Definition of Bentonite Powder
The mineral bentonite can be found all over the world. Bentonite Powder is formed from weathering volcanic ash. It has some exceptional properties: when stirred into water, it demonstrates thixotropic behavior in which it becomes thinner and less viscous.
Bentonite is a clay that has a particularly useful characteristic. It can absorb many times its weight in water. It is useful in drilling wells because water mixed with bentonite tends to coat the walls of the hole and keep it from collapsing.
Bentonite is an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite. Bentonite is a clay generated frequently from the alteration of volcanic ash, consisting predominantly of smectite minerals, usually montmorillonite. Bentonite deposits are normally exploited by quarrying. Extracted bentonite is distinctly solid, even with a moisture content of approximately 30%. The material is initially crushed and, if necessary, activated with the addition of soda ash (Na2CO3). Bentonite is subsequently dried (air and/or forced drying) to reach a moisture content of approximately 15%. According to the final application, bentonite is either sieved (granular form) or milled (into powder and super fine powder form). For special applications, bentonite is purified by removing the associated gangue minerals, or treated with acids to produce acid-activated bentonite (bleaching earths), or treated with organics to produce organoclays. The different types of bentonite are each named after the respective dominant element, such as potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and aluminum (Al).
(Zumrut Kimia) is a well-known supplier of bentonite in the Middle East. Using bentonite has a long history, and our bentonite has been used as a cleaner and cure during the centuries.
Bentonite is a mineral product structured from Alumina and Silica sheets.
While it can divide into particles with 0.003-micrometer dimension and 0.01-micrometer longitude. Therefore, easy separation and negative electrical charge result in rapid distribution of bentonite in water.
Besides, having high ion exchange capacity is one of the most significant characteristics of this mineral; Which has an obvious effect on bentonite’s classification as a tradable product.
there are two Calcium bentonite and Sodium bentonite. Sodium bentonite has a very high swelling capacity; As far as we mostly know it as Swelling bentonite.
The exclusive water absorption of sodium bentonite makes it a very efficacious material for construction and excavation. Though, Calcium bentonite has a lower swelling potential.
Zumrut Kimia as an experienced company in bentonite supply and export is active in this field. Our reliable and professional logistic team delivers cargoes to different ports all over the world.
Types of Bentonite
There are two basic types of Bentonite, Sodium type and Calcium type:
- Sodium Bentonite: Because of its high absorbency and clumping tendency, Sodium Bentonite is useful as a sealant. It is considered a safe, natural, nontoxic and inexpensive treatment for porous soils. Its swelling capacity gives Sodium Bentonite the ability to bond with soil and create and impenetrable barrier. Sodium Bentonite is also used for mud drilling, clumping cat litter, and as a bonding agent for feeds, medicines and cosmetics. Currently, Sodium Bentonite is being investigated as an absorbing agent to remove E-Coli bacteria from food.
- Calcium Bentonite: Calcium Bentonite is referred to as “living clay” because of the belief found in many cultures that it is useful as a medicine. The practice of geophagy or “earth eating” is centered on the belief that some clays such as Calcium Bentonite is able to be safely ingested for the absorption and removal of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. Geophagy is known to have been practiced by some Indigenous peoples of Australia and Africa. The modern alternative healthcare industry uses Calcium Bentonite extensively for internal and external toxin removal that is believed to be based on ion exchange. Consult your doctor if you are considering ingestion of any non-food substance.
Application of Bentonite Powder
Oil and Gas Drilling
Bentonite is a key component of drilling mud for drill bit cooling, lubrication, and removal of cuttings. It imparts stability to borehole walls through filter cake deposition and reduces fluid loss to the formations.
Foundry and Casting (Green Sand Molding)
Bentonite is utilized as a binder for molding sand in metal casting. It enables sand molds to withstand the pressure of the molten metal, giving high thermal stability, dimensional stability, and reuse in casting iron, steel, and aluminum.
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Because of its high surface area and cation exchange capacity, bentonite is used in the adsorption of heavy metals and impurities such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic. It also flocs suspended solids and enables sedimentation or flotation processes.
Agriculture and Soil Improvement
Bentonite raises the water-holding capacity of the soil, reduces leaching of nutrients, and serves as a carrier for fertilizers and pesticides. It is most beneficial in sandy and arid soils, where it retains moisture and enriches the soil health.
Animal and Poultry Feed
As a pellet binder and anti-mycotoxin in animal and poultry feed. Bentonite absorbs toxins like aflatoxins, improves feed texture and stability, and results in better animal health and productivity.
Pelletizing (Iron Ore Industry)
In iron ore pellet production, bentonite is utilized as a binder which enhances pellet strength, moisture content, and durability to maintain the pellets whole at the moment of transport and also during smelting in blast furnaces or DRI processes.
Pet Litter
Bentonite’s swelling capacity makes it suitable for clumping cat litter. It controls odor and moisture well, is nontoxic, inhibits bacterial growth, and makes cleaning easy while keeping the litter box fresh.
Construction and Civil Engineering
Used in diaphragm walls, tunneling, and foundation sealing. Its thixotropy and swelling capacity stabilize excavations and exclude water. Also used as a liner in landfills and ponds to safeguard groundwater.
Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Industry
In cosmetics, bentonite is used in face masks and skin cleansers as an oil and toxin absorber. In pharmaceuticals, it’s used in detoxification products as it has the ability to adsorb heavy metals and impurities from the body.
Paint and Coatings Industry
Sodium bentonite is used as a natural rheology modifier and thickener. It manages viscosity and sedimentation in paints, especially where environmental safety and light color are demanded.
Fertilizer Industry
Bentonite is used as a soil conditioner and slow-release agent. Its high cation exchange capacity allows nutrients to be held longer in soil, which makes fertilizer more effective and crops healthier.
Food and Beverage Industry (Limited Use)
Food-grade bentonite is used as a clarifying agent in winemaking and juice production. It removes unwanted proteins and impurities, improving clarity and shelf stability.
Advantages
Bentonite is a clay that hydrates more than other types of clays, making it ideal for generating viscosity, developing suspension gels, and controlling filtration. Its small particle size, unique flat shape, and high surface area provide superior filtration characteristics. Bentonite is also used as a filter cake control agent and suspension agent in freshwater systems and water-based gas systems.
It is also used as a lubricant/thinner for drilling fluids, such as drilling mud, which is crucial for removing drilling cuttings during the drilling process. When mixed with water, it forms a liquid (slurry) that cools and lubricates the drill bit, seals the hole, prevents leakage, and prevents well walls from collapsing.
When Drilling Bentonite is released into the water, it converts into colloidal particles, releasing electrical energy stored in the crystal lattice and swelling about 15 to 30 times its original volume. This property helps disperse heavy materials, create a coating on the good wall, prevent oil and gas migration, and stabilize the wall.
Features and properties (API Grade; 13A-section 9)
- This material must be in powder form and free of visible impurities.
- Humidity: maximum 12% at 105±2 ˚C
- Yield: minimum 16
- Plastic viscosity 600 Reading at 64 grams: minimum 30
- Yield Point/plastic viscosity ratio: maximum 3
- Volume Filter: maximum
Packing and Transportation
There are several types of packaging and transportation of bentonite powder and granules in accordance with the requirements of consumers.
The main type of packaging of powdered bentonite are disposable soft containers of the “Big-Run” type with a weight of 1 t. or 1.25 tons.
Bentonite powders can also be packed in polypropylene bags of 25 or 40 kg. and placed on pallets of 1t.
There is the possibility of unloading powdered bentonite in tank trucks.
Crushed dry bentonite can be shipped in bulk to a wagon or vessel, packaged in bulk in a sea container or packaged in a “Big Bag”.
Bentonite crumb for cat litter is packaged in disposable soft containers of the “Big-bag” type.
Lump bentonite may be shipped in bulk to the vessel in the ports of Poti or Batumi or to the railway gondola.
Products may be transported by rail, road, sea from the ports of Poti or Batumi, as well as a combined option via the Batumi-Odessa ferry.
According to customer’s demands.
- 25 kg Bag, 40 kg Bag, 50 kg Bag,
- 1.0 MT Jumbo Bag, 1.15 MT Jumbo Bag, 1.25 MT Jumbo Bag.
- Can be loose bulks in 1*20 FCL 25-27 tons (Lump form)
Specification of Bentonite Powder
Technical Data Sheet of API 13 A-Section 9:
| Viscometer Dial Reading at 600 rpm | 30Min |
|---|---|
| Yield Point/Plastic Viscosity Ratio | 3 Max |
| Filtrate Volume | 15.0 cm3 Max |
| Residue Greater than 75 Micrometers | 4.0 wt. % Max |
| Packing | 30 Kg PP/PE, paper Sacks, !Mt Big Bog |
| Uses | As Viscosifier in Drilling Fluid |
Technical Data Sheet of API 13 A-Section 11(ocma):
| Viscometer Dial Reading at 600 rpm | 30Min |
|---|---|
| Yield Point/Plastic Viscosity Ratio | 6 Max |
| Filtrate Volume | 16.0 cm3 Max |
| Residue Greater than 75 Micrometers | 4.0 wt. % Max |
| Packing | 30 Kg PP/PE, paper Sacks, !Mt Big Bog |
| Uses | As Viscosifier in Drilling Fluid |
Technical Data Sheet of Drilling (High yield):
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| 600RPM | Min 60 |
| Plastic Viscosity | Min 4 |
| Residue of diameter greater than 200mesh (%) | Min 6 |
| Percentage of Moisture (%) | Min 12 |
Technical Data Sheet of Fertilizing:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Swelling index (2gr) | 22 – 24 |
| Gelling index (24 hours) | 16 |
| Percentage of Montmorillonite (MN 616) | 54 |
| Wet Tensile Strength (KgF/cm2) | 0.09 |
| Green Compressive Strength (KgF/cm2) | 0.35 |
| PH | 8.8 – 9 |
| Water Absorption (24h) | 500 – 550 |
| 600 RPM | 26 - 28 |
| Ratio (Yield Point / Plastic Viscosity) | 4 |
| Percentage of Moisture (%) | Maximum 12 |
| Residue of diameter greater than 200mesh (%) | Maximum 14 |
Technical Data Sheet of Tiles and ceramics:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Swelling index (2gr) | 18-20 |
| Gelling index (24 hours) | 14 |
| Percentage of Montmorillonite (MN 616) | 50-54 |
| Water Absorption (24h) | 500-550 |
| Percentage of Moisture (%) | 10-12 |
| Residue of diameter greater than 200mesh (%) | Maximum 6 |
