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Quicklime, rich in CaO(s), is generated by calcining limestone at high temperatures. Parallel-flow regenerative lime kilns are the most energy-effective industrial method available today. To prevent major disruptions in such kilns, a high raw material quality is necessary. Under some conditions, impurity-enriched material may adhere to limestone pebbles and enter the kiln. In this study, limestone and corresponding quicklime were analyzed to evaluate the extent and composition of surface impurities and assess the effect on quicklime product quality, here defined as free CaO. This was performed by sampling and analyzing limestone, quarry clay, laboratory-produced quicklime, and industrially produced quicklime with XRF, SEM/EDX, and XRD; interpretations were supported by thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. In the laboratory-produced quicklime, the surface impurities reacted with calcium forming Larnite, Gehlenite, Åkermanite and Merwinite, reducing the quicklime quality. The results showed that the limestone surface layer comprised 1.2 wt.-% of the total mass but possessed 4 wt.-% of the total impurities. The effect on industrially produced quicklime quality was lower; this indicated that the limestone surface impurities were removed while the material moved through the kiln. Multicomponent chemical equilibrium calculations showed that the quarry clay was expected to be fully melted at 1170 °C, possibly leading to operational problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the impact of oxygen (O2) enrichment on rotary kiln lump lime production. A predictive simulation tool is utilized to investigate the effect of O2 enrichment on the following key parameters of the lime process: kiln temperature profile, product quality, specific energy consumption and kiln production capacity. Three fuel mixes--100% coal, 90% coal and 10%> waste derived fuel oil, and 90% coal and 10% sawdust--are simulated at three oxygen levels. The oxygen levels represent three scenarios: no enrichment (21% O2), moderate enrichment (23% O2), and moderate-to-high enrichment (25% O2). This work is a part of the on-going efforts to reduce the environmental impact of industrial production. Reducing emissions, utilizing biofuels and waste derived fuels, full utilization of raw materials, and energy efficiency are areas of importance for industry. In the long term, oxyfuel technology, i.e., combustion with recirculated kiln gases and pure oxygen, could allow for near-zero emission production and carbon sequestration from industry and power production. In the short term, emission reductions in lime production must be achieved through other means, such as energy efficiency. As a step on the path to a near-zero emission lime plant, this paper describes an investigation of the influence of oxygen enrichment in rotary kiln lime production. The simulated results show positive effects of O, enrichment, and the simulation results have been used by the kiln operator for in-house training. