Perlite Today – Spring 2024

PERLITE TODAY PERLITE TODAY

SPRING 2024

2024 Perlite Institute Annual Meeting

November 3 – 6, 2024 •

Bangkok, Thailand

We are pleased to announce that the Perlite Institute’s 2024 Annual Meeting will take place from November 3 – 6, 2024, in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand! Save the date for this exciting event filled with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and engaging sessions.

Plan to stay for our Post-Meeting Add-On Tour on November 6, 2024. Please note that this will not be an industry tour, but an opportunity to experience the rich culture of Thailand with your fellow perliters. A tentative schedule can be found below.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a memorable event filled with discussions, thought-provoking presentations, and valuable connections.

Stay tuned for more information on the hotel and program!

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Tentative 2024 Annual Meeting Schedule

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Lunch on Your Own

1300 – 1700 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tour of Bangkok

1830 – 2000 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monday, November 4, 2024

0830 – 0900 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

0900 – 1500 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Registration and Reception

Registration

Sessions, Workgroups, and Lunch

1800 – 1930 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Reception

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

0900 – 1600 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sessions, Workgroups, Lunch, and Annual Business Meeting

1800 – 2100 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Annual Dinner

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Add-On Tour (Details Coming Soon)

All times are approximate and are subject to change due to weather, traffic, and other unforeseen delays.

Message From the President

by Jake Hess

I am pleased to invite you to join me and our fellow members for the 2024 Perlite Institute Annual Meeting, which will be held in the beautiful city of Bangkok, Thailand, from November 3 – 6. This year’s meeting promises to be an exceptional event, filled with opportunities for professional development, networking, and exploring the latest industry trends.

You can count on:

3 Engaging speakers

3 Interactive discussions

3 Opportunities to connect with industry friends, old and new

Bangkok is a city rich in culture and history. Known for seamlessly blending the ancient with the modern, its bustling street life, ornate temples, and vibrant cultural scene will offer a unique backdrop for our conference. Just like our conferences in the past, we’ll plan on having a city tour. And, then on November 6, you can take advantage of an add-on tour to take in more of this wonderful country.

Planning is well underway. Please mark your calendar and watch your email inbox for more information and details. I hope you will plan to join us!

In Memory of Kathleen C. Sheehy (1933 – 2024)

Kathleen Sheehy of Whittemore Company, Inc. passed away on March 17, 2024, at the age of 90.

As a long-time member of the Perlite Institute Community, Kathleen cherished many trips and experiences with the Institute. One of her favorite stories to tell was about a visit to Ireland where a bus driver for one of the spouse tours forced everyone on the bus to sing.

She will be dearly missed by her son, Jeffrey Sheehy; her daughter, Kathy Fitzgerald; her grandchildren, Matthew Fitzgerald, Allison Fitzgerald, Joshua Fitzgerald, Bridget Tipton and Jeffrey Sheehy, Jr.; and five great-grandchildren.

Donations in Kathleen's name may be made to St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, MA 01810 or to St. Theresa's Parish, 820 Central Road, Rye Beech, NH 03871.

Click HERE to read her full obituary.

Technical Consultants for Members

The Perlite Institute contracts with two consultants to assist with technical inquiries on behalf of the Perlite Institute.

Chuck Vogelsang Technical Spokesperson Consultant

Perlite Institute (805) 264-0976 techadvice@perlite.org

Dr. Panos Angelopoulos Research, Technical and Marketing Consultant

Perlite Institute 0030 6972 599646 techconsult@perlite.org

Speaking of Perlite

by Panagiotis Angelopoulos, Perlite Institute Research, Technical and Marketing Consultant

The Use of Perlite in Cigarette Filters

The use of perlite as a filter for cigarette smoke is indisputably among the most special applications of this multifunctional mineral. I was not aware of this use until Reema Bolokbaeva from Gulf Perlite sent me the below photo.

The cigarettes are produced by SPS Cigaronne, a company that was founded in 1999 in Yerevan, Armenia. As noted on their webpage, the perlite filter is among those things that make the difference with their product. Traditionally, cigarette filters are made from cellulose acetate or other synthetic fibers and are designed to trap some of the tar and other particulate matter produced during smoking, aiming to reduce the amount of harmful substances that reach the smoker's lungs.

