Bentonite or bentonite clay is sometimes called the ‘mineral of a thousand uses’ and is characterised by properties such as its ability to act as a ‘natural glue’ or ‘bond’, when added to water.
When it comes to fixing leaking dams, Bentonite is a wonder clay
Alternative names:
Smectitic clay, Fullers Earth
Bentonite clay consist mainly of smectite minerals, of which the most common mineral species is montmorillonite.
A general formula for montmorillonite is (1/2Ca, Na)0.7(Al,Mg,Fe)4[(Si,Al)8O20](OH)4.nH2O
The montmorillonite minerals are products of volcanism and hydrothermal activity and are composed of hydrous aluminum silicates in the form of extremely small particles – and they take up water, causing swelling, and change the interlayer spacing according to the mineral variety.
Montmorillonites are the principal constituents of bentonite and fuller’s earth.
Bentonite occurs in rocks that were deposited in the Ordovician to Neogene periods (about 488.3 to 2.6 million years ago) and is formed by decomposition of volcanic ash or tuff, or sometimes from other igneous or sedimentary rocks. Andesitic to rhyolitic volcanic rocks are the most common primary source.
The final chemical character of the bentonite is dependent on the combined influences of the chemistry of the primary rock, the environment in which it was deposited and its post-formation history.
Bentonite is a very plastic clay that swells markedly in response to the addition of water.
This swelling property makes Bentonite useful as a sealant, since it provides a self-sealing, low permeability barrier. We call it bentonite for dam sealing.
There are three main types of bentonite:
Sodium bentonites absorb large quantities of water, swelling to many times their original volume, and give rise to permanent suspensions of gellike masses, and provides colloidal and wall-building properties.
These have been used to seal dams or called dam sealing bentonite; in bonding foundry sands, asbestos, and mineral wool; as drilling muds; in cements and concrete, ceramics, emulsions, insecticides, soaps, pharmaceuticals, and paints; in the manufacture of paper; for clarifying water, juices, and liquors; and as a water softener to remove calcium from hard water.
Sodium bentonite forms in marine sedimentary basins adjacent to intermediate volcanic sources.
Calcium bentonites are non-swelling and break down to a finely granular aggregate that is widely used as an absorbent clay sometimes called fuller’s earth.
Calcium bentonite clay is also a popular ingredient in skincare products.
Applying a lotion or cream with bentonite clay in it creates a barrier between your skin and possible irritants.
Bentonite has been used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes since approximately 2500BC.
It has been known as a healing clay for centuries among indigenous peoples from Australia, the Andes and Central Africa. The first recorded use can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia. It is totally natural and well known for its detoxification properties, especially when used on the skin
People use the clay to detoxify the body, improve digestion and improve skin tone.
In Iran, the clay is used as a hair cleanser and softener.
Bentonite clay has displayed strong detoxifying properties in clinical trials and is rich in nutrients like calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, iron and potassium.
The molecular structure of bentonite clay is responsible for its detoxification properties
When the clay becomes hydrated, electrical and molecular components of the clay rapidly enlarge and produce an electrical charge.
This allows the clay to ‘swell’ like a porous sponge and then work to draw out toxins from the skin and body.
Bentonite clay is named after Fort Benton in Wyoming, where the largest known deposit of bentonite was found.
The commercial production of the Wyoming deposits in the United States began in the 1920s and in Europe about 10 years later, first in Bavaria (Germany) and then in many other countries.
An important step was the modification of bentonites with soda to give alkali- or soda-activated bentonites.
Soda-activation transformed German bentonites into materials similar to their Wyoming counterparts.
Bentonite is produced in many countries and, in some, the industry is well-established, large-scale, and has a high profile (e.g. sodium-bentonite in the USA).
Consumption of bentonite is closely linked to global economic activity.
If your dam has seepage issues, getting a proper dam sealer is your best bet if you want to fix it. Our team can provide everything you need, from the materials to the repairs. We can also help you build dams if you want to expand your water harvesting. Choose Big Ditch Dam Building Company for an experienced dam-building team.
Sometimes called the ‘mineral of a thousand uses’, bentonite for dams is a wondrous material with many interesting properties. Here are some interesting facts about this clay, including why it is such an ideal solution for sealing dams:
As with most naturally occurring minerals, bentonite takes on different forms that all have somewhat distinct properties. Here are the diverse types of bentonite clays applicable to dam sealing and why they differ:
With extensive industry knowledge and a history of successful dam builds and repairs, we know where to source the right bentonite to seal dams. We believe in holistic and sustainable water harvesting and want to help our clients achieve both through our services for dam building and repairs. With more than 320 dams built and more than 20 years of experience with dams, you can always count on Big Ditch Dam Building Company.
Call us today and let our professionals assist you with your dam repair project.