I read other night about an outfit filtering BD thru diatomascus earth to help them pass the new Cold Soak Filter specs in the ASTM. Well, I did a quick google on where to get some and ran across a site that had both it and perlite, and it sounded like Diatomascus earth is just powdered perlite. I then got to thinking that perlite is lightweight and very porous. I am wondering if this could be used as a Drywash material without the problems of resins from woodchips. I know would have to be well filtered after drywashing because the powder is probably very abrasive. If someone out there with a tower would like to experement with this and post info I would be greatful (I have not set up a tower myself yet but planning to down the line).

Trc

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that has a relatively high water content, typically formed by the hydration of obsidian. It occurs naturally and has the unusual property of greatly expanding when heated sufficiently. It is an industrial mineral and a commercial product useful for its light weight after processing.

Diatomaceous earth — also known as DE, TSS, diatomite, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur or celite — is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is 86% silica, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron.

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite.

john

I stand corrected on the differences between the two. But my original thought still stands. Since perlite is very porous what its capabilaties to use as a drywash material would be.

Trc