BENTONITE

We export the highest-quality Bentonite in different types and grades from Iran, Turkey, and the UAE to other countries around the world.

• Iran Bentonite
• Turkey Bentonite
• UAE Bentonite

WHAT IS BENTONITE?

The mineral montmorillonite, a hydrous aluminum silicate, forms the basis of the clay variety called bentonite. It is a mineral that is extremely porous and absorbent, and when it comes into touch with water, it has the capacity of swelling up too many times its original volume. Like other minerals like zeolite, feldspar, and quartz, bentonite is frequently found in deposits that are found in volcanic ash beds.

BENTONITE IN DRILLING

Bentonite, as one of the drilling products, is a key component of the drilling fluids used to lubricate and cool the drill bit during drilling operations. The drilling fluid, commonly referred to as “mud,” aids in stabilizing the borehole and preventing the walls from collapsing. Carrying drill bit cuttings to the surface, where they may be retrieved and examined, also helps.

Controlling viscosity and fluid loss is bentonite’s primary role in drilling fluids. Bentonite’s excellent colloidal characteristic makes it perfect for suspending particles and increasing the viscosity of drilling fluid. Moreover, it aids in lowering fluid loss in permeable formations, limiting mud loss into the formation, and assuring borehole stability.

Depending on the desired characteristics of the mud, bentonite is often added to the drilling fluid in percentages ranging from 1 to 4%. The quantity of bentonite used will vary based on the particular drilling formation as well as other elements including drilling technique, temperature, and pressure.

BENTONITE FORMS

Powdered Bentonite:

Natural bentonite is ground to a fine powder to create powdered bentonite, which is the most used kind of bentonite. It is often used in the drilling, foundry, and cosmetics industries.

Lump Bentonite:

Bentonite that has not been finely processed into a powder is called lump bentonite. It is often employed as a sealer or binder in sectors including building and agriculture.

Granular Bentonite:

Bentonite is crushed into granules of various sizes, usually between 2 and 4 mm, to produce granular bentonite. It often appears in applications for sealing soil.

Pelletized Bentonite:

Bentonite is crushed into tiny pellets or granules, usually with a diameter of 1 cm, to create pelletized bentonite. It is often used to soil amendments in agriculture and water treatment.

Liquid Bentonite:

Bentonite particles suspended in water are known as liquid bentonite. As a drilling mud additive, it is often employed in drilling operations to increase the viscosity and lubricity of the drilling fluid. Moreover, it may be used to make coatings, sealants, and adhesives.

Bentonite Sheets:

A layer of bentonite is sandwiched between two layers of geotextile fabric to create bentonite sheets, which are thin sheets. They are often used in building applications as a waterproofing material.

BENTONITE CHEMICAL FORMULA, CAS NUMBER, AND HS CODE

Bentonite Chemical Formula:

Bentonite is a clay mineral that is composed primarily of montmorillonite, which is a hydrated aluminum silicate. The chemical formula for bentonite is typically Al2O3·4SiO2·nH2O, where n can vary depending on the degree of hydration. The exact chemical formula of bentonite can vary depending on its source and how it has been processed.

Bentonite CAS number:

The CAS number for bentonite is 1302-78-9. This is a unique identifier assigned to the substance by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) to allow for easy identification of the substance in various scientific and regulatory contexts.

Bentonite HS code:

The HS code (Harmonized System code) for bentonite is 2508.10. This code is used to classify the product for customs and trade purposes and is recognized globally.

BENTONITE TYPES

Bentonite comes in a variety of forms, each with its own special set of properties and applications. The most typical varieties of bentonite are listed below:

1. Sodium Bentonite: This kind of bentonite is distinguished by a strong capacity for swelling and water absorption. It is frequently utilized in the creation of cat litter, drilling mud, and sealing compounds for ponds and landfills.
2. Calcium Bentonite: Compared to sodium bentonite, this form of bentonite has a lower swelling capacity and is less absorbent. It is frequently employed in the manufacture of cosmetics and as a binding agent in foundry sand.
3. Bentonite that has been polymer-modified is a modified form of sodium bentonite that has been given a polymer treatment to improve its properties. It is frequently employed in the remediation of contaminated soil and drilling mud.
4. Bentonite made of potassium is comparable to sodium bentonite but has a greater capability for exchanging cations. It is frequently employed in agriculture to increase soil fertility and provide animal feed.

BENTONITE MINING AND BENTONITE MANUFACTURING

In open-pit mining, the bentonite deposit is exposed by removing the soil and rock that were previously covering it. Following that, the material is extracted using a number of techniques, including as blasting, hydraulic mining, and mechanical excavation. When the bentonite has been extracted, it is taken to processing facilities where it is further treated and refined into various grades and varieties of bentonite.

With the purpose of removing impurities, lowering moisture content, and improving the material’s properties, bentonite is subjected to a variety of mechanical and chemical treatments. Depending on the bentonite’s intended application, specific processing techniques may vary, but often entail a mixture of crushing, drying, grinding, and mixing.

