Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft, sedimentary rock made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae.

It is typically found in deposits near water sources like lakes, rivers, and oceans.

DE is composed primarily of silica, along with other minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Due to its porous and absorbent nature, as well as its abrasive properties, DE has found numerous applications across various industries.

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Spotlight

Absorbent: DE has a high absorption capacity due to its porous structure, making it effective for filtration and as a desiccant.
Abrasive: The fine particles of DE have abrasive properties, making it useful in polishing and pest control applications.
Inert: DE is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with other substances, making it safe for various applications.
Lightweight: Despite its abrasive nature, DE is relatively lightweight, which can pose challenges in bulk material handling processes.

Common Uses

Filtration: One of the most common uses of DE is as a filtration medium. Its high porosity and ability to trap fine particles make it ideal for water and beverage filtration, as well as in the purification of oils and other liquids.
Pest Control: DE is widely used in pest control products due to its abrasive texture, which can effectively abrade the exoskeletons of insects, causing dehydration and death.
Abrasives: In industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and construction, DE is utilized as a mild abrasive in toothpaste, facial scrubs, and polishes.
Agriculture: DE is applied in agriculture as a natural insecticide and soil amendment to improve soil drainage and water retention.

Challenges in Conveying

Bulk material handling of powders and solids like DE presents several challenges, including:

Abrasiveness: DE particles can cause wear and tear on conveying equipment, leading to maintenance issues and downtime.
Dust Generation: Handling DE can result in the generation of airborne dust, posing health and safety risks to workers and requiring effective dust control measures.
Flowability: The flow properties of DE can vary depending on factors like moisture content and particle size distribution, necessitating careful selection of conveying equipment to ensure reliable flow.

Equipment Options

For handling Diatomaceous Earth, UniTrak’s TipTrak bucket conveyor stands out as an ideal solution.

The TipTrak conveyor’s gentle and steady vertical conveying action minimizes dust generation and prevents degradation of the delicate DE particles.

Additionally, its fully enclosed design helps contain dust and maintain a clean working environment.

The TipTrak conveyor’s customizable features allow for precise control of conveying speed and discharge options, ensuring optimal handling of DE without compromising product integrity.

Want to chat more about your specific application or materials?

Diatomaceous Earth’s unique properties make it a versatile material with applications spanning various industries.

However, handling DE in bulk material conveying processes presents challenges such as abrasiveness, dust generation, and flowability.

UniTrak’s deep experience in customized bulk material handling equipment makes them a reliable partner in managing the complexities of handling Diatomaceous Earth and other challenging materials.

With their innovative solutions like the TipTrak conveyor, UniTrak ensures efficient and reliable handling of DE while prioritizing safety and product integrity.

Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the information you need for your unique applications or challenges. Book some time to speak with our team today and start the conversation.

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