Bentonite Tablets and Caplets Overview Bentonite is a naturally occurring Sodium Clay with outstanding characteristics. Mined from specially selected ores, which have a high absorbing and swelling capacity. For more information call +61 (03) 9366 7831 Facsimile: +61 (03) 9366 9538 Email sales@meltonenterprises.net

Functions

Bentonite has many uses in various manufacturing and allied applications.

It can be used in Foundries/Metal Casting, Electrical Insulations, Poultry/Animal Feeds,
Cat Litter Paint manufacture. It is helpful in sealing ponds, sewage reservoirs etc. In addition it has been used in
detergents, fungicides, sprays, cosmetics and where bonding properties are needed.

One of the primary uses of bentonite powder and pellets is in the Mining and Drilling industries.
Drilling Mud is important in the extraction of cuttings during the drilling process. Bentonite, when mixed
with water or foam, forms a slurry, which is pumped through to the drill bit. This slurry and foam mix helps
the cuttings to rise to the surface, thus helping in achieving a cost effective drilling process.

Sealing of drilled holes can be done by pouring Bentonite tablets or pellets down the hole and filling
with water. Being solid, the tablets do not float but set in place and swell, causing the hole to be sealed.

specification of a.p.i. grade bentonite tablets

TEST	OBSERVATION	LIMITS
Weight of 20 tablets	16.38 gms
Avg. weight	0.819 gms
Weight Variation	Within (+/-)3%	Within(+/-)5%
Diameter	12.8 mm	12.70 mm to 12.90 mm
Thickness	3.5 mm	3.3 mm to 3.7 mm
Hardness	8.0 kgs	NLT 3.0 kgs
Disintegration Time	N.A.
Friability	0.2% w/w	NMT 1.0% w/w

Back to top of page

hydration time for bentonite tablets

Back to top of page

PERIOD	SWELLING	HYDRATION	COMMENTS
0-30 min	Bentonite was immersed in water and no change of swelling was observed.	40% hydrated with water	Many water drops from drain
30-60 min	Bentonite was immersed in water and an small increase of swelling was observed.	75% hydrated with water	Little water drops from drain
60-100 min	Bentonites was immersed in water and a 5% increase in swelling was observed.	85% hydrated with water	Very little water drops from drain
100-150 min	Bentonites was immersed in water and a 10% increase in swelling was observed.	100% hydrated with water	No water drops from drain.
1 Day Later	Bentonites was immersed in water and a 50% increase in swelling was observed.	100% hydrated with water	No water drops from drain.

Back to top of page

Specification of A.P.I. Grade Bentonite Caplets

TEST	OBSERVATION	LIMITS
Weight of 20 Caplets	25.6602 gms
Avg. weight	1.1283 gms
Weight Variation	Within (+/-)3%	Within(+/-)5%
Length Width	19.2 mm 8.9 mm	19.00 mm to 19.40 mm 8.7 mm to 9.1 mm
Thickness	6.1 mm	5.9 mm to 6.3 mm
Hardness	7.0 kgs	NLT 3.0 kgs
Disintegration Time	N.A.
Friability	0.1% w/w	NMT 1.0% w/w+

For more information
call +61 (03) 9366 7831
Facsimile: +61 (03) 9366 9538
Email sales@meltonenterprises.net

 

Melton Enterprises Pty Ltd
45 Belmont Avenue, Keilor Downs, Melbourne VIC 3038, Australia



Back to top of page | Previous Page