Diatomaceous earth’s high functionality is due to the exoskeletons of prehistoric animals. Sound bizarre? Diatoms are tiny, silicon-based animals with outer skeletons of varying intricate designs. These tough outer coverings are all that remain of prehistoric sea life. When these remains gather in high quantities, they can be mined as diatomaceous earth. Why earth? Because, like diatoms, the earth is made of a large amount of silica. The removal of diatoms from the ground solidified the name of this extremely useful product. Bell Chem proudly stocks dicalite products that range in abrasiveness depending on the size and structure of the diatoms. Below are a few uses of water treatment chemicals supplier Bell Chem’s variety of dicalite diatomaceous earth inventory.

Diatomaceous earth heated to 1500℉ clusters the fine diatom exoskeletons together. This creates products known as “calcined” and offers a greater range of filtration permeabilities. When diatomaceous earth is heated above 1500℉, the calcified exoskeletons clump together, which transforms the normally fine grains into more varied sizes. Flux calcination changes the filtration even further by increasing the calcification agglomeration rate, thus opening the range of permeabilities. The finer the granulation, the slower the filtration rate.

• As an absorbent, dicalite is ideal for cleaning oil spills or, on a much smaller scale, for removing oil from the skin as an ingredient in cosmetics. Diatomaceous earth is more absorbent than any other commonly used material, with the ability to hold 145% of its weight in oil.

• As a natural abrasive, dicalite can be used in a range of products from toothpaste to metal polishes. Composed of silica, it has no negative side effects on the environment or the human body. Superfine granulated dicalite is ideal for facial scrubs, while a coarser grain works to scrub countertops and dinnerware.

• Anyone with animals will find dicalite a fantastic, all-purpose product. Sprinkle it in small animal pens as a natural insecticide: the insects ingest the pointed shells, which tears apart their digestive systems. Use it in feed to stop clumping and remove moisture, which gives feed a longer shelf life. 

Dicalite is a pure, natural product that contains no chemicals and is safe to use. Bell Chem carries Dicalite UF and Speed Flow for fine filtration, Dicalite 341 Flux-Calcined and Speedplus for medium filtration, and Dicalite 2500 Flux-Calcined and Dicalite 4200 Flux-Calcined for coarse filtration. Bell Chem is a water treatment chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Learn more about Bell Chem’s Dicalite products by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives.