Clay Balls
Fired Clay Aggregate · Expanded Clay Pellets · LECA · Clay Media
Clay balls are spherical pellets manufactured by firing natural clay at high temperatures, creating a durable outer shell and porous internal structure. The resulting material is lightweight, free-flowing, and resistant to degradation. Although generally easy to convey, clay balls can fracture under excessive impact and create fines during handling. Their ceramic composition also contributes to gradual equipment wear over time. KWS designs conveying systems that provide gentle handling, minimize particle breakage, and ensure reliable material flow.
Overview
Chemical Formula
Common Names
Common Forms
Applications
- Hydroponic and horticultural growing media
- Drainage and filtration systems
- Lightweight aggregate for construction
- Soil conditioning and landscaping
- Industrial filtration and environmental applications
Material Characteristics
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Common Forms | Spherical Pellets, Expanded Clay Aggregate |
| Bulk Density | 20-35 lb/ft³ (depends on porosity and manufacturing process) |
| Flow Behavior | Free-flowing and non-cohesive |
| Abrasiveness | Moderate Fired ceramic surfaces cause gradual wear |
| Corrosiveness | Not Corrosive |
| Dust Potential | Low to Moderate Fines may be generated from pellet breakage |
Handling Challenges
- Particle breakage caused by excessive drop heights and impact
- Abrasive wear on conveyor components over extended service periods
- Dust generation from fractured pellets and fines
- Segregation of particle sizes during conveying and storage
- Maintaining pellet integrity during loading and discharge operations
Summary
Clay balls require conveying and storage systems designed for lightweight, free-flowing, and moderately abrasive materials. KWS Manufacturing provides engineered solutions—including screw conveyors, drag conveyors, and bucket elevators—that minimize particle degradation while ensuring reliable material flow and long equipment life.
With extensive experience handling aggregates, ceramics, and horticultural media, KWS ensures efficient, dependable, and low-maintenance operation for clay ball handling systems.
