Bleaching Earth
Bleaching Earth is a fine, highly adsorptive clay material derived primarily from bentonite or montmorillonite, and in some cases from attapulgite or sepiolite. It is typically activated using acid treatment to enhance its surface area and pore structure. It is widely used to remove color, contaminants, impurities, and odors from edible oils, fats, waxes, petroleum products, and various industrial fluids. Its high adsorption capacity, non-toxic nature, and effectiveness in filtration make it essential in food processing, chemical industries, cosmetics, and waste treatment applications.
Primary Uses
- Edible Oil & Fat Refining
- Removes pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids), trace metals, soap, oxidation products, and gums.
- Widely used in the purification of palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, fish oil, and animal fats.
- Improves stability, taste, odor, and appearance of refined oils.
- Petroleum & Lubricant Treatment
- Used in the purification of lubricating oils, paraffin waxes, mineral oils, and diesel.
- Adsorbs sulfur compounds, metallic contaminants, and sludge.
- Enhances clarity and performance of recycled oils.
- Biodiesel Purification
- Removes glycerides, catalysts, and pigments from biodiesel during post-treatment.
- Helps meet quality standards for color and chemical stability.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Clarifies natural oils used in cosmetics (e.g., castor, coconut, almond oils).
- Acts as a detoxifying agent in some facial masks and scrubs.
- Used in deodorants and powders for its absorbent properties.
- Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Oils
- Clarifies medicinal-grade oils such as cod liver oil and liquid paraffin.
- Removes residual odor and color in drug formulations.
- Environmental Applications
- Used in the treatment of industrial effluents and oily wastewater.
- Helps recover oils and reduce chemical load in wastewater treatment.
- Acts as an absorbent for heavy metals and organic pollutants.
- Waste Oil & Engine Oil Recycling
- Clarifies used automotive and industrial oils to extend usability.
- Removes tars, asphaltenes, and metallic particles.
- Textile, Paints & Rubber Industries
- Used as a filter aid and extender in textile processing.
- Acts as a filler and absorbent in paints and rubber formulations.
- Agriculture & Pet Care
- Added in some formulations as a carrier for pesticides or nutrients.
- Used in cat litter for its high absorbency and odor control.
- Emergency Spill Clean-Up
- Acts as a neutral absorbent for oil, grease, and some chemicals during spills.
- Preferred in industrial safety kits for chemical absorption.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Acid-activated hydrated aluminum silicate
- Common/Trade Name: Bleaching Earth, Activated Clay, Fuller’s Earth
- CAS Number: 1302-78-9
- HS Code: 2508.10.00
- Molecular Formula: Al₂O₃·4SiO₂·H₂O (approximate, varies by composition)
- Synonyms:
- Activated Bleaching Clay
- Montmorillonite clay
- Acid-treated bentonite
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Fine powder
- Color & Odor: Light gray to buff, odorless
- Particle Size: Typically <75 microns
- Bulk Density: 0.6–1.1 g/cm³
- Moisture Content: 6–15%
- pH (5% slurry): Acid-activated grades: 3–5; natural grades: 7–9
- Solubility: Insoluble in water and organic solvents
- Surface Area: 200–300 m²/g (acid-activated)
- Melting Point: Not applicable (clay structure decomposes)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL (Total Dust): 15 mg/m³
- ACGIH TLV (Respirable Dust): 10 mg/m³
- Reactivity: Chemically inert
- Incompatibilities: Avoid strong oxidizing agents
- Explosion Hazard: None (not combustible or reactive)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated area
- Avoid contact with moisture and acidic vapors
- Container Types:
- Moisture-resistant paper bags
- Poly-lined sacks
- Fiber drums
- Shelf Life:
- Acid-activated grades: 2–3 years if stored dry
- Natural grades: virtually indefinite
- Special Handling:
- Avoid dust formation
- Handle with dust extraction or masks in large quantities
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Food Industry Status: Food-grade types are approved for edible oil refining
- Pharmaceutical Use: Permitted for clarifying medicinal oils (non-ingested)
- Waste Classification: Generally classified as inert mineral waste
- Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous material
- Labeling: No specific hazard labeling required (unless mixed with oils)
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Inert and non-toxic to aquatic or soil life
- Persistence: Persistent in the environment as natural mineral
- Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Not biodegradable (inorganic material)
-
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE:
- Dust mask or respirator (for airborne particles)
- Safety goggles
- Protective gloves
Dust Control:
- Avoid generating dust clouds
- Use local exhaust ventilation
Static/Electrical Hazards:
- Not sensitive to static
- No grounding needed
Spill Response:
- Sweep gently or vacuum; avoid dry sweeping in bulk
- Avoid inhalation during cleanup
Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in processing areas
First Aid Measures
Inhalation:
- Move to fresh air
- Seek medical advice if irritation persists
Skin Contact:
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water
- Remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact:
- Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes
- Seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion:
- Not toxic in small amounts
- Rinse mouth; seek medical care if large quantity is ingested
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards:
- Non-flammable; does not support combustion
Extinguishing Media:
- Use appropriate media for surrounding fire (water spray, foam, dry chemical)
Protective Equipment:
- Wear dust-proof protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus if exposed to combustion fumes from other materials