Highly Active Bleaching Earth (HABE) is a specialized, acid-activated bentonite clay used primarily to remove impurities, color pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids), phospholipids, and oxidation products from edible oils, biofuels, and mineral oils. It enhances oxidative stability, improves flavour, and increases shelf life.
Key Industrial Applications
- Edible Oil & Fat Refining: The largest application (over 76% of market) includes refining palm, soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed oils.
- Biofuels: Used for pre-treating feedstocks by removing gums and pigments to improve fuel quality.
- Mineral Oil & Lubricants: Purifies transformer oils, paraffin, waxes, and hydraulic oils.
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical: Used to decolorize and purify chemicals, sugar syrups, and personal care ingredients.
- Environmental Protection: Utilized in wastewater treatment to remove organic contaminants and colorants from industrial effluents.
Key Performance Characteristics
- High Adsorption: Superior ability to remove unwanted impurities and color.
- Excellent Filtration: Designed for high filtration rates and low oil retention, maximizing production yields.
- Technical Compliance: Helps oils meet strict food safety standards.
Highly Active Bleaching Earth
Highly active bleaching earth (activated clay) is primarily used for the purification, bleaching, and refining of edible oils, fats, and biofuels by removing impurities like phospholipids, pigments, and soap. Its high surface area and absorption capacity make it crucial for removing color, odor, and extending the shelf life of products.