FRESHWATER DIATOMACEOUS EARTH PRODUCTS CONTAINING REDUCED SOLUBLE METAL LEVELS, PROCESSES FOR REDUCING SOLUBLE METAL LEVELS IN FRESHWATER DIATOMACEOUS EARTH PRODUCTS, AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

摘要

Disclosed herein are freshwater diatomaceous earth products containing reduced soluble metal levels, processes for reducing soluble metal levels in freshwater diatomaceous earth products, and methods of using the same. In particular, freshwater diatomaceous earth products are disclosed that have been treated with at least one surface metal blocking agent, such as an organic silicone compound with at least one functional group capable of forming a chelating complex with metal ions, to reduce the level of soluble metals associated therewith. Such freshwater diatomaceous earth products containing reduced soluble metal levels may be useful for various applications including as filter aid materials.