Investigation on PHG Bentonite supplied by Messrs Ambica Minechem Industries, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Abstract

The bentonite designated as “PHG” was received from Messrs Ambica Minechem Industries, Bhavnagar to study its suitability as foundry bonding clay. The sample as-received was in the form of lumps, and light yellowish in colour. The sample was collected from a nala bed in the village Lakhnoka, 27 miles from Bhavnagar, Gujarat State. According to the present survey, the deposit is expected to be of the order of 48,000 tons and costs approximately Rs.60/- per ton. The sample was dried and ground in a ball mill and passed through a 100 mesh sieve of the U.S. sieve series. The sieved sample was throughout the investigation. The tests conducted on the bentonite sample comprised of moisture content, chemical analysis, pH value, gel value, dry fineness, swelling index, petrological examination, total base exchange capacity, differential thermal analysis, Na/Ca ratio using flame photometer, sintering range and bonding characteristics.