About Granular Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Granular grade diatomaceous earth is diatomite crushed and screened into firm granules instead of being milled to powder. The process keeps the internal pore network intact, so each granule can draw in and hold oil, water or solvent within its structure. The result is an absorbent that stays dry to the touch and keeps flowing freely after loading.
This grade is designed for users who need liquid uptake with low dust. Typical buyers include producers of industrial floor absorbents and spill-control products, formulators of granular carriers, and horticultural blenders looking for a porous, lightweight inorganic component. Granule size ranges are defined by screen size, and narrow cuts can be supplied where dosing equipment or spreaders need a consistent flow. Moisture is kept low at dispatch so that the full pore volume is available to the end user.
Granular diatomaceous earth is chemically inert and does not swell when wet, so granules keep their shape in storage and in use. Obsidian Minerals produces the grade in Gujarat and checks oil absorption, granule size distribution and moisture on each batch in an NABL-accredited laboratory. Every delivery carries an SDS, Technical Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis, and samples of standard or custom granule cuts are available on request.
Typical specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Granule size | 0.5–2.0 mm (custom cuts on request) | Sieve analysis |
| Oil absorption | 80–130 % w/w | Internal method |
| Loose bulk density | 0.40–0.60 g/cm³ | Internal method |
| Moisture | ≤ 6.0 % | Loss on drying, 105 °C |
| SiO₂ | 75–88 % | XRF |
| pH (10 % slurry) | 6.0–8.5 | Internal method |
Typical values for guidance. Granule size and absorption depend on the cut selected. Guaranteed limits are stated on the Technical Data Sheet and batch CoA.
Key features & benefits
High internal pore volume
Granular diatomaceous earth holds liquid inside the diatom skeleton rather than on the surface, so loaded granules remain dry to the touch and do not cake or smear when walked on or handled.
Firm, non-swelling granules
Unlike swelling clays, diatomite granules keep their size and shape when wet. They do not turn to mud on floors and can be swept or shovelled up cleanly after absorbing a spill.
Defined screen cuts
Granules are screened to set size ranges, giving predictable flow through hoppers, spreaders and dosing equipment. Narrow or custom cuts can be produced to match an existing product specification.
Low dust in handling
Screening removes much of the fine fraction, which reduces dust during bagging, blending and application compared with milled powder grades. Dust guidance for operators is given on the SDS.
Applications
Industrial spill absorbents
Used as the base of floor-sweep and spill-control granules for oils, coolants and solvents in workshops, warehouses and plants, where a firm, non-slippery absorbent is required.
Granular carriers
Serves as an inert, porous carrier for liquid ingredients in granular formulations. The active liquid is loaded into the pores and released in use, subject to the formulator's own testing and registration.
Horticultural blends
Added to potting media and soil blends as a porous inorganic component that helps retain water while keeping the mix open and aerated. Growers should trial blend ratios for their crops.
Usage & handling
- Absorbents: apply a layer over the spill, allow a few minutes for uptake, then sweep up and dispose of according to local rules for the absorbed liquid.
- Carrier loading: add liquid slowly to tumbling granules; typical loading is up to about half of the measured oil absorption value.
- Avoid aggressive mechanical mixing, which can break granules and create fines.
- Store sealed in a dry area; moisture pick-up reduces available absorption capacity.
Packaging & supply
- 25 kg or 50 kg HDPE or paper bags
- 1 MT or 1.2 MT jumbo (FIBC) bags
- Private-label retail packs for absorbent brands on request
Frequently asked questions
How much oil can granular diatomaceous earth absorb?
Typical oil absorption is in the range of 80–130 % of the granule weight, depending on the granule size and the test method. The actual value for your chosen cut is stated on the Technical Data Sheet. Viscous oils are absorbed more slowly than light oils, so allow contact time during use.
Which granule sizes are available?
Our standard range covers roughly 0.5–2.0 mm, and we can screen narrower or custom cuts to suit spreaders, dosing equipment or an existing product specification. Tell us the size range you need and the equipment it will run through, and we will propose a suitable cut and send a sample.
Does granular diatomaceous earth swell when wet?
No. Diatomite is a rigid silica skeleton, not a swelling clay. Granules keep their shape after absorbing water or oil, which is why they are used where a firm, sweepable absorbent is needed rather than one that turns to paste.
Can it be used as a carrier for agricultural formulations?
It is used as an inert carrier in granular formulations. Compatibility with the active ingredient, release behaviour and product registration are the responsibility of the formulator and should be confirmed through testing and local regulatory approval. We can provide the documentation needed for your dossier.