Gypsum granules for absorption on liquids - used to absorb oils, fats, water e.g. animal excrement, as supports for chemicals e.g. agriculture and as soil conditioning agents

摘要

Method comprises mixing water and calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate plaster in predetermined proportions to form wet mixt. and hydrate the plaster to form calcium sulphate dihydrate b) drying the wet mixture, and c) grinding and sieving the dried material to form granules of the desired size. The granules are used for absorption of oils and fats, or after liqs. e.g. on floors of factories and shops for absorption of animal waste e.g. in cat boxes as supports for chemicals used in horticulture and agriculture e.g. pesticides (insecticides), fungicides and herbicides, as soil conditioning agents and as light, decorative coverings for soil which may be coloured by pigments if desired. Compared with natural clays which are presently used as absorbants the present granules are made from material which is readily available in most parts of the world and transport costs of the product to the site where they are used can be minimised, their size may be easily controlled to give a product suitable for the use envisaged and their cost of prodn. compares favourably. It is also much easier to produce a standard product, with hardness, absorption properties, apparent density and stability.