The raw bentonite is broken down into little pieces during processing, then dried to eliminate extra moisture before being milled into a fine powder. The powder is then combined with liquids, such as water or other liquids, to create a slurry, which can then be processed further to create granules, pellets, or powders.

To guarantee uniformity in the physical and chemical properties of the finished product, high-quality bentonite manufacture calls for stringent quality control procedures. Regular testing of the raw materials, observation of the processing conditions, and quality control inspections all through the production process are required for this.

Bentonite Mining and Production’s Environmental Effects:

Bentonite mining and production can have both favorable and unfavorable effects on the environment, like any other mining and manufacturing activity. If not adequately controlled, bentonite mining can cause soil erosion, habitat degradation, and water contamination while also creating jobs and benefiting the local economy.

Water resources in the area may be impacted by the use of water in the processing of bentonite, particularly in dry and semi-arid areas where water is in short supply. Through the application of sustainable mining procedures, the use of recycling and water conservation techniques, and the restoration of mined lands, efforts are being made to reduce the negative effects of bentonite mining and production on the environment.

Discovering the Versatility and Sustainability of Bentonite:

A distinctive and adaptable mineral called bentonite is now used as a necessary ingredient in numerous goods and procedures. Its distinctive properties, such as high-water absorption and swelling capacity, make it useful in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, foundry, and cosmetics.

Although the mining and production of bentonite can have an adverse effect on the environment, attempts are being made to reduce this impact through the use of sustainable mining techniques as well as recycling and water conservation measures.

As the demand for bentonite increases, it is crucial that we strike a balance between the economic advantages and the need to safeguard the environment and maintain the sustainable use of this priceless mineral resource.

With its versatility and availability in a variety of forms and packaging options, bentonite is a mineral that may be employed in a wide range of applications. The bentonite’s intended purpose, the quantity needed, and the logistics of handling and transportation will all influence the packaging option.

BENTONITE SPECIFICATIONS

Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay mineral with special physical and chemical properties that make it useful in numerous industrial and commercial applications. Depending on the intended usage, the specifications for bentonite can change, however some typical requirements are as follows:

• The performance of the material in diverse applications is influenced by its particle size, which is a crucial criterion for bentonite. Depending on the intended usage, the particle size of bentonite can range from a few microns to several hundred microns, and it is commonly measured in microns.
• Moisture content: Depending on the source and the technique used for processing, the moisture content of bentonite can change. For untreated bentonite, the moisture content is commonly reported as a percentage and can range from 10% to 15% to as low as 1% for processed bentonite.
• Bentonite’s tendency to swell in the presence of water makes it beneficial in a variety of applications, including drilling, sealing, and soil stability. Often expressed in ml/g, the swelling capacity of bentonite can range from a few hundred to several thousand ml/g, depending on the type and grade of bentonite.
• High cation exchange capacity (CEC) means that bentonite can exchange cations with other substances in solution. Due to its ability to remove heavy metals and other impurities from water, it can be used in wastewater treatment applications. Often expressed in meq/100g, the CEC of bentonite can range from 50 to 150 meq/100g, depending on the kind and grade of bentonite.
• Chemical makeup: Depending on the source and processing technique, the chemical composition of bentonite can change. The three primary ingredients that make up bentonite are illite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite, with montmorillonite playing the most significant role. Trace metals including calcium, magnesium, and iron are possible inclusions in the chemical makeup of bentonite.
• Depending on the source and processing method, Bentonite can range in color from pale beige to dark brown.
• It is crucial to speak with the supplier or manufacturer to confirm that the product complies with the requirements for the specific application because the specifications of bentonite can change depending on the intended use.

BENTONITE PROPERTIES

Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay mineral that has special physical and chemical properties that make it valuable in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Bentonite has a number of important properties, including:

• Bentonite can swell up too many times its original volume when exposed to water because of its great capacity for water absorption. This characteristic makes it suitable as a sealing substance for ponds, canals, and other water containment structures, as well as in drilling fluids to control borehole stability and prevent fluid loss.
• Thixotropy: Bentonite has thixotropic properties, which means that when it is moved or agitated, it loses viscosity and when it is left undisturbed, it resumes its initial state. Due to its ability to suspend and move drill cuttings to the surface, it is helpful in drilling fluids.
• Bentonite can exchange cations with other substances in solution thanks to its high cation exchange capacity (CEC). Due to its ability to remove heavy metals and other impurities from water, it can be used in wastewater treatment applications.
• Bentonite can draw in and cling onto other molecules on its surface thanks to its strong adsorption capability. Because it can absorb and trap scents, this feature makes it helpful in applications like cat litter.
• Its plasticity allows for the molding of bentonite into a variety of shapes. This characteristic makes it helpful as a plasticizer and binder in ceramics.
• Large surface area: Because of its large surface area, bentonite can interact with other materials at the molecular level. Due to its huge surface area for reactants to interact on, this feature makes it helpful in catalyst applications where it can improve chemical processes.
• Thermal stability: Bentonite can resist high temperatures without degrading. Due to its characteristic, it can be utilized as a binder for casting molds in applications like foundry sand.

In general, bentonite is a desirable and adaptable material for a variety of industrial and commercial applications due to its singular mix of physical and chemical properties.