16/07/2024
Ground Enhancement Material - (GEM)
071 714 4155
Bentonite is a moisture-retaining clay which is used as an earthing compound. Naturally occurring Bentonite compound consists of montmorillonite. It is available as sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite. It is a naturally occurring substance and can contain some amount of impurities. But it is considered to cause no significant corrosion to the earth electrodes. The resistivity of bentonite is much lower in wet conditions as compared to in dry conditions. So, it is used as a backfill in the earth pit, after mixing with water. The lowering of resistivity happens due to the formation of electrolytes when bentonite is ionized by the addition of water. This electrolyte is formed due to bentonite’s ability to absorb and retain water by swelling. Though bentonite remains unaffected for the long term, it can sometimes get leached in the presence of contaminants in the soil. When compared to the conventional use of charcoal and salt, bentonite serves as a better earthing compound.
