Applications

Construction Applications

Because of perlite's outstanding insulating characteristics and light weight, Perlite is widely used as a loose-fill insulation in masonry construction. In this application, free-flowing perlite loose-fill masonry insulation is poured into the cavities of concrete block where it completely fills all cores, crevices, mortar areas and ear holes. In addition to providing thermal insulation, perlite enhances fire ratings, reduces noise transmission and it is rot, vermin and termite resistant. Perlite is also ideal for insulating low temperature and cryogenic vessels. Perlite is used as an aggregate in concrete, a lightweight, fire resistant, insulating concrete is produced that is ideal for roof decks and other applications. Perlite can also be used as an aggregate in Portland cement and gypsum plasters for exterior applications and for the fire protection of beams and columns. Other construction applications include under-floor insulation, chimney linings, paint texturing, gypsum boards, ceiling tiles, and roof insulation boards.

Industrial Applications

Industrial applications for perlite are the most diverse, ranging from High performance fillers for plastics to cements for petroleum, water and geothermal wells. Other applications include its use as a filter media for pharmaceuticals, food products, chemicals and water for municipal systems and swimming pools. Additional applications include its use as an abrasive in soaps, cleaners, and polishes; and a variety of foundry applications utilizing perlite's insulating properties and high heat resistance. This same heat resistant property is taken advantage of when perlite is used in the manufacture of refractory bricks, mortars, and pipe insulation.

Criogenic perlite

Perlite insulation for cryogenic use or low temperatures perlite insulation displays low thermal conductivity through a wide range of densities; however, the recommended density is from 48 to 72 Kg./m3/ (3 to 4 lb./ft3) In addition to its excellent thermal properties, perlite insulation is relatively low in cost and its installation and handling is very easy. Due to its structure, cryogenic perlite insulations de not deform the container to be insulated. Since it is non-combustible, it complies with fire regulations, thus diminishing insurance rates. For being an inorganic material, it is decomposition and mosstested, and as a result of its closed cellular structure, the material does not retain humidity.           Typical Filled Installation There are different concepts of low temperature, cryogenic storage receptacles. However, most of them are two-wall constructed with the surrounding crown filled with expanded perlite. Perlite in bulk may be used to insulate the smallest receptacles by pouring or blowing the insulation on the job site. Portable plants for perlite expansion are usually used to insulate storage receptacles, cold boxes, ships, and other two-wall receptacles and tubes. For these applications, perlite mineral is expanded on the job site and expanded perlite insulation is pneumatically introduced into the ring. In the event of large works, Perfiltra S.A. has portable plants for expansion.   Vacuum Perlite Insulation For cryogenic insulation of less than -101º C (150ºF), vacuum-installed perlite offers a higher insulation with a thermal conductivity of up to 40 times inferior to 0.029 w/M-K (0.200 BTU IN /H ft 312f), depending on the vacuum and the temperature. Perlite is used for containers which specially requires low thermal conductivity, such as liquid helium, nitrogen or oxygen storage (-250º C).   Properties of perlite insulation Perlite insulation for cryogenic services displays low thermal conductivity through a wide range of temperatures, pressures, and densities. The standard density varies from 128 to 152 Kg/m3 (8 to 9 lb/ft3). The chart above gives information on thermal conductivity for expanded perlite with a density of 139 Kg./m3 (8.7 lb/ft3) at average temperatures ranging from -18º C to -107º C (0º F to -160º F). Perlite thermal conductivity, which is installed with an interstitial vacuum of 10 microns, is up to 22 times lower than perlite used in a traditional container insulated by atmospheric pressure. Applications of cryogenic Perlite insulation Expanded perlite may be fabricated in densities that range from 32 Kg./m3 (2 lb. /ft3) to 240 Kg./m3 (15 lb. /ft3), making it capable and versatile for use in insulations. Due to its unique properties, perlite insulation has been fully accepted by cryogenic, low temperature storage tanks insulation in shipping containers, cold boxes, trial chambers, and food processing. Temperatures of -100º C (-150º F) and lower are considered cryogenic and upward, up to 4º C (40º F), are considered to be of low temperature. Supercold or extremely cold fluids, such as hydrogen and helium, are usually stored in two-wall receptacles which ring spaces contain perlite, and are submitted to a high vacuum degree. Apart from being used for insulation in big seasonal tanks, vacuum perlite is used to insulate smaller containers fabricated at workshops, designed to store many cryogenic gases, such is the case of central systems in hospitals.

Horticultural Applications

In horticultural applications, perlite is used throughout the world As a component of soilless growing mixes where it provides aeration and optimum moisture retention for superior plant growth. For rooting cuttings, 100% perlite is used. Studies have shown that outstanding yields are achieved with perlite hydroponic systems. Other benefits of horticultural perlite are its neutral pH and the fact that it is sterile and weed-free. In addition, its light weight makes it ideal for use in container growing. Other horticultural applications for perlite are as a carrier for fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides and for pelletizing seed.  Horticultural perlite is as useful to the home gardener as it is to the commercial grower.  It is used with equal success in greenhouse growing, landscaping applications and in the home in house plants.

Cost Saving

Save On Building and Energy !!  Save On Air Conditioning Cost PERLTIE LIGHT - WEIGHT BLOCKS Perlite light weight fire resistant insulated blocks are made of Perlite, cement & sand which are used in construction of non load bearing infill walls & slabs. one of the most effective ways to reduce the dead load in a multi storey building is to lighten the weight of the structure . Perlite is a glassy volcanic rock originating from lava of strictly determined chemical composition and crystalline water content, the Perlite ore is expanded four to twenty times of its original volume by heat which creates numerous air voids in the grains which account for the light weight and height insulation properties of expanded Perlite . Perlite blocks can be manufactured from a density range of 500 kg/m3 to 1200 kg/m3 with an average reduction in weight of 50-60% as compared to conventional slabs, there by enabling reduction in structural cost. Perlite is non combustible and has fusion point of 2300 F & hence enhances the fire rating of blocks . Perlite aggregate has thermal conductivity at 75 F (24 C) as .04 - 06W/m.k which results into better thermal insulation there by reducing electricity & air conditioning cost for the owner and the nation which spends a lot on power generation but subsidies to consumers . Perlite light weight blocks reduces sound transmission between floors & walls, both air borne and impact sound . Perlite weight horde blocks are available in depths of 100 mm. to 400 mm. there by offering various options to consultants/clients. Perlite hollow blocks are also available in thickness 10, 15 & 20 CMS. Perlite aggregate confirms to astm C 330 and BS 3797, the standard specifications for light weight aggregates that can be used to manufacture for blocks according to Bs 6073 . Perlite blocks are used for walls and slabs in multi storied buildings, villas & cold stores. they are also used for construction of extra floors on buildings already constructed, renovation in existing buildings and or big mosques to reduce dead load on structure . * Light Weight * Fire Resistant * Insulated LIGHT WEIGHT INSULATED BLOCKS FOR SLABS & WALLS Light Weight blocks are made up of cement, sand and light weight aggregates mainly used in reducing dead load on buildings and for insulation purposes. These blocks can be manufactured from a density ranged of 300 kg/cum to 2000 kg/cum with an average reduction in weight of 50-60% as compared to conventional slabs . the compressive strength will vary from 3.0 N/mm2 to 7.0 N/mm2 on net area at density between 525to 800 kg/cum. the thermal conductivity at 400 kg/cum will be 0.13 W/m.k additional properties include sound reduction index of 40 dB, with a saving in air conditioning tonnage of 20% . LIGHT WEIGHT BLOCKS ARE AVAILABLE IN  : WITH PERLITE : FIRE RESISTANT Applications : 1. for walls and slabs in cold in cold stores, villas & multi storied bldgs. 2. for renovation works in old bldgs . 3. for construction of extra floors on bldg. already constructed . 4. for big mosques to reduce dead load on structure . 5. for balcony parapet walls and cantilever slabs . Advantages : 1. fire resistant 2. economical . 3. better thermal insulate . 4. higher thermal resistance & lower specific thermal capacity . 5. considerable saving in electricity cost. 6. reduction in dead load due to reduction in weight of blocks . 7. better sound reduction index . 8. better strength to weight ratio as compared to density . 9. reduced air condition equipment cost with the use of light weight blocks . 10. low water absorption .

