Ditomite
hamdail plc
What is Diatomite?
Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth (DE), is the naturally occurring fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are single-celled aquatic algae. Diatomite is a near pure sedimentary deposit consisting almost entirely of silica. There are many diatomite deposits throughout the world, but those of high-purity which are commercially viable are rare.
The make-up of diatomite is approximately 33% silicon, 19% calcium, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron along with several other trace minerals. It is a very porous rock with a fine particle size and a low specific gravity. These properties make it useful as a filter media, an absorbent, and as lightweight filler for rubber, paint, and plastics. When diatomite is crushed into a powder, it is usually called “diatomaceous earth,” or D.E.
In Ethiopia, Hamdail P.L.C is the leader factory in diatomite production. We carefully engineer our products to provide sustainable diatomite-based solutions that meet the specific needs of a wide range of industries and applications.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
⦁ High porosity
⦁ High absorption power
⦁ High surface area
⦁ Low density
⦁ Relative hardness (6 on the Mohs scale)
⦁ Small particle size
⦁ Relatively inert siliceous composition
⦁ Low specific gravity
APPLICATIONs
⦁ Used as filter aids, the small particle size of diatomaceous earth and the open structure of the frustules enable it to work effectively as a particle filter. It is used at drinking water treatment plants, swimming pools, breweries, wineries, chemical plants, and where juices and syrups are made
⦁ Used as functional additives, in paints, adds bulk and strength, controls permeability and enhances coating adhesion. In plastics, diatomite serves as an anti-blocking agent it helps in the separation of plastic parts in manufacturing, and in the separation of plastic bags by the consumer.
⦁ Used as absorbents, Due to such characteristics as porosity and high surface area, diatomite is highly absorbent and is very useful in the clean-up of spills in the automotive, industrial, janitorial and waste remediation industries.
⦁ Used as mild abrasive, Diatomaceous earth is used as a mild abrasive in some toothpaste, facial scrubs, and metal polishes due to its silica particles are small, friable, have a high surface area, and are angular in shape.