Environmental,
Economic, and Social Benefits
Dicalite Management Group
We often take the time
to look at the ways perlite can be used.
Besides its useful
properties, there are many reasons it should be used.
Today, we’re
taking a look at perlite and sustainability and how it impacts the environment,
economy, and society.
What
Is Perlite?
Perlite is an amorphous mineral consisting
of fused sodium potassium aluminum silicate.
In its natural state,
it’s a dense, glassy rock formed by volcanic rock.
When crushed and
organic acids at both low and high and treated under proper conditions, perlite
pops like popcorn, expanding up to 20 times its original volume.
Perlite has a variety
of uses across many industries including agricultural, industrial,
construction, cryogenics, and even pet care.
Perlite
and Sustainability
Environmental
· Horticultural. Perlite
helps preserve the world’s topsoil by acting as a substitute for native mineral
soil.
· Mining has little impact. Only
three square-miles of perlite are actively mined at any time, which is a small
fraction of the available perlite in the world. It is standard for studies to
be conducted before mining to ensure the minimization of disturbance to local
biology.
· Decreases energy use. Because
of its unique closed-cell structure, perlite can drastically reduce heat
transmission through masonry walls. Thermal performance tests show significant
energy savings when perlite is used to fill cavities in concrete masonry
structures.
· No by-products during processing. All
parts of mined perlite can be used, so none of it goes to waste.
Economic
·
Cost-efficient to ship. Perlite
is lightweight, making it more cost-efficient to ship than competitor products.
Social
· Community development. Perlite
mining and processing contribute to communities by providing stable employment
and stimulating the economy. The known perlite reserves will remain available
for multiple generations, as only 1% of the reserve base has been used.
· Building safety. Perlite
is a Class A, Class 1 building material with a temperature range for fusion of
2,300 to 2,450 degrees Fahrenheit. Underwriters Laboratories show that a fire
rating of a 2-hour rated 8, 10, or 12-inch concrete block wall is improved to
4-hours when cores are filled with masonry fill Tests show that a two-hour
rated 8”, 10”, or 12” concrete block wall is improved to four hours when cores
are filled with perlite masonry fill insulation.
· Personal safety. Because
perlite is a lightweight product, it is easier and safer to carry than heavier
counterparts, like when it is used in horticultural applications.
Visit
the Perlite Institute, a worldwide association of
perlite professionals, to learn even more about the benefits of perlite on the
environment, economy, and community.
Dicalite
Management Group’s Perlite Microspheres and Sustainability
Our
Perlite
Dicaperl’s
industry-leading perlite microspheres are available in a
range of densities, degrees of whiteness, and strengths to suit most
formulating requirements. Densities range from 4 lbs. per cubic foot up to
about 15 lbs. per cubic foot. Proprietary coating microspheres end in product
codes 10, 15, and 20.
This special subset of
perlite fillers requires advanced manufacturing and classification techniques
to produce. Dicaperl is one of the only perlite manufacturers in North America
producing perlite microspheres for a variety of industries and applications,
from construction and building materials to specialty pharmaceutical and healthcare
products.
Our Socorro, New
Mexico mine is considered to be one of the largest perlite deposits in the
world. We have rail access right at the mine to provide economical
transportation to our customers. And unlike most perlite companies, we own and operate
perlite ore mining operations and processing and expansion facilities. This
allows us to maintain a much higher level of quality and consistency control
and ensures volume and supply for our perlite ore and expanded perlite
customers.
Our
Commitment to Perlite and Sustainability
Emissions: To
protect our air quality and atmosphere, the air emissions from the processes
are closely monitored and regulated. Several gases and particulates are
controlled to ensure compliance with operating permitted levels. A baghouse is
used to collect dust from the process air before the clean air is released into
the atmosphere.
Rainfall-Runoff: Expanded
OreRainfall-runoff in the plant and quarries is controlled in many ways.
Abandoned areas are revegetated to promote water retention. Where rain runoff
occurs, slopes are engineered to reduce erosion. As a final check, all runoff
is collected in siltation ponds to collect any debris or suspended material.
Runoff may be used for dust control as described above. From these ponds, the
runoff water is treated, settled again, and discharged to the local water
sources in strict accordance Water Quality Permit standards.
Dust Control: Dust is controlled in the quarries by water trucks and water wagons on a scheduled and recorded basis. Reclaimed water from mine runoff and stormwater is used whenever possible to reduce valuable water resources. Permanent roads are treated to further reduce dust.
Dicalite
Management Group is an international
industrial minerals company with a unique multi-mineral platform including
perlite, vermiculite, and diatomaceous earth, represented across three brands:
Dicalite, Dicaperl, and Specialty Vermiculite. These processed minerals are
used in wide variety of applications, and people are often only a few feet from
a product created, enhanced, or treated by one of them—whether or not they know
it.
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