A method for producing a bulk material consisting substantially of foamed or blown mineral or oxide particles by thermal treatment of a bulk material of basic particles, characterized in that the thermal treatment includes transport of a transversely conveyed or horizontal layer or of a free flow of the bulk material through a radiation field, the substantial active component of which lies in the near infrared range (NIR), and which has a power density of at least 50 kW/m2.

A method for heat treatment of a grain-shaped feed material uses a calcination device in order to remove carbonate or water of crystallization from the feed material. In order to continuously check the quality of the heat treatment process, the bulk density of the heat-treated material is measured continuously, wherein upon detection of a deviation of the determined bulk density from the at least one desired bulk density at least one heat treatment parameter of the heat treatment is adapted automatically or manually.

A method for heat treatment of a grain-shaped feed material uses a calcination device in order to remove carbonate or water of crystallization from the feed material. In order to continuously check the quality of the heat treatment process, the bulk density of the heat-treated material is measured continuously, wherein upon detection of a deviation of the determined bulk density from the at least one desired bulk density at least one heat treatment parameter of the heat treatment is adapted automatically or manually.

A method for the use of a clay including: less than 30% of kaolinite; and at least 20% of muscovite and/or illite; from 1% to 20% of smectite; the muscovite and/or illite/kaolinite weight ratio being greater than 1; for the preparation of a geopolymer precursor.

A method for the use of a clay including: less than 30% of kaolinite; and at least 20% of muscovite and/or illite; from 1% to 20% of smectite; the muscovite and/or illite/kaolinite weight ratio being greater than 1; for the preparation of a geopolymer precursor.

A method for heat treatment of a grain-shaped feed material using a calcination device to remove carbonate or water of crystallization from the feed material are provided. To continuously check the quality of the heat treatment process, the bulk density of the heat-treated material is measured continuously, wherein upon detection of a deviation of the determined bulk density from the at least one desired bulk density at least one heat treatment parameter of the heat treatment is adapted automatically or manually.

A reduced weight, reduced density gypsum panel that includes high expansion vermiculite with fire resistance capabilities that are at least comparable to (if not better than) commercial fire rated gypsum panels with a much greater gypsum content, weight and density.

A reduced weight, reduced density gypsum panel that includes high expansion vermiculite with fire resistance capabilities that are at least comparable to (if not better than) commercial fire rated gypsum panels with a much greater gypsum content, weight and density.

A device for producing expanded granulated material from mineral material in the form of grains of sand with an expanding agent includes a furnace with a furnace shaft, having an upper end and a lower end. A conveying section extends between the two ends and passes through a number of heating zones arranged separately from one another in a conveying direction. The device also includes at least one feeder in order to charge at least the unexpanded material into the furnace shaft at one of the two ends in the direction of the other of the two ends. At least one directing element is at least partly arranged in the furnace shaft and forms a gap with an inner wall of the furnace shaft, at least in the region of one of the two ends. The at least one feeder is designed for charging the material into the gap.

Insulation panel made from an insulation panel precursor comprising at least one modified layered silicate.