CSC Products: Suspension Agents

Predispersed Clays
25% Attapulgite Clay

A Liquid gelling agent for liquid suspension feeds.  Blair Ag, LLC pre dispersed clay can be added as a component anywhere in the mixing sequence to give the desired concentration.  Eliminates dust problems and gelling problems associated with suspensions. 
 
Attagel® - Dry Attalpulgite Clay - manufactured by Engelhard Corp.


Hi-Load®  - liquid clay manufactured by Blair Ag. L.L.C.

Product Available in Blair, NE
 
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
 
Typical Analysis:  25% Attapulgite Clay
 
Uses:

• Assures optimum thickening and suspension of feed liquids.
• Can be used in either cold mix or hot mix plants.
• The use of the pre dispersed clay decreases mixing time which will increase production ad lower production costs.  This product provides maximum viscosity from clay in addition to a longer lasting more stable product.

Storage:

A tank free of contamination of other feeds and other raw materials must be used.  Liquid Clay can be stored in any container that would otherwise be suitable for water.  Tanks can be mild or stainless steel, polyethylene type, fiberglass, expandable bladder, horizontal or vertical.  Interior lined or non-steel tanks are preferred but not required.  Access to the interior of the tank is desirable should clean-out be necessary.

Because liquid clay exhibits thixotrophy, the slurry remains viscous at rest but becomes very fluid under shear.  Thus, it is recommended that the storage tank be equipped with some form of agitation.  Mechanical propeller, air sparger, or pumped re-circulation are alternatives.  Of the three, pumped re-circulation is best and probably the most convenient since a slurry pump placed between the storage tank and the mixing tank can serve the dual role as a recirculation and delivery pump.  In this configuration, the outlet port should be as low as possible on the tank with the recirculation pipe entering the top.

Typical Properties:  General: Dry Clay Hi-Load® Appearance Dry Cream Powder Heavy gray liquid Composition Attapulgite Clay Dispersed Attapulgite Clay in water TSPP Odor and Taste None None Physical Characteristics: Ph (ASTM D-2801) 7.5-9.5 8.5 Viscosity (Brookfield#2 At 20 rpm) - 100cps. Density 42lbs/cu.ft., tamped 10lbs/gallon Solid Content Residue - 34% + 100mesh 25% 0.4% + 325 Mesh Free Moisture Nitrogen 15% - Nutritional Toxicity None None

*Trace mineral profile is available upon request.

Advantages:
The suspension feed market has been seeking for some time a dustless, free-flowing, gelling medium that will save time and money in the preparation of suspensions.  A "liquid clay", made by dispersing in water a specially selected attapulgite clay, would not only satisfy the above, but would also exhibit the following advantages for the suspension manufacturer:

1. Behave as a pumpable fluid.
2. Reduce labor costs in handling bags of dry clay and increase production time.
3. Drastically reduce clay unloading times.
4. Eliminate dry-flow problems and clay hang-up in machinery.  
5. Create a faster suspension because clay is pre dispersed.
6. Create a more stable suspension because the pre dispersed clay is degritted - all sand having been removed.
7. Reduce capital outlays for high-shear equipment.
8. Comply with OSHA and EPA standards as regards airborne dusts surrounding mixing plants and worker safety.
9. No Dust
10. A better suspension.