They use sodium Bentonite in many industries, from a foundry, metallurgy, well drilling slurry, oil, agriculture, and foodstuffs to cosmetics and dam sealing. Our Bentonite clay is Engineering grade and suitable for engineering projects. We commonly use it for sealing ponds, dams, lakes, landfill sites, lagoons, etc.
Sodium Bentonite Clay Properties:
Other names: Sodium Bentonite, Montmorillonite, Aluminosilicate of sodium
Appearance: solid fine powder or in small granules
Colour: Grey / Tan
Bulk Density: 800–900 Kg/m3
Using Sodium Bentonite For Sealing Dams:
Sodium Bentonite clay swells up to eighteen times its dry size when it comes into contact with water. Expanded bentonite forms an impermeable seal which makes for an excellent dam sealant. When Bentonite is applied correctly it will be environmentally safe and does not affect the water or harm fish, livestock, or wildlife.
Based on these qualities, Sodium Bentonite also makes an excellent liner during the construction phase of new dams and ponds.
When sealing a leaking dam to prevent water loss through seepage, Bentonite powder can be applied directly to the soil in the dam’s bottom or with shallow ponds it can be sprinkled on the surface of the water and allowed to settle to the bottom, with deeper dams we would consider using granular bentonite.
There are three basic methods (discussed in more detail) on other pages of this website: the blanket method, the mixed blanket method, (recommended) and the sprinkle method. (low success rate in our experience)
Bentonite is easily applied, however, attention to detail in the application method is essential to avoid disappointment. With small ponds, we can apply it with simple hand tools and for larger dams, ordinary farm equipment may be suitable.
Suggested Application Rates
Clay soils: 8-10 Kg/m2
Sandy Silt: 10-12 Kg/m2
Silty Sand: 12-15 Kg/m2
Clean Sand: 15-20 Kg/m2
Rock or Gravel: 20/25 Kg/m2 (not recommended)
For more information on sealing your dam with bentonite or to order sodium bentonite please click here to contact us
