Industrial
Perlite and Vermiculite are used in industrial applications, from friction linings to high-temperature insulation, and hot topping to mine sealants. Our minerals are distinguished from most common chemical carriers due to its low bulk density and high surface area.
Perlite Industrial Applications
There are a variety of applications that are enhanced by Perlite in industrial settings which include:
- Ceiling tiles
- Cryogenic insulation
- Decorative stone
- Filtration
- Fire-rated door cores
- Fireplace chimneys
- Fire-rated door cores
- High-temperature insulation
- Joint compound, spackling
- Lightweight fillers
- Molten metal toping
- Pipe insulation
- Roofing board
- Specialty stoves
- Wood fired bread and pizza ovens
Perlite Filler Size and Shape
Expansion of perlite ore grades is manufactured in our locations across North America. Our microspheres is one form of expanded perlite. It’s formed from a unique milling process consisting of expanded perlite particles that form flake-like, flat particles and have a three-dimensional structure. This structure helps reduce shrinkage when drying. Perlite flake fillers are used in:
- Asphalt
- Concrete
- Paints
- Plaster
- Resin-based castings
- Water-based construction compounds
Example of Perlite Applications in Ladle Topping
In ladle topping applications, expanded or unexpanded granular ore forms of perlite are added to molten metal pouring ladles. The ore form reacts with slag in the ladle to allow easy removal of the slag layer. The expanded perlite layer forms an insulating blanket when it is desirable to maintain a metal temperature in a ladle.
Dicaperl slag coagulant material is manually added to the surface of molten metal after it is poured into a ladle. Slag that is present on the molten metal adheres to the perlite and floats for removal. With the removal of the combined perlite and slag, the metal is clean and ready for casting.
Vermiculite Industrial Applications
Vermiculite’s numerous properties make it invaluable for industrial settings that include:
Friction Lining
Finer grades of exfoliated vermiculite are used in friction linings, primarily for the automotive market. It is beneficial because of its thermal resistance, ease of adding to other raw materials, and its shape and surface characteristics.
High-temperature Insulation
Finer grades of vermiculite are used in the production of insulation, often mixed with sodium or potassium silicate.
Hot Topping in the Steel Industry
Vermiculite concentrate exfoliates immediately when poured onto hot metal to form an insulating layer that keeps the material hotter longer.
Mine Sealant
Vermiculite is used as an additive in Portland cement and used as a sealant in underground mines to prevent the ingress of methane, which might explode.
Paints, Sealants, Plastics, and Mastics
Finely ground vermiculite is added to improve their flame retardancy and enhance performance in areas where there is an excessive amount of ultraviolet light.
Refractory Gunning and Castable Mixes
Calcium aluminate cements and exfoliated vermiculite can be combined to produce refractory concretes and mortars.
Vermiculite Dispersions
Vermiculite dispersions, like MicroLite, are used in high-temperature coatings or binders for construction materials.
Well Drilling Materials
Vermiculite concentrate is used as a “lost circulation material” in drilling muds to prevent downhole pressure losses during well drilling and completion activities.
Contact Us
Contact us today to learn how we can help your processes, buy direct or from a distributor, or request a free sample of our products. We look forward to hearing from you.