High Speed Dispersion of Bentonite

Bentonite is a naturally occurring aluminum silicate clay which can take up several times its own weight of water to form a highly thixotropic colloidal suspension or gel. The gel structure is derived from hydrogen bonds which develop between the clay particles (or platelets). These bonds readily break down with shear, reforming again if the shear force is removed.

One of the principal applications for bentonite is in drilling muds, however it is widely used as a
suspending and stabilizing agent, and as an adsorbent or clarifying agent, in many industries.

Despite the diversity of end uses, and the various processing methods and equipment
used, there are a number of common processing requirements which must be satisfied
in order to obtain maximized "functionality":

* Mixing equipment must be capable of rapidly incorporating and dispersing the powder into the base liquid.
* The bentonite particles must be reduced to their finest constituent parts to expose the maximum surface area to the surrounding liquid and activate the gelling effect.
* A degree of shear is required to obtain functionality.
* Vigorous in-tank movement must be maintained as the viscosity rises.