Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder originating from fossils. The E. & J. Gallo Winery in Fresno relies heavily on DE in their filtration. DE is a good filter aid by virtue of its high porosity, and 5% of product is lost to the powder each year. The majority of this loss can be attributed to the press filters and rotovacs. DE also poses significant health risks to workers who are exposed to it. This study explores alternatives to DE.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Farnham, Brooks A.
• Zalesky, Anthony B.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 06D005M

Advisor

• Wilcox, Jennifer L.
• Nowick, Henry W.

Year

• 2006

Center

• Gallo-Modesto, California Project Center - MQP

Sponsor

• E & J Gallo Winery

Date created

• 2006-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright