Industrial Mineral

Because of its porosity, diatomite has been used extensively as a filter for a variety of purposes. It is used to filter impurities out of everything from beer and wine to oils and greases. Similarly, diatomite is used to filter impurities from water to produce drinkable (potable) water in public water systems. In this situation, the diatomite removes bacteria and protozoa.

The oldest use of diatomite is as a very mild abrasive and for this purpose has been used in toothpaste and metal polishes.
It is also used in paper, paint, brick, tile, ceramics, plastics, soaps, detergents and other products as a filler.

Diatomite has also found value as an insulating material in high-temperature mechanisms like furnaces and boilers. It has also proven effective as a sound insulator.
Physical Properties

 

1. free flowing powder

2. mesh size : 325 mesh
   : 2% Retain ions

1. Colour : Pink to White

2. Bulk Density : 0.22 to 0.28gm/

3. water Absorption : 200% up to

4. Oil Absorption : 120% - 150% up to

5. Uses:

Filtration

Individual diatom cell walls often maintain their shape even in commercially processed filter media, such as this one for swimming pools. The most common use (68%) of diatomaceous earth is as a filter medium, especially for swimming pools. It has a high porosity, because it is composed of microscopically-small, coffin-like, hollow particles. It is used in chemistry under the brand name Celatom or Celite as a filtration aid, to filter very fine particles that would otherwise pass through or clog filter paper. It is also used to filter water, particularly in the drinking water treatment process and in fish tanks, and other liquids, such as beer and wine. It can also filter syrups and sugar. Other industries such as paper, paints, ceramics, soap and detergents use it as a fulling material.

Abrasive

The oldest use of diatomite is as a very mild abrasive and, for this purpose, it has been used both in toothpaste and in metal polishes, as well as in some facial scrubs.

Pest control

Diatomite is also used as an insecticide, due to its physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Fick's law of diffusion. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat slugs. However, since slugs inhabit humid environments, efficacy is very low. It is sometimes mixed with an attractant or other additives to increase its effectiveness. Medical-grade diatomite is sometimes used to de-worm both animals and humans. It is most commonly used in lieu of boric acid, and can be used to help control and eventually eliminate a cockroach infestation. This material has wide application for insect control in grain storage.
Absorbent

Its absorbent qualities make it useful for spill clean-up and the U.S. Center for disease control recommends it to clean up toxic liquid spills. These qualities also lend themselves to use in facial masks to absorb excess oils. Diatomite has been employed as a primary ingredient in a type of cat litter.
Thermal

Its thermal properties enable it to be used as the barrier material in some fire resistant safes.

Use in Agriculture
Natural freshwater diatomaceous earth is used in agriculture for grain storage as an anti-caking agent, as well as insecticide. It is also used as a neutral anthelmentic (de-wormer).
Hydroponics
Freshwater diatomite can be used as a growing medium in hydroponic gardens. KINDLY CLICK THE PDF FILE FOR MORE APPLICATION