Diatomaceous Earth

1. Product Overview

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft sedimentary rock composed of fossilized diatom skeletons (amorphous silica). Its primary industrial use is as a high-efficiency filter aid for liquids (water, beverages, chemicals, oils) and as a functional absorbent in industrial coatings and agriculture. The key value proposition is superior permeability and particle retention at lower consumption rates, reducing total cost of filtration by 15–25%. Strategically, DE is critical for industries demanding regulatory-compliant clarity and throughput efficiency, with no functional synthetic substitute for many high-flow applications.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO₂) ≥ 85–92%, trace Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO

• Purity level: Food grade (FDA 21 CFR 173.340) / Technical grade / Calcined grade (crystalline silica < 1%)

• Physical characteristics: Fine off-white to light grey powder; mean particle size: 10–40 µm; loose bulk density: 0.10–0.25 g/cm³; specific surface area: 15–40 m²/g

• pH (10% slurry): 6.5–8.0 (natural grade) / 8.5–10.0 (calcined)

• Packaging options: 25 kg multi-wall paper bags, 500–1,000 kg jumbo big bags, or pneumatic tanker (bulk)

• Shelf life: 36 months in dry, sealed conditions (no degradation if moisture < 5%)

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Beverage & food processing: Beer/wine/juice/edible oil filtration – achieves 0.5–5 µm particle retention without discoloration or off-flavors.

• Industrial chemicals & water treatment: Polishing of process water, coolants, and solvents – outperforms sand filters with 2x higher flow rate per filter area.

• Paints, coatings & plastics: Matte finish agent and anti-block additive – reduces gloss variability and improves scratch resistance versus synthetic silicas at 30% lower additive cost.

• Pharmaceutical & bio-processing: Pre-coat filtration for antibiotics and enzymes – chemically inert, non-swelling, and complies with USP/EP requirements.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: ±2% permeability variance across shipments (tested via Darcy permeability and particle size analysis); ISO 22000 and HACCP for food-grade lots.

• Supply reliability: Dedicated mining + three calcining plants; 50,000 MT annual capacity with 24/7 order fulfillment to major ports (Rotterdam, Houston, Shanghai).

• Price competitiveness: Flat pricing per MT for orders ≥ 20 MT; 10–18% lower landed cost vs. European/Chinese calcined grades due to own mining rights.

• Sustainability: Closed-loop water recycling in processing; zero hazardous waste; 100% natural amorphous silica extends filter press life by 20% vs. synthetics.

• Technical support: Free filter lab optimization service (jar tests, permeability mapping) and SDS/GHS documentation in 8 languages.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): Bulk – 20 metric tons (MT) per product grade

• Loading capacity: 20–22 MT per 20 ft standard container (depending on grade); 20 MT = 800 x 25 kg bags or 20 x 1,000 kg jumbo bags