Pet or cat litter bentonite is a valuable grade of bentonite clay with particular properties. The materials’ qualities include excellent absorption, natural odor control, quick and strong clumping, safety and hygiene, minor dust, and no waste materials. Cat owners who care about the environment should expect their litter to be comprised of natural materials that won’t endanger their health or the health of their cherished pet. The substance also plays a leading role as a helpful additive in combining bedding materials for the poultry farming industry. Every enterprise in this field can rely on pet litter bentonite as a powerful substance in sorbing ammonia.
Iran bentonite Co. is a leading manufacturer of pet litter bentonite in different grades and qualities. Customers from every corner of the world can count on this Iran bentonite manufacturer for a pure product with high properties and excellent function. This Iran bentonite Supplier also helps you with a flawless packing procedure and shipping line. You can make a stress-free purchase with us and have your intended product in your desired place.
What is Bentonite?
For the first time, a clay discovered in upper Cretaceous tuff close to Fort Benton, Montana, in around 1890, was given the name “bentonite.” The clay mineral montmorillonite is the primary component and determines how the clay behaves. The name of this comes from a deposit near Montmorillon, a region of southern France. At that time, no one knew how many functions bentonite could hold in different industrial sections.
Bentonite is a clay generally produced from the alteration of volcanic ash and predominantly composed of smectite minerals, typically montmorillonite. Hectorite, saponite, beidellite, and nontronite are further members of the smectite group of minerals. Clay minerals, or smectites, are made up of tiny crystallites, the bulk having a maximum dimension of about 2 m. It is vital to know that smectite crystallites are three-layered clay minerals. They consist of one octahedral layer and two tetrahedral layers. In montmorillonite, the [M(O5, OH)]-octahedron layer is surrounded by layers of [SiO4]-tetrahedrons, with M, primarily consisting of Al and Mg but also frequently containing Fe. Because of exchangeable ions in the intercrystallite area, the silicate layers’ minor negative charge is balanced. Because of the weak charge, the cations—commonly Ca2+, Mg2+, or Na+ ions in their native forms—can be adsorbed in this area with their hydrate shells. Intercrystalline swelling is caused by the degree of moisture. Bentonites also contain a range of accessory minerals in addition to montmorillonite, depending on their genesis. These minerals could include gypsum, quartz, feldspar, and calcite.
Iran bentonite holds various properties that make it a multipurpose substance, such as:
- Viscosity;
- Thixotropy;
- Water absorption;
- Swelling.
When exposed to water, bentonite exhibits strong colloidal characteristics, and its volume increases by three. Because of its unique qualities, including hydration, water absorption, and viscosity, bentonite is a valuable material for various uses and applications. Bentonite clays are extensively employed in different industrial processes and products, including paints, coatings, ceramics, insecticides, medicines, cosmetics, cement, and drilling fluids, to change properties and manage system stability. However, some people may be cautious about the substance’s usage as a litter filler. To find out more about this aspect, simply click on Is Bentonite Cat Litter Safe? Exploring the Myths and Facts.
What is Pet Litter Bentonite?
In the previous section, we discussed bentonite in general and its varied applications. A question arises about the relationship between pet litter and bentonite as an industrial substance.
A pet litter box, sometimes called a sandbox, cat box, or litter pan, is an indoor feces and urine collecting box. It is widely used for cats, as well as for rabbits, ferrets, miniature pigs, small dogs, and other creatures that will use such a repository out of instinct or through training. They are available for animals given complete freedom of the house but cannot go outside on a regular schedule to remove metabolic waste. Many owners of these animals choose not to let them wander outdoors for fear that they may perish in outdoor perils, while others forbid outdoor trips to avoid the potential impact of cats on the surrounding wildlife.
If the litter container is not correctly disposed of, it may emit a pungent stench. Different varieties of litter are commercially available to help mask or decrease the created stench. They include baking soda, plant extracts, and crystals with added scents. It is vital to know that some grades of bentonite are also applied in making litters with particular characteristics. Due to its capacity to absorb liquid and moisture, bentonite is a perfect base for clumping pet litter (urine). Cat litter forms clumps that are simple to remove because bentonite absorbs 3.5 times its weight in liquids. As a result, a pet toilet will always be clean by using bentonite in clumping cat litter. This is the reason cat owners prefer bentonite to other litter fillers, such as tofu, as you can see in Tofu Cat Litter vs Bentonite Cat Litter; A Review on Their Pros and Cons.
When Natural Bentonite clay is added to Cat Litter, it solves many problems in this industry without needing chemical additions. Due to its excellent absorption capacity, it is naturally clumping, absorbent, does not promote bacterial growth, and acts as a natural drying agent, keeping the litter box clean and odor-free. Additionally, it is inert and environmentally beneficial, so it is a perfect substance for manufacturing granular cat litter. All in all, pet litter bentonite holds crucial properties:
- A suitable shape, size, weight, clumping capabilities, and an effective, cohesive, and stable clump;
- High capacity to absorb water;
- It serves as a natural drying agent that prevents the growth of bacteria;
- It has a high water retention capacity;
- Its origins are natural;
- It provides active odor control.
Different Grades of Pet Litter Bentonite
As mentioned above, bentonite functions in many industries due to its various properties. Bentonite manufacturers try to produce different types of this substance with distinct properties to meet the needs of specific applications. For instance, the pet litter grade of bentonite is a particular type suitable for pet litter manufacturers and pet owners. The production stage and additional processes on bentonite are crucial factors in determining the grade of the outcome.
Quarrying is the typical method of utilizing bentonite deposits. Even with a moisture level of about 30%, extracted bentonite is solid. The substance is initially crushed, and soda ash is used to activate it if necessary (Na2CO3). Then, to achieve a moisture content of around 15%, bentonite is dried by different methods. The final use determines whether bentonite is sieved (granular form) or milled (into powder form). For technical purposes, bentonite can be purified by eliminating the gangue minerals, treated with acids to create acid-activated bentonite, or treated with organics to create organoclays. This substance is graded regarding different factors; in some cases, it is classified as follows:
- Sodium Bentonite (high swelling);
- Calcium bentonite (low swelling);
- Intermediate sodium-calcium bentonite (moderate swelling).
The sodium type of bentonite is most beneficial because it holds specific properties, such as higher swelling capacity. Pet litter bentonite is manufactured using Na bentonite. It gives the outcome high properties and makes it a perfect choice as a Natural Bentonite Clay for Pet Litter boxes and other related applications. Still, we must remember that pet litter bentonite can be divided into different categories based on various outcomes each factory provides. Each of these products is a different grade with varying amounts of purity and moisture. These grades also determine the bentonite pet litter price because it is obvious that a more pure type of this substance costs more.
Pet Litter Bentonite Production Process
Bentonite is processed to produce sodium and calcium montmorillonite. These activated and organic clays have unique properties that can be used in various applications. According to multiple studies, uses and applications include cat litter, foundries, pelletizing, drilling, environmental markets, oils, food markets, agriculture, and pharmacies.
Briefly stated, Iran bentonite manufacturers (so-called Иран производитель бентонита by Russian people) process different grades of bentonite, such as pet litter bentonite, by being dried in rotary kilns to a moisture content of 5-8%. Then, they are ground in high-speed roller mills and classified into size classes using cyclones and screens. Below, you can learn more about the pet litter production process and the differences in this stage that leads to a different grade, resulting in varying Bentonite Cat Litter prices.
Ring Roller Mill for Size Reduction and Drying
The activities of size reduction, drying, conveying, and beneficiation are all embodied in ring roller mills, which are size reduction equipment. Feed size 50 mm is ground to various products with minimum fines of 0.037 mm or granulation of 3.36 mm. Bentonite that has been fed with water and has a moisture content of 15 to 32% is fluid bed dried to a moisture level of 7 to 11 percent. The 47% moisture content of Fuller’s earth is fluid bed dried to a moisture content of 30–35%. Dust-free conveyance is achieved via a negative pressure air system. Grinding is done in combination with the liberation and removal of foreign elements like silica via an auxiliary bottom discharge.
Production Warnings
Bentonite production is a delicate process that needs to be performed under the eye of experienced manufacturers to create the intended results. Producers tend to make different types of bentonite, such as Granular pet litter. In this case, they must consider various factors.
For instance, montmorillonite loses its ability to expand and recover interlayer water if dried over a particular temperature. However, It is safe to dry many sodium bentonites at temperatures up to 205°C, and bentonite can be repeatedly dried and wetted without losing its ability to swell (colloidal) characteristics. Swelling is typically relatively simple as long as any water is left between the layers. It is proven by experience in commercially drying bentonite, demonstrating that restoring interlayer water is difficult if the final trace of interlayer water is removed.
Pet Litter Bentonite Applications
Around two decades ago, bentonite clay containing sodium bentonite was introduced and quickly became famous for use in pellet cat litter and regular litter. Today, cat litter bentonite accounts for about 69% of the cat litter market. The absorbent clay minerals used to make traditional cat litter bind the smells in cat urine. On the other hand, clumping cat litter is formed of sodium bentonite clay. The advantage of sodium bentonite clay is that as it becomes moist, it clumps together, making it easier to replace and remove only the filthy litter. Pet litter bentonite is also valuable for other industries. Below, we discuss its applications and advantages in detail.
Pet Litter Bentonite in the Poultry Farming
Animal waste volatilization losses in housed production systems, particularly losses from materials used in chicken bedding, is troublesome for several reasons. First, the atmosphere in sheds may include amounts of ammonia that are harmful to both humans and animals, could lower productivity, and could weaken pathogen resistance. Second, this ammonia volatilization results in a loss of the wasted bedding’s fertilizer value, which reduces economic returns or raises disposal costs for this waste stream.
Several scientific studies have shown that adding pet litter bentonite to chicken litter can easily sorb ammonia in exchangeable forms. The application of bentonite significantly reduces ammonia volatilization due to its ability to adsorb ammonia on exchange sites.
Why Pet Litter Bentonite?
Various properties make cat litter bentonite a good option for such applications. Bentonite allows the solids and pee clumps to be removed, discarded, and a tiny amount of new litter to be added each time, as opposed to regular litter, which must be constantly updated. It is one of the main reasons most people prefer this substance for Pellet pet litter or as a bedding material. Clumping cat litter can be used in a litter box for up to a month before needing to be replenished. Moreover, other properties of bentonite are also crucial in this industry, for example:
- Pet litter bentonite has excellent moisture absorption capabilities;
- It is particularly efficient in preventing the spread of unpleasant scents;
- It makes it straightforward to clean the pet’s bathroom;
- Cat litter bentonite doesn’t make the pet’s fur or claws dirty;
- It inhibits the development of parasites, fungi, and bacteria;
- Bentonite cat litter is made entirely of natural components with no added flavor or color;
- If used in moderation, it causes no discomfort.
It is also vital to know that, according to scientific evidence, using bentonite by Cat Litter Manufacturers decreases the possible dangers associated with utilizing scoopable cat litter for kittens.
About Iran Bentonite Co’s Product
Iran bentonite Co. is a predominant manufacturer of pet litter bentonite and other grades of this multipurpose substance. This company has unique access to high-quality mines. Pure clays are mined and then transferred to advanced factories to create one of the best bentonite available on the market. The scale there means this Iranian manufacturer (So-called الشركة المصنعة إيران البنتونيت in Arabic) can supply large quantities with high-quality consistency. Customers worldwide can rely on these products as pure substances for Clumping pet litter and poultry farming.
Iran bentonite Co. provides bentonite as a raw material – with or without fragrance and other additives. This company’s ranges include various grades and qualities, such as gray, fine, and white. This company offers bentonite for cat litter in different types of packaging, including bulk, big bag, and small consumer packaging. You can also count on Iran bentonite Co. to evaluate bentonite cat litter price; in this case, please get in touch with our experts or check our the About Us page.
Conclusion
Bentonite is a crucial substance with several properties that lead to diverse applications. There are different grades of bentonite in the market, and pet litter bentonite is one of them. Pet or cat litter bentonite is a commercial type used as a reliable substance for litter boxes and a valuable bedding material in poultry farming. It is used as pet litter because it absorbs waste by clumping (simple) and keeps the residual material intact for further use. Each bentonite manufacturer creates pet litter bentonite using a distinct method; still, most of these manufacturers produce it by the application of Na bentonite, which holds unique properties, such as high swelling. The production stage will determine Bentonite Pet Litter price, grade, and properties, so it is a vital process that must be carried out under specific requirements.