PERLITE FILTER AIDS

WHAT IS PERLITE? It is these light weight glass-like bubbles that are milled and classified under stringent quality control conditions to produce Perlite filter aids. This material exhibits a unique, jagged, interlocking structure with myriads of microscopic channels affording optimum flow rates and clarities for a wide variety of applications. Perlite filter aids do not impart taste, colour, or odour to liquids being filtered and they are virtually insoluble in mineral and organic acids at all temperatures. Solubility in strong alkalise varies depending on temperature and contact time. MAJOR COST ADVANTAGE Perlite filter aids provide the user with a density advantage of from 20-50% over other filter aids which is an important consideration when comparing costs. Perlite filter cake density is only 110 to 270 kg/m3 (7to 17 lb/ft3 ). The dry density of perlite filter aid ranges from 100 to 200 kg/m3 (6 to 12 lb/ft3 ). Experience in a variety of applications in many industries has shown that users of filter aids can substantially reduce filtration costs without sacrificing performance by converting to perlite filter aids. USABLE WITH STANDARD EQUIPMENT Perlite filter aids can be used with both pressure and vacuum filtration equipment by merely replacing present filter aid. Plant or laboratory filtration studies will enable the selection of the optimum filter aid to be specified and the dosage that is required. Perlite filter aid manufacturers have wide experiences in a variety of different filtration applications. Of special note is the fact that hen perlite filter aids are used with rotary vacuum filters, filter cakes exhibit less cracking than when other filter aids are used. HIGH FLOW RATES Due to their unique physical structure, perlite filter aids offer high flow rates with optimum clarity. They are especially applicable to highly viscous liquids such as syrup or gelatinous slurries requiring fast flow rates. Productivity, clarity, and flow rates may be increased through the use of perlite filter aids. FULL RANGE OF GRADES Perlite Filter aids are produced in a wide range of grades to economically meet the flow rate and clarity requirements of almost every industry. EASY CAKE RELEASE Because they remain porous and do not compact, perlite filter aids afford easy cake release at the completion of a filtration cycle. Not only does this facilitate filter cleaning, but it reduces manpower requirements and increases productivity. INERT-CODEX APPROVED Perlite filter aids are sterile and inert and are widely used for filtering liquids in the beverage, food, and pharmaceutical industries. They do not impart taste, odour or colour and are listed in the U.S. Food Chemicals Codex published by the National Academy of Sciences. This publication, which is a source of information on the quality and purity of food grade substances, is officially recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been adopted by many government agencies throughout the world. USE OF SPENT FILTER CAKE AS ANIMAL FEED A unique benefit to manufacturers using perlite filter aids in food processing is that spent filter cake material can be used as a component in animal feed in many countries throughout the world. This reduces spent filter cake disposal costs. In the U.S., this application has been approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). WORLDWIDE AVAILABILITY Perlite filter aids are available throughout the world. Any manufacturer desiring to use the product can usually obtain it packaged in bags or in bulk. In the past 30 years, perlite filter aids have gained acceptance in almost every industry concerned with the separation of liquids and solids. The following list, although not all-inclusive, should give an indication of the many applications where perlite filter aids are being used: Food Processing: Cider Corn Syrup Fruit Juices Sugar Pectin Citric Acid Vegetable Oils Wine Vegetable Juices Beer Lard Molasses Soft Drinks Casein Pharmaceutical: Enzymes Epson Salts Penicillin Streptomycin Tetramycin Industrial: Water Treatment Sizings Oil Recovery Pool Water Treatment Greases Solvent Recovery Disposal Wells Chemical: Inorganic Chemicals Resins Organic Chemicals Sulfuric Acid Polymers Polyethylene Brine Adhesives Titanium Dioxide Fertilizers Waste Disposal Paints/Coatings/Textiles: Waxes Oils Varnish Gums Shellac Paint