How to use diatomaceous earth: 3 little-known applications
Diatomaceous earth has many practical household applications, but is also used for technical purposes in the chemical, agrifoods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.
A natural mineral powder, diatomaceous earth is still largely unknown to the general public. It has many benefits, however, and can be used for a wide range of things, some of which would be hard for consumers to guess.
Diatomaceous earth: a natural insecticide
In countries with regulatory approval, diatomaceous earth based Dezone is a mechanical insecticide for crop protection and is a powerful complementary active ingredient to any integrated pest management program.
It’s very effective at providing a physical mode of action against insect, pests and mites. And it’s easy to use. It can be spread directly onto the soil, all around the plants that need protecting, or diluted in water. Use around 5g per liter and spray this mixture onto and underneath the leaves.
Effective and eco-friendly cleaning products
Natural household cleaning products may contain diatomaceous earth, since it has a mild abrasive action. In powder form, it’s also very effective at absorbing odors and liquids. If you add a bit of water to diatomaceous earth and form a paste, you’ll have an effective and eco-friendly household cleanser.
A non-chemical filtering agent
Since a diatomaceous filter is extremely fine, it’s no surprise that it’s used for agrifoods, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and chemical applications. Its filtration power is around 5 to 10 microns. Able to remove microbes from water, diatomite is a powerful mineral that can reduce the amount of chlorine needed in pools. It can also render water in developing countries safe for drinking by eliminating bacteria and other contaminants.
Diatomaceous earth is an integral part of our day-to-day lives. Without even realizing it, we all use products that could never exist, or at least wouldn’t have the same properties, without it. Wine is a perfect example, since clarification is an essential step in winemaking. It has a direct impact on taste, but also affects the length of time a bottle can be kept.
Filtration plays a critical role in industries ranging from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and advanced industrial applications. Yet, with many filter types and processes available, it can be challenging to determine which solution is best for a specific application.
In early October, the Saint-Bauzile diatomite site welcomed local authorities and members of the wider community for a series of open days. The events provided an opportunity to highlight the site’s strategic operations and reinforce relationships with local stakeholders following its integration into Imerys earlier this year.
Filtration is a key part of many industrial processes, from making your morning juice to producing life-saving medications. At its core, filtration is simply the separation of solids from liquids (or gases) by passing the mixture through a porous material. But not all filters are created equal, and that’s where minerals come in. Join our experts from the Performance Minerals Americas team as they provide a tour of the many benefits of mineral solutions for filtration needs.
Imerys has just acquired the European diatomite and perlite assets of Chemviron, a subsidiary of Calgon Carbon Corporation.