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By zoliky
Posts:  197
Joined:  Fri Sep 04, 2015 10:30 am
#256121
I rinsed perlite, but perlite swells when wet. Do perlite get back the original size with time if no more water is applied? for example if I keep the perlite to dry in a heated room for two weeks.
By zoliky
Posts:  197
Joined:  Fri Sep 04, 2015 10:30 am
#256127
Yes, and perlite swells in volume to fifteen to twenty times the original volume. You can check that on the web.
By sbrooks
Posts:  748
Joined:  Tue May 22, 2012 3:33 pm
#256128
zoliky wrote:Yes, and perlite swells in volume to fifteen to twenty times the original volume. You can check that on the web.
I believe that it swells when heated it to an extreme temperature, which is either done when processing all perlite, or for certain purposes.
I know my perlite doesn't swell when wet. If it does, it's not a noticeable amount.
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By nimbulan
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Posts:  2398
Joined:  Fri Feb 28, 2014 9:03 pm
#256131
zoliky wrote:Yes, and perlite swells in volume to fifteen to twenty times the original volume. You can check that on the web.
Perlite is created by expanding raw material when manufactured, because it is heated to high temperatures to vaporize water and other components which creates a very low density, porous structure. It will not expand when wet.
By zoliky
Posts:  197
Joined:  Fri Sep 04, 2015 10:30 am
#256133
Thank you. My bag of perlite also has some white dust in it. Should I remove that? To be honest, it was one of the reasons I choosed to rinse.
By Benurmanii
Posts:  2000
Joined:  Fri Aug 07, 2015 4:34 pm
#256134
zoliky wrote:Thank you. My bag of perlite also has some white dust in it. Should I remove that? To be honest, it was one of the reasons I choosed to rinse.
The white dust is from the perlite. It is best to avoid breathing it in. When working with perlite, it is safest to use a mask, but it also helps to be outside and to rinse the inside of the bag.
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By nimbulan
Location: 
Posts:  2398
Joined:  Fri Feb 28, 2014 9:03 pm
#256135
What I do is pour perlite into bucket and add about twice as much water. Mix the bucket up a bit to make sure The majority of the perlite will float, while the dust will sink so you can skim the larger pieces off the surface. I doubt the dust is harmful to plants but it will make the process a bit cleaner. Definitely avoid breathing in any of the dust, so it's best to do it all outdoors.
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