Method for improving handleability of calcined kaolin clay products

摘要

A method for increasing the bulk density and decreasing the time of wetting with water of a substantially anhydrous kaolin clay powder, comprising dry ball-milling the said powder using work inputs of from about 5 to about 40 HP-hrs/ton of dry clay, followed by pulverization in a high energy impact mill and classification to eliminate undesirable larger particles. The ball-milling may be effected by grinding the clay with ceramic balls of less than 5 inches diameter. The process enables improved handling characteristics for the treated clay with respect to bulk material handling systems.