DIATOMITE

It is a siliceous rock of sedimentary origin, presenting varying degrees of consolidation; It is

mainly constituted of fossilized remains of diatoms.
Diatomite is a unique form of silica because it is not found in nature, or has been artificially
produced, otherwise possessing characteristics of physical structure.
Another definition
The diatomite are accumulations of diatom valves in salt or fresh water.
DIATOMS
Microscopic unicellular aquatic plant that secretes amorphous silica, mainly opal by chemical
mechanisms. They have from 5 to 150 micrometers in diameter and there are approximately
10,000 species.
COMPOSICIN DE LAS DIATOMITAS
SiO2 = 65-95%
Al2O3 + Fe2O3 = 0.2-8%
Cao + MgO = 0.1-7%
K2O + Na2O = 0-5%
H2O + org mat = 4-15%
Fe2O3 = 2%
IMPURITIES IN DIATOMS
- Clays: Interfere in the filtration rate.
- Sales: It limits their ability to refract.
- Pumice.
- Radiolaria.
- Zircon.
- Detrital quartz.
- Garnets.
GEOCHEMICAL CIRCUITS
The accumulation of siliceous shells form thick deposits that can be found in rivers, rocks, sea
and concentration plants.
Diatomite pure consists of opaline water silica, showing in solid solution or as an essential part
of complex opal, small amounts of inorganic components associated - alumina, iron, alkaline
earth, alkali metal - and other minor constituents.
Diatomite also contains unusual amounts of free water, which can vary from 10 to 60 percent
or more.

The most important deposits in the world, are characterized by deposits of the dry type, wherein
the diatomite is presented as lightweight material. The bulk density (dry basis) in situ ranges
from .32 to .64 TM / m3.
FEATURES AND USES
FILTRATION
The most important and spectacular use of diatomite as filter aid is for clarification and
purification of a wide variety of liquids in chemical processing, metallurgical, food,
pharmaceuticals, beverages, petroleum and other industries.
The particles of a product suitable crushed diatomite allow, in the filtration process, the
formation of a cake of open pores in which impurities or suspended particles are captured,
supplying thus filter well clarified free of such impurities.
There are various degrees of kieselguhr of different sizes and shapes of particles, which form
different porosities and cakes filtering capabilities.
FILLED
Diatomite is an important filler, extension, coating, etc., for various compositions and
manufactured materials.
The order of relative importance is in protective covers (paints, varnishes, lacquers), paper,
insecticides, plastics, asphalt compositions, fertilizers and a wide variety of thermal products.
These include welding rods, printing inks, compounds for sealed; explosives, matches, dental
lining and many others.
ISOLATION
Diatomite used as raw material for the manufacture of insulating elements of heating and
cooling structures, including bricks, blocks and cements.
The insulating diatomite firebrick and used in the construction of furnaces and annealing kiln,
heaters and other heat treatment equipment.
PROCESS APPLICATIONS
One of the important uses of diatomite is when acting as a carrier or agent to effect the catalysis
process.
For the first case, it has the remarkable oxidation catalysis of vanadium to sulfur dioxide in the
manufacture of sulfuric acid.
The second case occurs in catalysis diatomaceous earth to processes hydro nickel.
Also it acts as a promoter of reactions, in breaking emulsions in settlement processes; cast molds
for washing or composite partition.
The uses of diatomite as the absorbent occurs in multiple processes: chemical disinfectants;
Dynamite cartridges solidified; granular materials in combination with drying agents, particularly
alkaline earth silicates; Industrial floor cleaners; Packaging and dispensing liquid materials;
Grocery Manufacturing sintlicos and similar pigments.

The relative mildness but effective action of the abrasive component is diatomite in formulating
cleaners for finishing polish and shine car and metals in general.
Diatomite is also preferential use as conditioning agent to prevent hardening and / or adhesion
of ammonium nitrate used in agriculture fertilizers and other chemicals; as well as various
industrial materials.
GENESIS AND GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Diatomite is a rock formed by shells of single-celled algae called diatoms with microscopic
dimensions.
These plants appeared during the transition from the Cretaceous to Tertiary, forming colonies
in fresh or brackish water according to their species.
Shells, consisting of amorphous silica (opal) and accumulated considerable depths, becoming
suffered subsequent compaction potential deposits of diatomite. When raised above water
level, exposed to leaching and erosion, such sediment deposits constitute current interest.
AGES
Bayovar: Fm. Zapallal Ocucaje: Fm. Pisco (both Miocene and marine).
Puno and Arequipa: Pliocene lacustrine sediments with volcanic ash.
Arequipa and Junin: Quaternary lacustrine covered.
The extraordinary abundance of diatomite in Peru is linked with intense hydrothermal activity
during the Tertiary and early Quaternary provided for the silica shells of diatoms.
Rich rocks marine diatoms abound in the departments of Ica, Piura and Tumbes; the thicknesses
have sediment formed a few hundred meters.
Miocene deposits existing on the coast, are closely linked to phosphate.
Deposits with lacustrine diatoms are known in the departments of Cajamarca, Ancash, Junin,
Ayacucho, Cuzco and Arequipa.
PROPERTIES
High porosity: 90%
Low thermal conductivity
Good chemical stability
High resistance to high temperatura: 1610 - 1750 C
Specific gravity: 1-2.