Processing of some indigenous diatomaceous earth ores to match specific industrial uses.

Microscopic investigation of a diatomite sample from El-Fayoum in Egypt showed it consisted mainly of silica diatoms of various forms, crammed in muddy carbonate matrix. Chemical analysis evaluated the sample as of low grade. Silica content assayed 79.90% with about 2.02% of iron oxide. Different beneficiation processes were carried out to minimize the content of the carbonaceous matter, fine sands and heavy oxides. Size degradation via attritioning and cyclone classification was carried out. The classified product (90% less than 5 micrometres) was subjected to wet high gradient magnetic separation as diluted pulp of 15% solids to remove magnetic coloured contaminants. Calcination and flux calcination tests were applied to improve the brightness and particle size distribution of the processed product. Size, chemical and whiteness specifications as well as other physical properties of the final product showed its suitability for fillers and filter aid applications.
Microscopic investigation of a diatomite sample from El-Fayoum in Egypt showed it consisted mainly of silica diatoms of various forms, crammed in muddy carbonate matrix. Chemical analysis evaluated the sample as of low grade. Silica content assayed 79.90% with about 2.02% of iron oxide. Different beneficiation processes were carried out to minimize the content of the carbonaceous matter, fine sands and heavy oxides. Size degradation via attritioning and cyclone classification was carried out. The classified product (90% less than 5 micrometres) was subjected to wet high gradient magnetic separation as diluted pulp of 15% solids to remove magnetic coloured contaminants. Calcination and flux calcination tests were applied to improve the brightness and particle size distribution of the processed product. Size, chemical and whiteness specifications as well as other physical properties of the final product showed its suitability for fillers and filter aid applications.