Diatomite

Diatomite, also known as Diatomaceous Earth (DE), is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock. It is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, that were deposited on lake beds and ocean floor, millions of years ago. The diatom skeletons became agglomerated to form, Diatomite. These are virtually pure silica, inert and insoluble.

Depending on the source of the mine, each DE particle is typically cylindrical in shape, porous in nature consisting of 85% air. The high pore volume and mechanical strength contributes to its properties of removing sediments, natural filtration and adsorption properties. We offer our wide range of DeLite DE to cover the full spectrum of filtration capabilities.

Types of DE

Flux Calcined White Grades:

Calcined pink grades:

Key Properties:

Applications

Food and Beverage:

DE is widely used in the food and beverage processing plants to produce high clarity filtrates and an economical means compared to other solid-liquid phase separation technologies. Diatomite is commonly used in the clarification of food and beverage to remove yeast, proteins, and other solids that can cause turbidty or spoilage. It helps improve the shelf life, appearance, and quality of the juices and beverages without affecting taste or aroma.

Key Uses of Diatomite in Food and Beverage Filtration include:

Edible Oil:

In edible oil refining, DE is used to enhance the filtration process by improving the clarity of the oil and ensuring efficient removal of impurities such as solid particles, gums, and sediments. It increases the permeability of the filter cake, allowing for better flow and avoiding clogging, thereby improving filtration efficiency. DE acts as a filtration medium after processes like bleaching to remove unwanted solids and ensure a pure, clear oil, producing a more stable and transparent oil, improving both shelf life and consumer appeal. Types of edible oils and vegetable oils typically use DE as filter aid include palm, soyabean, coconut and rice bran.

Sugar/Sweeteners:

Diatomite filtration plays a crucial role in the production of sugar and sweeteners, ensuring the removal of impurities to produce clear, high-quality products. This process is essential to meet the industry’s stringent purity and clarity requirements for both crystalline and liquid sweeteners, resulting in crystal-clear syrups and honey, enhancing the quality and visual appeal.

Key Uses of Diatomite Filtration in Sugar and Sweeteners Production:

Oil and Gas:

Diatomite filtration plays a critical role in various processes within the oil and gas industry, particularly in the refining and filtration stages. The unique properties of diatomaceous earth (DE), such as its high porosity, inertness, and ability to trap fine particles, make it a valuable filtration medium for several applications.

Key Applications of Diatomite Filtration in Oil and Gas:

Swimming Pool:

Diatomite filtration is one of the most effective filtration methods used in swimming pools to maintain clean, clear, and healthy water. DE acts as a fine filter media, trapping particles that are as small as 2-5 microns, smaller than those captured by traditional sand or cartridge filters. The filtration involves the use of a DE filter, which is a specialized filtration system where diatomaceous earth is applied as a filter medium. The filter consists of grids or filter elements coated with DE powder, which acts as the filtration layer.

Industrial:

Diatomite filtration is widely used in a variety of industrial applications due to its excellent ability to filter out fine particles, clarify liquids, and improve product quality. The porous nature allows it to act as an effective filter aid, capable of removing impurities, suspended solids, and contaminants from industrial fluids and products.

Key Industrial Applications of Diatomite Filtration: