A Novel Flux That Determines the Physico-Chemical Properties of Calcined Diatomite in Its Industrial Use as a Filler and Filter Aid: Thenardite (Na2SO4)

Diatomite needs to go through the flux-calcination process in order increase its functionality some specific applications such as filter aids. In this study, effects of thenardite, which was used for first time a flux calcination diatomite, and widely soda ash on industrially important physico-chemical properties diatomite were investigated. Samples taken from two deposits Aegean region Turkey (Seydiler Afyon Sarayköy Denizli) study. raw calcined samples, geochemical mineralogical composition parameters colour, grain size, morphology, surface area, permeability wet cake density characterized. It found that thenardite more effective than traditionally improving whiteness (L* = 98.20) filtrate clarity (wet 0.378 g/cm3). However, higher (k), i.e., filtration rate, obtained with (k 0.97 µm2). Fluxes had different species. The necessity choosing type depending application area desired demonstrated.