In various industrial and commercial settings, specific materials are selected for their unique properties, including aesthetic appeal, resistance to environmental factors and sustainability.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) and perlite are examples of such materials, both occurring naturally.
DE and perlite are versatile minerals employed for filtration across industries, from food and beverages to various industrial processes. They are commonly used as filter aids, enhancing filtration efficiency by forming a porous bed that captures solid particles while enabling the passage of liquids. This arrangement creates a tortuous path through the media, facilitating the removal of impurities.
DE: Mineral silica with a unique structure
DE is a natural substance derived from the fossilized remains of microscopic sea or freshwater algae, known as diatoms. It is characterized by its highly porous structure, which resembles a honeycomb with holes ranging from microns to submicrons in size. When ground, DE becomes an extremely low-density powder with exceptional absorption properties, making it highly valuable for industrial filtration.
Unlike other sources of silica, whether mined or artificially produced, DE’s unique structure sets it apart. In construction, it can be used as a component in lightweight concrete and is also effective in filtration applications as an abrasive.
Perlite, an alternative to DE
Perlite, a white lightweight granular material, is produced from expanded volcanic glass. When heated to 1,000°C, it expands and takes on the appearance of polystyrene pellets. It is lightweight, sterile and easy to handle. Perlite has one other unique property — its thermal insulation qualities, which make it ideal for such applications as cold boxes in air separation cryogenic plants.
DE and perlite are used in a wide range of industries due to their unique properties. Some industries include:
Food and beverage: In the production of beverages like beer, wine and fruit juices to clarify and remove impurities
Pharmaceutical: Helps processing for filtration and clarification of liquids and solids
Water treatment: Serves as a filtration medium to remove fine particles and impurities from water
Chemical: DE and perlite find applications in the chemical industry for filtration, catalyst support and as absorbents
Cosmetics: DE is used in cosmetics and personal care products for its absorbent and abrasive properties
Environmental remediation: Both DE and perlite are used in environmental cleanup efforts, such as spill containment and soil remediation
DE or perlite?
When selecting a filter aid, several factors should be considered:
Desired clarity: The filter aid should be capable of achieving the level of clarity required for the application, effectively removing particles and impurities from the liquid.
Desired flow rate: The filter aid should not excessively impede the flow of liquid, maintaining an acceptable flow rate for the process.
Packaging configuration: Consider the packaging form of the filter aid, such as powder or pre-packaged cartridges, to ensure it is suitable for the filtration equipment and process requirements.
Other factors to consider may include the particle size distribution, density and chemical compatibility of the filter aid with the liquid being filtered.
Sparkling Clear Industries has a complete stock of over a quarter million pounds, encompassing half a dozen different grades and particle sizes of DE and perlite at its Houston and Clute, Texas, warehouses. These items are marketed under numerous trade names, such as Harborlite® and Celite®, available in individual bags or super sacks.
No matter what the application, Sparkling Clear Industries’ experts can assist in choosing the correct filtration solution.
For more information, visit sparklingclear.com.
