The following is the production process of bentonite cat litter:
 
1、 Raw material selection
1. Bentonite
-High quality bentonite is a key raw material for producing cat litter, and its montmorillonite content is generally required to be around 85% -95%. Because montmorillonite has a unique layered structure that can absorb a large amount of water and expand, it gives cat litter good cohesiveness. Sodium based bentonite exhibits better water absorption and swelling properties compared to calcium based bentonite, making it the preferred raw material. For example, some high-end cat litter brands use specially purified sodium based bentonite to ensure the high quality of their products.
2. Additives (optional)
-Deodorizers: such as activated carbon, zeolite, etc. Activated carbon has strong adsorption capacity and can effectively remove odors from cat litter boxes. The amount added is usually determined based on the required deodorizing effect and cost, usually around 3% -8% of the total amount of cat litter raw materials. Zeolite is also a commonly used deodorizing material, which can selectively adsorb gases with irritating odors such as ammonia.
-Essence: used to improve the smell of cat litter and increase the attractiveness of the product. There are many kinds of essence, such as lavender essence, lemon essence, etc. The amount added is usually small, about 0.1% -0.5% of the total amount of cat litter raw materials, to avoid affecting other properties of the cat litter.
-Coloring agent (optional): If colored cat litter needs to be produced, an appropriate amount of coloring agent, such as food coloring, can be added. But it is important to comply with relevant safety standards and ensure that it is harmless to pets.

 
2、 Raw material processing
1. Crushing treatment
-Large chunks of bentonite raw materials need to be crushed first. It is usually crushed into smaller particles or powders using a crusher for subsequent mixing and granulation. For example, after the block shaped bentonite is preliminarily crushed by a crusher, the particle size of the raw material is made to meet the granulation requirements.
2. Mixing
-Mix the crushed bentonite with other additives (if any) thoroughly in the mixing equipment to ensure uniform distribution of various raw materials.
 
3、 Granulation process
-Rolling granulation: Place the mixed raw materials into a disc granulator and roll them while spraying water. The mud gradually forms spherical particles under the rotation and rolling action of the disc granulator. This method is similar to the process of making rice dumpling. The size and shape of particles are adjusted by controlling the rotating speed, inclination angle of the disk and the humidity of the mud.

 
4、 Drying and solidification
1. Drying method
-Use Rotary Dryers to dry cat litter particles.
2. Curing treatment
-Dried cat litter particles can be solidified to improve their strength and stability. A common method is to use a coating machine to evenly spray a small amount of adhesive solution (such as sodium silicate solution) onto the surface of cat litter particles, and then dry it again to form a strong film of adhesive on the surface of the particles, reducing dust generation during use and enhancing the adhesion between particles.
 
5、 Filtering and grading
1. Initial screening
-Use a sieve with a larger aperture (such as 8-10 millimeters) to preliminarily screen the dried cat litter, removing oversized particles and impurities. This step can ensure that the basic particle size of cat litter meets the requirements.
2. Fine screening
-Further screen the cat litter after initial screening through a sieve with a smaller aperture (such as 2-4 millimeters) to obtain cat litter particles that are more uniform in size and meet product quality standards. Carefully screened cat litter can provide better foot feel and coverage when used.
 
6、 Packaging and Storage
1. Packaging materials
-Choose appropriate packaging materials, such as plastic film bags, paper boxes, etc. Plastic film bags have good sealing properties, which can prevent cat litter from getting damp and dust pollution; Paper boxes are more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly, and are convenient for printing product information and usage instructions. For high-end products, packaging materials with moisture-proof lining can also be used to further ensure the quality of cat litter.
2. Packaging specifications
-Design different packaging specifications according to market demand. At the same time, information such as the composition, usage methods, and precautions of cat litter can be indicated on the packaging to facilitate consumer use.
3. Storage conditions
-Packaged cat litter should be stored in a dry, well ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and humid environments. The suitable storage temperature is generally between 10-30 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity is controlled below 30% -50%. This can reduce the quality changes of cat litter during storage and extend its shelf life.