Searching for the roots of this application, I found a patent titled “Tobacco Smoke Filters Comprising Perlite,” filed to the United States Patent Office by Benjamin Weisman in 1964. The inventor suggested the use of perlite as a filter in the following ways:

• The application of expanded perlite on the filter at one end of the cigarette

• Spread of expanded perlite in the tobacco blend

• Spread of unexpanded perlite in the tobacco blend that would expand by the heat of combustion

As proof of the capability of perlite to capture undesirable substances, the inventor presents some measurements that were made to unfiltered cigarettes, cigarettes filtered with expanded perlites that were dispersed throughout a cellulose acetate tow filter medium and cigarettes that contain raw and expanded perlite in tobacco blend. Interestingly, in all cases where perlite was applied as filter media—either raw or expanded—a significant reduction of the contaminants in the smoke was identified.

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Figure 1: Photo sent to the author by Reema Bolokbaeva (Gulf Perlite) back in 2020

Panagiotis Angelopoulos

Figure 2: Snapshot from the patent showing two different applications of perlite in cigarettes as a filter

In 2013, a relevant study was published in the journal Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening titled Perlite Filtration of Phenolic Compounds from Cigarette Smoke. The researcher made a focused investigation of the capability of perlite filtration to adsorb phenolic compounds from the smoke produced by commercial cigarettes (Farvadin cigarette). As noted by the researchers, the phenolic compounds from tobacco smoke are cardiovascular toxins and act as tumor co-promoters with a genotoxic activity.

As for the implementation of the study, the researchers prepared 2 different grades of perlite that were used as filters, following the route depicted in Figure 3. As can be seen, two grades of different granulometry were produced and tested: 0.5 mm> and 0.5-1.0 mm. Aiming to have comparable results, further to the perlite filter, the researchers also used a Cambridge filter and a general cigarette filter.

3: Procedure followed for the preparation of two perlite filters used as smoke filters

Using the different grades, 10 filters were produced containing 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg of powdered perlite. These filters were used in cigarettes that were smoked by a smoking machine. After testing, the used filters were washed with ethanol and the extractant was analyzed in a coupled Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy device for phenolic derivatives.

It was shown that the perlite filter can remove and absorb toxic phenolic compounds from cigarette smoke, including phenol, hydroquinone, resorcinol, pyrocatechol, m-cresol, p-cresol and o-cresol. Among the different granulometries applied, the fine one (0.5 mm>) presents the higher filtration efficiency at the maximum applied dosage of 25 mg., as shown in Figure 4. According to the authors, this is attributed to the higher surface area of the finer grade.

4: Quantity absorbance of phenolic compounds using different filters

Although the filtration efficiency of perlite filters did not transcend that of commercial products in this study, it is noteworthy that perlite considerably reduced contaminants. It is sure that better efficiency is achievable by fine-tuning the material properties and the filter characteristics. Moreover, the existence of a commercial product that takes advantage of this unique property of perlite is proof of the concept. But what is of more interest, that, to my knowledge, has not found an answer yet, is the exact mechanism under which the filtration of such gaseous phases is achieved with perlite.

Bibliography

Rostami-Charati F, Robati GM, Naghizadeh F, Hosseini S, Chaichi MJ. Perlite filtration of phenolic compounds from cigarette smoke. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2013 Jan;16(1):73-7. doi: 10.2174/1386207311316010009. PMID: 23190556

US3117580 Tobacco Smoke Filters Comprising Perlite, Benjamin Weisman. 1964

Figure

Figure

Technical Q&As

Inquiring Minds Want to Know More About Perlite!

by Chuck Vogelsang, Perlite Institute Technical Spokesperson Consultant

The number of inquiries in the first three months of the year was 163% more than during the same timeframe last year [30 for 2023 vs 55 for 2022 vs 35 in 2021]. Most of the inquiries continue to be in the construction, filtration, and insulation areas.

Construction:

[23% of the inquiries]

• A user wanted lightweight concrete mix information for use in synthetic stone production.

• We provided an inquirer with potential sources of expanded perlite for lightweight concrete.

• A Native American tribe required information on lightweight concrete for insulating the foundations of ceremonial huts.

