Perlite – Ferba Group

What is Perlite?

Perlite is one of nature’s most versatile and efficient minerals. It is formed by molten (magma-tic) rock, also known as volcanic glass. Over time, and during formation and cooling, water is absorbed into the raw perlite ore matrix, giving perlite its unique ability to expand when heated.

The expansion process renders the perlite partially transparent, and the resulting complex refraction changes the color from a light gray to bright white.

Characteristics of Expanded Perlite (Perlitek)

Lightweight
Free of organic contaminants
Insulating
Fireproof
Pest-proof

Perlite is mined using open cast mining techniques in many countries across the globe including , North America, Turkey, Greece and Asia.

It is then crushed to a variety of particle sizes. and shipped to the processing plants where rock and other impurities are removed.

The ore granules are then expanded using a high temperature furnace before being processed further towards the intended application. Learn more

Perlitek Solutions (Expanded Perlite)

Horticulture

Perlite helps break up compacted soil, allowing for better aeration and drainage of a substrate., making it useful for professional growers and hobbyists alike.

Hydroponic

Expanded perlite is one of the best hydroponic growing mediums around. Used by itself or as a mixture with other mediums.

Construction

Perlite is used widely in the construction market due to its unique characteristics, which are: thermal and sound insulation, low bulk density, fire resistant.

Filtration

Perlite filter aids are lightweight, inert, impart no taste or odour to liquids being filtered and are virtually insoluble in mineral and organic acids at all temperatures.

Insulation

Expanded Perlite (Perlitek) comprises millions of tiny glassy air bubbles particles that act as insulation cavities and reduce heat transmission resulting in significant savings in heating and cooling costs.

Other Applications

Industrial applications for perlite are the most diverse, ranging from high performance fillers for plastics to cement for petroleum, water and geothermal wells.

Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass rock found in large deposits in North America, Europe and Asia. The ore is mined and crushed to a variety of particle sizes. It is then
blended to produce a selection of raw grades suitable for immediate use in certain applications or when further processed as a lightweight aggregate or granular insulant in many products and industries.

Crushed raw perlite is used mainly as a slag coagulant. Raw perlite ore contains between 2% and 5% combined or occluded water. When rapidly heated above a temperature of 1000oC, the graded perlite ore particles melt and expand to between 4 and 40 times the original volume as the combined water vaporises and forms microscopic cells or tiny bubbles in the heat softened glass.

The product is then cooled, classified and collected. The cooling and classifying process requires the introduction of air into the system.The grade size manufactured is dependent upon the ore fed into the furnace. Due to the seal also creates one of perlite's most distinguishing characteristics, its white colour. The resultant cellular structure accounts for the lightweight thermal insulation properties.