m/h

• Regeneration protocols available for certain applications

This comprehensive profile demonstrates diatomite's critical role as a multifunctional industrial mineral. Its unique combination of physical characteristics and chemical stability continues to make it indispensable across numerous manufacturing sectors. Ongoing research continues to expand its applications in advanced filtration, catalysis, and materials science.