• An inquirer was interested in the sound insulation of lightweight concrete mixes.

• A company wanted lightweight concrete mixes for underground structural support uses. They wanted to know if they could use Quikcrete (no, they cannot). We provided them with a list of local Perlite Institute members who could possibly provide material. Hort will not work.

• A contractor wanted to replace large ceiling sections with perlite plaster. We made sure they should not try to use hort material as planned.

• We had a phone call with a person wanting information on perlite fireproofing mixes.

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Chuck Vogelsang, Perlite Institute Technical Spokesperson Consultant

• We discussed lightweight concrete mixes for use as storage tank bases and advised that the strength needed is determined by the structure's specs.

Insulation: [51% of inquiries]

• A cryogenic applicator wanted recommendations on regenerating perlite for reuse. This is not recommended.

• Provided list of Perlite Institute loose-fill producers that could service Florida.

• We provided a user with a list of possible loose-fill producers in Northern Europe.

• We provided another user with a list of loose-fill producers in the East Coast United States.

• An inquirer wanted sources of loose fill and under-slab grades in the European Union.

• A contractor retro wanted guidance on insulating a very old block building without access to the top tier. They would have to drill and pour, and all cracks and openings must be sealed.

• Another loose-fill user wanted sources on the east coast of the United States.

• A user was searching for sound insulation from loose-fill. We recommended lightweight concrete instead, which would also increase fire ratings.

• An inquirer was curious as to the impact of the density of insulation. This would be nominal at room temperature.

• Another user was searching for suppliers in the Florida area.

• We received a question on how much settling is expected in a liquified natural gas ship over a 25-year period. Several Perlite Institute members assisted in trying to respond to this and it was estimated to be in the 5% range if material was settled during fill.

• A homeowner wanted to know if filling a plastic picket fence would deaden sound from his neighbors. The answer is no.

• We noted that cryogenic perlite remains effective as long as it does not become wetted. If wetted, it must be removed, and the unit then topped off.

Filtration: [12 % of inquiries – similar to previous 3 years]

• A user wanted to know if there was a specific approval of PFA use on edible oil. No, approval is on all food processing and not specific to type.

• A problem was encountered with converting Alar filter from DE to PFA. The user needs to reduce agitation, add baffles to the tank, use a flat blade instead of high-shear mixer, meter in PFA into slurry. Normal concentration in Alar systems is very high compared to that used in other systems.

• A Perlite Institute member wanted help in testing PFA. We recommended In.mat-Lab and Silbrico Corporation for testing. Silbrico sells flow rate testers. We recommend tube type, especially for RV applications. Bomb filter is time-consuming as it simulates pressure filter applications. Some wastewater treatment systems using PFA do add a ferric hydroxide in the incoming stream to the filter.

Horticulture:

[remains about 7% of the inquiries]

• A user wanted a possible source of expanded perlite for wetland filtration in the Northwest.

• An inquirer wanted to know if hort material could be used as loose fill. We recommended not; they needed finer material that flows well to fill in the voids. We suggested contacting a Perlite Institute member nearby for a source and using a dust mask to reduce coughing from the dust even though it is inert.

Industrial:

• None this year yet.

Environmental:

• A user wanted to know the life expectancy of expanded perlite. It does not decompose.

• A Perlite Institute member wanted to know if the SDS publication required an update to current documents. We discovered the document was revised in 2012, so any SDS that met those requirements would still be applicable. Unfortunately, when the United States government sends out such information, they do not illustrate what the changes were from the previous version, so one has to do detailed evaluation.

What’s the Organizational Benefit of Authentic Leadership?

by Jeff Tippett

The concepts of diversity and inclusion in the workplace are relatively recent additions. Companies went from begrudgingly including people of diverse background to making it a focus of their business. Studies have now shown that diverse workplaces have increased productivity, are more effective and are more successful.

But does the inclusion of diverse individuals mean that a workforce must shrink away from what makes those individuals unique? Does a woman need to adopt the traits of a man to be successful in business? No.

Authentic leadership traits actually point us in a different direction. In fact, to succeed in business and elsewhere it’s better for each individual to lean into what makes them unique rather than trying to mask it. Remember: The goal is authenticity. Masking our differences won’t make things easier; in fact, it can prove to be a barrier to success.

