WELL DRILLING:
Drilling mud, or drilling gel, is a major component in the well
drilling process. Drilling mud is
crucial in the extraction of drill cuttings during the drilling process. Bentonite, when
mixed with water, forms a fluid (or slurry) that is pumped through the drill stem, and out
through the drill bit. The bentonite extracts the drill cuttings from around the bit,
which are then floated to the surface. The drilling mud, or gel, also serves to cool and
lubricate the drill bit as well as seal the drill hole against seepage and to prevent wall
cave-ins.
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TACONITE PELLETIZING:
Taconite, a low grade iron ore, has been developed as an economic
source for iron. During processing, the taconite is ground into a very fine powder. The ground taconite is then mixed with
small amounts of bentonite which serves as a binder to the taconite. This mixture is
processed into balls or pellets. The process is finished when these pellets are sintered
in rotary kilns that give the pellets a hard surface. The taconite pellets are easy to
handle at this point and can be loaded into various containers for shipment to steel
mills.
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METAL CASTING:
Bentonite serves as an economical bonding material in the molding processes associated with the metal
casting industry. Bentonite, when mixed with foundry molding sands, forms a pliable bond
with the sand granules. Impressions are formed into the face of the bentonite/sand
mixtures. Molten metal is pored into the impressions at temperatures exceeding 2,800 F.
The unique bonding characteristics of bentonite insures the durability of the mold during
these high temperatures. Once the process is complete, the bentonite/sand mold can then be
broken away from the casting face and reused.
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CAT LITTER:
In recent years, bentonite has become a major component in the
manufacturing of cat litter. Because of the unique water absorption, swelling, and odor controlling characteristics of bentonite, it is
ideal for use in "clumping" types of cat litters.Clumping cat litter has become widely accepted as an economical alternative to conventional non-clumping type cat litters. Because bentonite forms clumps when wet, the clumps can easily be removed and disposed of. The remainder of the unused material stays intact and can continue to be used. clumping cat box litters will last longer with less frequency of changing.
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ANIMAL/POUTRY FEEDS:
For many years bentonite has been used as a binder in the feed
pelletizing industry. Small amounts of bentonite can be
added to feed products to insure tougher, more durable pellets. By absorbing excess
moisture and oils, bentonite aids in the free movement of pellets, preventing lumping and
caking.Research has been conducted which indicates that bentonite has additional benefits for both animals and poultry. The bentonite used in the feed slows the digestive system and enables the animal or fowl to better utilize the feed nutrients. Other studies have shown bentonite as a useful ingredient in the control of certain toxins which affect animals and fowl.
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OTHER APPLICATIONS:
Bentonite has also proved helpful in sealing freshwater ponds, irrigation ditches,
reservoirs, sewage and industrial water lagoons, and in grouting permeable ground. In addition, it has been used in detergents, fungicides,
sprays, cleansers, polishes, ceramic, paper, cosmetics and applications where its unique bonding, suspending or gellant properties are required.
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