Active Lime Introduction
Active lime, also referred to as burnt lime and quicklime, is a widely-used chemical compound. It is made by heating limestone to a very high temperature so that the calcium carbonate breaks down into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The calcium oxide, also known as quicklime, is an alkaline substance which has many industrial applications.
Uses of Active Lime
Active lime is used in a wide range of industries. In the construction industry, quicklime is used to make mortar and concrete, and it can also be used to treat acid soils and reduce their acidity. In the steelmaking process, active lime is used to control the acidity of the steel and remove impurities such as phosphorus and sulphur. In the papermaking industry, quicklime is used to adjust the pH of the pulp and make the paper more durable.
Active lime is also used in a variety of other industries, such as in the production of glass and ceramics, and in the manufacture of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. In addition, it is used in wastewater treatment and in the removal of hazardous substances from the environment.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of active lime begins with the quarrying of limestone. The rock is then crushed, screened and washed before it is transported to the kiln where it is heated to temperatures of over 900°C. This process, referred to as calcination, results in the breakdown of the limestone into quicklime and carbon dioxide. The quicklime is then cooled, screened and stored for further processing.
Benefits of Active Lime
Active lime offers a number of benefits, both for industrial and environmental purposes. Its alkaline properties make it an effective agent in the neutralisation of acidic solutions and the removal of pollutants. It also has a high reactivity, which means that it can quickly react with other components in its application.
Furthermore, active lime can be re-used in many industrial processes, making it an economically-efficient material. Its production is also a relatively simple process. Furthermore, its quicklime product does not contain contaminants, and because it does not produce any byproducts or emissions, it is considered to be quite environmentally-friendly.
Conclusion
Active lime, also known as quicklime and burnt lime, is a widely-used chemical compound with a wide range of industrial applications. It is produced from heated limestone, and consists of calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. Active lime is used in construction, steelmaking, papermaking, glass and ceramics production, and in the manufacture of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It also has various environmental applications. Active lime is easy to manufacture and it offers a number of benefits, including its high reactivity and its ability to be reused in many industrial processes.