Individuals of ever-more diverse backgrounds are assuming leadership roles in fields in which the c-suite was previously reserved for white men alone. In taking up the mantle, some folks have tried to emulate what past leaders have displayed; unfortunately, that leads to inadvertently inauthentic leadership.

You need to learn to trust that you’re good enough as you are and move from a mindset of imposter syndrome to being a successful leader on your own terms. The new leaders are just as qualified as the former ones, and embracing the fact that a diversity of backgrounds is a value added to the organization is part of that mindset shift. Most all of us have at least a hint of fear that we’ll not be accepted as we are. But if you don’t present your true self when you take on a leadership role, you’re setting yourself up to fail.

I’ve previously compared authentic leadership to transactional leadership. Depending on the structure of your organization or business, it may lean more toward one direction or another. Do individuals have some degree of freedom in accomplishing their tasks, or is there a constant feeling of micromanagement from higher-ups?

Transactional leadership can be somewhat effective in the short term. If your team is on a short deadline and every person needs to be submitting their piece of the work in a timely fashion, it may be necessary to check in frequently and prod them toward completion. But that process can easily become self-perpetuating.

If you constantly find your teams are working on tight deadlines and require supervision and goading to complete tasks, the issue may not be with them. You should take some time to evaluate your leadership style, and the leadership

styles of the office in general, to determine whether your entire organization could benefit from moving toward authentic leadership.

Authentic leadership can be difficult to achieve because the steps toward it require work. Chief among them is trust. If you and your team don’t trust one another, it’s impossible to work in an atmosphere of authentic leadership. If the style of interaction is inauthentic, implicit in that is a lack of trust. A team may not trust their leader, or the members of the team might not trust one another. In any team, business or organization, that’s an issue.

Remember: As a leader, you’re entrusting others to accomplish that which needs to be done. You can’t run a business if the CEO micromanages every employee; it simply can’t run effectively. This is true in an organization of any size. Trust isn’t a one-way street. As a leader, you must trust the people that work for you just as they must trust you. It’s not an overnight process; it takes time to develop. But for the success of your enterprise in the long run, it’s something you can’t live without.

About the Author: Jeff Tippett

Jeff Tippett is the international best-selling author of two books, Pixels Are the New Ink and Unleashing Your Superpower: Why Persuasive Communication is the Only Force You Will Ever Need. Speaking to international audiences through keynotes and seminars, Jeff helps attendees

increase their effectiveness, gives them powerful tools to reach their goals, and empowers attendees to positively impact and grow their organizations or businesses.

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In 2014, Jeff founded Targeted Persuasion, an award-winning public affairs + communications firm. He has worked with renowned brands like Airbnb, The National Restaurant Association, The League of Women Voters, The League of Conservation Voters, plus others. Other industry experts have validated Jeff’s work with numerous awards including the prestigious The American Advertising Award.

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Jeff is the host of Victory by Association with Jeff Tippett, a podcast that shares the victories of association executives with the world, highlighting the great work done across this country every day.

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Expanded Perlite for Bedding Material in Poultry Farms

Bedding materials in poultry farming contribute to the comfort, health, and hygiene of animals

Our Resource Library continues to expand. These information sheets are an in-depth collection of the research, tests, applicable uses, and technical data the Perlite Institute and its members have compiled and published.

One of the newly-published information sheets is about Expanded Perlite for Bedding Material in Poultry Farms. This information sheet provides practical insights into the benefits of Expanded Perlite, such as controlling dust, providing thermal insulation, and contributing to the overall health and productivity of the flock.

Expanded Perlite for Bedding Material in Poultry Farms is a unique resource that enhances the comfort, health, and hygiene of animals. This material stands out for its cost-effectiveness, high absorbency, resistance to mold and fungi growth, ease of cleaning and disposal, low dust content, thermal insulation, softness, and availability.

Expanded Perlite plays a pivotal role in bird farms, preventing health issues such as footpad dermatitis, controlling dust, and providing thermal insulation. It also aids in manure management by absorbing excess moisture from manure, making it easier to handle and manage.

