Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing sorbents on the basis of a cellulose-containing material and at least one smectic clay mineral capable of swelling, which form lumps when absorbing liquids. The method is characterized in that: (a) the cellulose-containing material and smectic clay mineral in fine particle form are intimately mixed together, whereby total water content of the components to be mixed is between approximately 25 and 40 weight percent, or is adjusted to be within this range by the addition of water (b) this mixture is compressed by means of a matrix press, and (c) the compressed moulded bodies emerging from the matrix press are cut substantially perpendicular to the direction of emergence and dried. The invention further relates to a sorbent obtained by the above procedure and its use.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a clumpable, highly water absorbent litter product wherein hormite is mixed with sodium smectite clay and a basic reacting alkali metal compound. The mixture is then kneaded, extruded and dried to produce the litter product. Also a clumpable, highly water absorbent litter product which contains as its principal components hormite, sodium smectite and from about 1 to about 3 percent basic reacting alkali metal compound.

Abstract: A process for producing sorbents based on smectites for absorbing liquids is described. This process is characterized in thata) a smectite with a water content of less than 6% by weight;b) a wet mass of fibrous cellulose and inorganic pigments which forms in the treatment of waste water from paper manufacture; andc) anhydrous calcium sulfate (anhydrite) or calcium sulfate hemihydrateare mixed with one another, compressed and crushed. The quantitative ratio between the smectite (a), the wet mass (b) and calcium sulfate (c) are selected such that the water content (free water) of the granular material is less than 20% by weight.

Abstract: A process for the production of sorbents based on bentonite for the uptake of liquids is described. The process is characterized in that a poorly swelling bentonite with a water uptake capacity of less than 100% (in terms of the dried bentonite with a residual water content of 6 wt. %), a montmorillonite content of around 40-65 wt. % and a water content of 20-40 wt. % is homogenized with a basic-reacting alkaline metal compound by thorough kneading and converted by ion exchange to a swelling bentonite, while the pH value of the mixture is not more than 10.5, the mixture is gently dried, and the dried mixture is fragmented.

Abstract: A process for the production of sorbents based on smectite for uptake of liquids. This process is characterized in that:(a) a smectite with a water uptake capacity of less than 115% (in terms of the dried smectite with a residual water content of 6 wt.%) and a smectite content of around 40-65 wt.% and/or(b) a two-layer silicateis/are mixed with an alkaline smectite and the mixture homogenized in moist condition by intensive shearing, the mixture is gently dried, and the dried mixture is fragmented.