Resources
The Coalgate Bentonite deposit is a vast (10 Million tonnes plus) high quality resource and occurs in the foothills of the Canterbury Plains approximately 70km west of Christchurch and located in close proximity to the main site and processing plant.
Process
In its natural state Coalgate Bentonite is a non-swelling Beidellite. Utilising specialised manufacturing techniques the raw material is partially modified to optimise the ion exchange and swelling characteristics of the clay to produce a range of Sodium Bentonite products, the majority of which are further processed to produce a typically less than two micron product that is packaged and prepared for market.
Paper Industry
Rheogel® has significant adsorptive properties that promotes optimum flocculation, effective retention and rapid dewatering. Achieving good flocculation is crucial for maximum fibre and filler yield during screening operations.
Rheogel® Bentonite enhances paper quality and gives improved control of the papermaking process directly benefiting in production efficiency, energy conservation and reduction in effluent discharges.
Over a number of years Rheogel® has been produced and marketed to supply a variety of paper mills around the world.
Drilling
A range of Rheogel® products are specifically manufactured for both the onshore and offshore drilling industry. Rheogel® enhances drilling fluid viscosity and gel strength of drilling muds.
Rheogel® L and Rheogel® LX Pellets are well established as New Zealand's premier drilling products.
All Rheogel® products conform to API specifications 13A, 16th Edition, Feb 2004, Section & 11.
Agriculture
Calben is the trade name applied to natural Calcium Bentonite following processing into a fine powder and is used primarily as a horticultural growth medium.
Rheogel® is also as a specialised fertiliser to help retain soil nutrients. It produces outstanding results as a soil improver, and composting auxiliary in liquid manure treatments.
Rheogel® as a stock feed additive, contributes to improved protein utilisation, acts as a buffer against rumen acidosis, absorbs excess ammonia and toxic substances, reduces scouring and generally improves the health and wellbeing of livestock
Geotechnical & Environmental
Rheogel® products are specifically designed for a variety of geotechnical and environmental applications, such as sealing ponds and reservoirs, piling, grouting, electrical earthing, and caisson sinking.
Bentonite is also used in the construction of geo composite-clay liners which are utilised in tunneling, land capping and land fill cell construction. Underground slurry walls and barriers are constructed using Bentonite as a suspension aid.
Waste Water and Tertiary Effluent Applications
The Benfloc® range of products are specifically designed with the intention of using them to improve flocculent development and colloidal solids capture in tertiary effluent applications.
Bentonite slurries, in concentrations as low as 20-80 ppm act as excellent coagulants in the treatment of waste effluents. Subsequent flocculation and settling can be achieved by 1-2 ppm dosage of various polymer additives.
The Benfloc® products can be more environmentally acceptable than other alternatives.