Shehri Kisaan

Expanded clay aggregate (ECA) is a type of lightweight, porous aggregate produced from clay that has been heated to high temperatures until it expands and becomes lightweight and durable. It is widely used in construction and horticulture for various applications. Here’s a detailed description:

Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA)

1. Production:

   • Raw Material: Made from natural clay, which is mixed, heated, and expanded in a rotary kiln or similar furnace.
   • Heating Process: The clay is heated to temperatures around 1,200-1,400°C (2,200-2,550°F), causing it to expand and form lightweight, porous particles.
   • Cooling: After expansion, the material is cooled and graded to various sizes.

2. Properties:

   • Lightweight: ECA is significantly lighter than traditional aggregates like gravel or sand, making it easier to handle and reducing the load on structures.
   • Porous: The expanded clay particles have a porous structure that provides excellent drainage and aeration.
   • Durable: It is resistant to weathering, frost, and chemicals, and has a long lifespan.
   • Thermal Insulation: Provides good thermal insulation properties due to its air-filled voids.

3. Applications:

   • Construction:
     • Lightweight Concrete: Used as an aggregate in lightweight concrete mixtures, reducing the overall weight of the concrete while maintaining strength and durability.
     • Insulating Concrete: Helps improve the thermal insulation properties of concrete structures.
     • Backfill and Drainage: Used in backfilling applications and drainage systems due to its excellent water permeability.
   • Horticulture:
     • Soil Amendment: Improves soil aeration and drainage in pots and garden beds. It is often used in soilless growing media for plants.
     • Hydroponics: Provides a stable and inert medium for hydroponic systems, supporting plant roots and promoting healthy growth.

4. Benefits:

   • Enhanced Drainage: The porous structure allows for efficient water drainage and aeration, reducing the risk of waterlogging and root rot.
   • Weight Reduction: Reduces the weight of building materials, which can lower construction costs and simplify handling.
   • Improved Thermal Performance: Contributes to better thermal insulation in construction applications.
   • Environmental Impact: Made from natural materials and can reduce the need for heavier, non-renewable aggregates.

5. Forms and Sizes:

   • Granules: Typically available in various granule sizes, ranging from small particles to larger aggregates, depending on the application.
   • Pellets: Can also be found in pellet form for specific uses in horticulture.

6. Usage Considerations:

   • Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with other materials in concrete or soil mixtures to achieve the desired performance.
   • Moisture Content: In some applications, pre-wetting ECA before use can improve its performance and integration with other materials.

LECA clay balls, also known as Hydrotons, are versatile and lightweight expanded clay aggregates (LECA) ranging from 8 to 15 mm. They're perfect for hydroponic and aquaponic systems, indoor containers, bonsai cultivation, and more. These porous balls promote healthy root development, optimal nutrient absorption, and prevent waterlogging. Ideal for irrigation systems and water filtering, they're durable, pH-neutral, and resistant to decomposition. Elevate your gardening with Leca clay balls for enhanced plant growth and aesthetic appeal.
USES OF LECA CLAY BALLS:· 

Hydroponic and aquaponic systems

Indoor containers

Bonsai cultivation

Aquariums

Roof gardens

Green vegetable cultivation

Irrigation systems

Water filtering

The pellets are rounded in shape and fall from the kiln in a grade of approximately 8-15mm with an average dry bulk density of approximately 350 kg/m³. The material is seived into a number of different grades to suite the application.