Internet is a wonderful thing. Not a single day passes without some new knowledge. Sometimes research into cosmetology and environmental sciences may lead to advances in heavy industry. Here is what the “bleaching clay” search yields:
- Stain removal
- Facial mask
- Insect sting or burn lotion
- Furniture deodorant.
Still, the question is why such a complex material is only used for household needs. However, looking through the next search results was baffling: bleaching earth is used not only in cosmetics, but also in chemical industry, oil processing and engineering companies.
Such diverse results required further research. According to an online dictionary, Fuller’s earth is a natural material with high adsorption capabilities, which consists mostly of attapulgite. The material is used for bleaching of oil, scouring of textiles etc.
More productive searches clarified further that such elements are used also in modern fuel regeneration and reclamation systems. Since articles on this topic were not at the top of the search ratings, it seemed worthwhile to finish reading.
Bleaching earths are used for purification of crude oil, vegetable oils, fats, vinegar, wines, vitamins, antibiotics and water. In various industries it is referred to as adsorbent.
But the peculiarity or bleaching earths, Fuller’s earth being one, is the capability of multiple use due to self-restoration of their properties.
Of course, this is not about reuse of facial masks or antiseptics. But, for prudent investments, Fuller’s earth is used again more than a couple of times.
Fuller’s earth is a kind of natural sedimentation clay, which can be used for lightening, filtration and purification of mineral and vegerable oils and fats. It includes alumina oxide, silica dioxide, ferrous oxides, lime, magnesia and water in various proportions.
However, according to the experts, there is a difference between filter elements and sorbents for oil regeneration, which are often mistaken for one another.
Filters are auxiliary devices. Clays used in oil purification (such as Fuller’s earth) are bentonite clays. If used correctly, clay attracts contaminants which become chemically attached to the clay and removes them from oil.
Clays react with acidic materials. When oil oxidizes, certain byproducts continue oxidation and promote formation of slime and aging of oil. According to studies in petro chemistry, negative particles form in the process of reaction with catalysts in the form of air and moisture. Naturally, removal of oxidation products and oil purification with restoration of its original specifications allows to increase oil stability and extend its life time. The use of bleaching clay is especially effective for removal of very fine degraded particles from the oil, even though such particles can pass through a 0.45 micron filter.
Regeneration of oil by Fuller’s earth is not a process of filtration. During filtration, contaminants are removed by being retained in the filtering media. Fuller’s earth removes molecules by adsorption, i.e. polar attraction. In a narrower sense, adsorption is the process of attachment of contaminant from gas or liquid by a solid material (in case of gas and liquid) or by liquid (in case of gas).
However confusing the terminology is, the difference is obvious: filters retain contaminant particles, while Fuller’s earth type materials adsorb them with the possibility of self-purification. This happens so that contaminated oil could enter the engine fully restored and reclaimed.
Some of the searches lead me to the website of GlobeCore. The amount of available explanations was on par with the wide range of offered products.
Stationary and mobile oil purification plants are the modern complete oil and fuel reclamation facilities. The use of Fuller’s earth sorbent allows the company to take leading positions in the markets of 70 countires,
Beside, detailed description of the units, their capabilities, processing capacity and operation options is quite accessible. Experts develop customized oil regeneration and reclamation solutions and programs for every client.
Unlike other businesses, GlobeCore specifically emphasizes resource conservation. GlobeCore trade mark is committed not only to sales of the equipment, but to the development of new avenues of advance for client companies.
The Internet surprises one with new knowledge unlooked for.
The idea of active existence in the modern world with the full range of online offers is very compelling.