Expanded Perlite meets the stringent industry specifications for substrate materials used in bird sheds. Its exceptional absorption capacity and low density make it an ideal choice for this purpose. In fact, a case study from the Israel-based company, Agrekal, demonstrated that Perlite effectively treated manure dampness and reduced housefly growth, thereby enhancing the flock's overall performance.

We hope you will check out this and all resources on our Resource Library.

Precoat for Baghouse Fabric Filters

Efficiency-boosting precoat, a thin layer of material applied to the surface of the filter media, protects against blinding and increases airflow.

We invite you to review the newest brochure in the Perlite Filter Aids section of our Resource Library.

Baghouse dust-collection devices are used in manufacturing and processing plants to collect dust, dirt, and particulate matter from exhaust streams. These devices use tubes, envelopes, or cartridges as separation media or bags to filter out the dust. However, over time, the accumulation of dust cake can obstruct airflow, leading to the need for cleaning the bag filters.

Precoat filter aid, a practical solution, can be used to improve filtration effectiveness and enhance fabric filter bag life. Perlite filter aid, an efficient precoat material, offers versatility in its use: pre-coating new bags before their first use or injecting it constantly during regular operations.

The use of precoat filter aids in baghouses not only enhances performance but also provides significant cost-saving benefits. It protects filter cloth from blinding and plugging, increases airflow, decreases differential pressure, and boosts dust collection efficiencies. Moreover, it acts as a barrier against damaging sparks and absorbs harmful moisture, oils, and hydrocarbons, thereby reducing operating and maintenance costs.

When utilizing perlite filter aid, it’s of utmost importance to adhere to specific application instructions. These include removing dust from bag house hoppers and deactivating the bag cleaning cycle. The precoat is then added at a specific rate, and each compartment is isolated and inspected to ensure an adequate precoat cake thickness before reactivating the cleaning cycle. These steps are meticulously detailed in the accompanying research paper, ensuring you are wellinformed and prepared.

PERLITE INSTITUTE, INC. is a quarterly publication of the PERLITE INSTITUTE, INC. 2207 Forest Hills Drive Harrisburg, PA 17112 USA

Phone: 717.238.9723

Fax: 717.238.9985 www.perlite.org

2024 Board of Directors

Jake Hess President Hess Perlite 100 Hess Drive Malad City, ID 83252

Phone: (208) 766 - 4777 jake@hesspumice.com

President

Perlite Today is published electronically four times per year.

The mission of the Perlite Institute is to further the success and growth of the perlite industry worldwide by providing its members networking opportunities, education and research; foster customer-driven marketing, promotion and product development; and increase the public’s awareness and knowledge of perlite and its current and potential uses.

Reema Bolokbaeva Gulf Perlite, LLC Techno Park, PO 263275

Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE

Phone: +971 (0)56 6080223 admin@uaeperlite.com

Linda Chirico

Carolina Perlite Company PO Box 158 Gold Hill, NC 28071

Phone: (704) 279-2325 lchirico@carolinaperlite.com

Michael Dunlavey

P.V.P. Industries PO Box 129 North Bloomfield, OH 44450

Phone: (440) 685-4701 mike@pvpind.com

Matt Goecker

Dicalite Management Group 1 Belmont Avenue, Suite 500

Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

Phone: (775) 287-9796 mgoecker@dicalite.com

Israel Ferreres Treasurer Ausperl 177 Balmes Street

Barcelona, Spain 08006 +34 633 066 006 israel@ausperl.com

Keith Hoople Past President Midwest Perlite, Inc. 4280 West Parkway Blvd. Appleton, WI 54913

Phone: (920) 731-2671 keith@midwestperlite.com

Jannick Knudsen

Nordisk Perlite Hammersholt Erhvervspark 1-5 Hillerod, DK 3400

Phone: 0045 7878 9515 jannick@nordiskperlite.dk

Bill Mihalopoulos

Imerys 100 Mansell Court East Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: (610) 745-7520

bill.mihalopoulos@imerys.com

Bridget Sheehy Tipton Whittemore Company 681 East 5th Street, Unit 1 Boston, MA 02127

Phone: (978) 815-6420 bsheehy@whittemoreco.com

Edgar Valmana Velazquez Termolita Callejon del Marmol 201 Zona Industrial Santa Catarina, NL 66364

Phone: +52 8181510480 evalmana@termolita.com