Perlite is a naturally occurring glassy material that is found in volcanic eruptions. It contains lots of water and is made by hydration of substance called obsidian. It has a unique property of expanding when it is heated. This happens because the water inside Perlite vaporises upon heating and it escapes, leading to an expansion of the material. It is used in various industries such as manufacture of refractory bricks and insulation of pipes used in construction industry.
Perlite ore is preheated to 800 degrees so as to reduce fines. It is then placed inside furnace where at a temperature of 1400-1800 degrees, the water trapped inside escapes after becoming steam.
Packaging of Perlite ore foundries is done in 20 kg bags. The chemical composition of Perlite filter aid is as follows.
- SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide-70-75%)
- Al2O3 (Aluminium Oxide-12-15%)
- Na2O (Sodium Oxide-3-4%)
- K2O (Potassium Oxide-3-5%)
- Fe2O3 (Iron Oxide- 0.5-2%)
- MgO (magnesium Oxide-0.2-0.7%)
- CaO (Calcium Oxide-0.5-1.5%)
Applications of Perlite
1.CONSTRUCTION (FIRE AND THERMAL INSULATION)
- Lightweight, Concrete Insulation
- Funding
- Plasters
- Fillers
- Joint Compounds
- Roofing materials
- Plaster boards
- Ceiling tiles
- Pipe insulation
2.CHEMISTRY AND PAINT
- Matting Additive
- Filling Additive
- Geopolimer
- Adsorbent and Absorbent
3.HORTICULTURE & AGRICULTURE
- Gardening
- Plant rooting
- Seed composts
- Growing Medium
- Soil conditioner
- Hydroponics
- Flower sport
- Packing for shipping nursery stock
- Green roofs
4.FILTRATION/FILTER AID
- Beer
- Wine
- Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
- Citric acid
- Sugar
- Oil
- Pharmaceuticals
- Fruit juices
- Glucose
- Chemicals
- Swimming pool water
5.CRYOGENICS
- Super cooled gases in the containers for transport & in stationary plants
- Vessels and storage tanks
- Air Separation units
- Cold Boxes
- Refrigeration plants
6.TEXTILE
- Bleaching Additive
- Functional Additive (breathable fabrics)
7.PLASTICS &POLYMER
- Sheet Moulding Compound
- Anti-blocking agent
- PVC profiles
- Rubber
- Composite
8.COSMETICS
- Make up and facial care products
- Hair care products
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Body care products
9.FOUNDRY
- Sand Blasting
- Slag coagulant
- Special casting sand and mixtures
- Silica source
- Refectory bricks
10.OTHER USES
- Phase Changing Materials
- Sports flooring (tartan track)
- Water reserves
- Polishing material
- Dental practice gloss cakes
- Oil well cementing
- Poultry litter
- Animal feed
- As an additive in the ceramic and glass industries
- Explosives
- Aerosols
- Aquarium filters
Perlite Filter Powder
Perlite filter powder is a lightweight, inert, and non-toxic filter aid used across industries to clarify liquids and separate solids from liquids, offering higher flow rates and lower density than diatomaceous earth. Key applications include food/beverage processing (beer, juices, sugar), pharmaceutical production, water treatment, chemical manufacturing, and oil/solvent filtration.