Bleaching earth, also known as activated bleaching clay or activated bleaching earth, is a type of clay that is used in the process of removing impurities, colorants, and contaminants from oils, fats, and other substances. It is widely employed in various industries, particularly in the refining of edible oils, petroleum, and fats.
It is a fine, white powder that is made up of montmorillonite clay, which is a type of smectite clay. Smectite clays have a high surface area and are able to absorb a wide variety of substances.
Bleaching earth is used in a variety of industries, including the food industry, the chemical industry, and the petroleum industry.
In the food industry, bleaching earth is used to remove pigments and other impurities from vegetable oils. This makes the oils more clear and bright, and it also improves their flavor. Bleaching earth is also used to remove impurities from fats and waxes, which is important for the production of cosmetics, candles, and other products.
In the chemical industry, bleaching earth is used to remove impurities from petroleum products. This makes the products more clear and bright, and it also improves their performance. Bleaching earth is also used to remove impurities from industrial solvents and other chemicals.