Chemical Barite Manufacturing

Chemical Barite Manufacturing in China has big advantages. It uses good - quality barite from Barite China to make barite barium sulfate. This product is very pure. It's great for many uses. In the paint industry, it helps make colors cover better. In the medical field, because it's stable, it can be used for X - ray contrast agents.  

Our barium sulfate is used in construction, food, pharmaceutical, PVC, personal care and other industries as follows：

1.Pharmaceutical field:   

As a contrast agent for X-ray and CT scanning, it can enhance the contrast effect of organs or blood vessels in the body due to its high density and high absorption, helping doctors to make accurate diagnosis.

Used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastric ulcers and colitis, patients can drink a solution containing barium sulfate and observe the gastrointestinal tract through X-ray examination.

2.Industrial field:

Plastic and rubber: as filler to improve the hardness, abrasion resistance and aging resistance of the products, and at the same time reduce the cost.

Coatings and paints: as white pigment and filler, to increase the thickness, strength and durability of the paint film, and to improve the covering power and gloss of the coating.

Paper making: as filler, improve the whiteness and opacity of paper, improve the smoothness and uniformity of paper.

Ceramics and glass: as raw material to improve the physical properties of products, such as whiteness, density and heat resistance.

Oil and gas: as an aggravating agent for drilling mud to help stabilize well walls and prevent blowouts.

Chemical barite, also known as chemically processed barium sulfate (BaSO₄), is a high-purity mineral used extensively in industrial applications requiring chemical stability, high specific gravity, and low solubility. Unlike crude barite used in oil drilling, chemical-grade barite undergoes advanced refining processes to meet strict purity, particle size, and brightness specifications.

This article offers a complete overview of chemical barite manufacturing, covering the raw materials, engineering processes, quality control standards, regulatory compliance, and practical applications in coatings, plastics, rubber, medical, and chemical industries.

What Is Chemical Barite?

Chemical barite refers to a highly refined form of barium sulfate (BaSO₄) used in industries where high purity and consistency are critical. It is known for its:

• High specific gravity (4.2–4.5)

• Chemical inertness (resistant to acids and alkalis)

• Low oil absorption

• Excellent whiteness and opacity

Common Grades:

• Precipitated Barium Sulfate (Blanc Fixe): Synthetic, ultra-fine, high-purity

• Natural Chemical Barite: Physically processed from selected ore with high BaSO₄ content

Raw Materials and Sourcing

• Primary Ore Source: Natural barite ore (BaSO₄ content ≥ 90%)

• Secondary Reagents: Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), barium carbonate (BaCO₃)

• Water and Dispersants: Used in slurry processing and precipitation

Chemical Barite Manufacturing Process

1. Ore Beneficiation

• Crushing & Grinding: Barite ore is reduced to fine particles (<75 microns)

• Flotation or Gravity Separation: Removes impurities like quartz, iron oxides, and carbonates

• Washing & Dewatering: Prepares concentrate for chemical treatment

2. Chemical Processing (for Precipitated Barite)

• Conversion Reaction:

• BaCO₃ + H₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ ↓ + CO₂↑ + H₂O

• Reaction conducted under controlled pH and temperature conditions

• Precipitation: Barium sulfate precipitates under optimized agitation and residence time

• Filtration & Washing: Removes soluble byproducts (e.g., sodium salts, carbonates)

• Drying & Milling: Converts wet cake into dry powder; milled to D50 = 0.7–2.5 μm

3. Surface Modification (Optional)

• Coated with agents like stearic acid, silicone, or titanates to improve dispersion in polymers or resins

Technical Specifications

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Applications of Chemical Barite

✅ Paints and Coatings

• Used as an extender pigment and functional filler

• Enhances gloss, brightness, chemical resistance

• Reduces binder demand, lowers cost

✅ Plastics and Rubber

• Provides dimensional stability, flame retardancy, and improved acoustic properties

• Common in PVC, PE, and thermoplastics

✅ Medical and Pharmaceuticals

• Radiocontrast agent in X-ray imaging (e.g., barium meals)

• Only high-purity, precipitated BaSO₄ is approved for ingestible use

✅ Battery and Electronics

• Filler for resin systems, ceramics, and electrical insulation due to non-conductivity

✅ Paper and Printing

• As a coating pigment, improves opacity and printability

Operational and Quality Control Guidelines

• Batch Traceability: Essential in medical, food-contact, and export-grade material

• Environmental Monitoring: Wastewater must meet local discharge standards for sulfates and pH

• Packaging: Typically in 25 kg kraft bags or 1-ton jumbo bags; moisture-proof lining is recommended

• Storage: Store in dry, cool environments away from acids and oxidizing agents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ What’s the difference between drilling-grade and chemical-grade barite?

Drilling-grade barite is used in oil well fluids and may contain impurities. Chemical-grade is refined for high purity and brightness, tailored for industrial and medical use.

❓ Is chemical barite safe for human use?

Yes—precipitated barium sulfate is non-toxic and approved for internal use in medical imaging under strict purity standards.

❓ How does particle size affect performance?

Finer particles (D50 < 1 µm) offer better dispersion, opacity, and smoothness in coatings or polymers but may require additional dispersion agents.

❓ Can barite be modified for hydrophobic applications?

Yes. Surface-treated barite improves compatibility with non-polar systems such as polyolefins or solvent-based coatings.

Summary: Why Chemical Barite Matters