Properties and applications of diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth for industrial cake filtration
Diatomaceous earth is a natural filter aid consisting of fossils of single-celled siliceous algae, also known as diatoms. Due to the combination of structure, permeability and inertness, diatomaceous earth is suitable for removing suspended solids by means of cake filtration.
Profiltra supplies different types of diatomaceous earth for industrial filtration processes where filtration capacity, clarity and process stability are important.
Applications within food, pharma and industrial processes
Diatomaceous earth is used within a wide range of filtration processes, including:
- Beer filtration
- Wine filtration
- Food industry
- Biopharmaceutical processes
- Chemical processes
- Biodiesel production
Depending on the process and the required filtration properties, different types of diatomaceous earth are available.
Different grades for different filtration processes
Within the range, different grades of diatomaceous earth are available for specific applications and process conditions.
Conventional food grade diatomite products comply with requirements including FDA, FCC, BfR and EC for applications involving food contact.
In addition, high-purity grades are available for applications where high purity and controlled process conditions are required.
Specialised filtration solutions based on diatomaceous earth
Celpure® and AW Celite NF®
Celpure® and AW Celite NF® diatomaceous earth products have been developed for applications within CGMP production environments, biopharmaceutical processes and applications where a high degree of purity is required.
Due to the high silica content and inert properties, these products are suitable for solid-liquid separation in applications where high-purity filtration is important.
Celpure® is available in different permeability grades, including variants suitable for removing very small solid particles in cake filtration applications.
Celite Cynergy®
Celite Cynergy® is a silica composite based on diatomaceous earth that is used as a filter aid and beer stabiliser.
By combining filtration and selective protein adsorption, filter cake volume can be reduced and the beer process can be simplified. In addition, this can contribute to longer filtration runs and improved filtration performance.
Celite Cynersorb®
Celite Cynersorb® has been developed for filtration processes within the refining of vegetable oils, biodiesel and biochemicals.
It combines adsorption properties with filtration performance, reducing the use of conventional filter aids. This can contribute to a more efficient filtration process, less filter cake waste and lower process costs.
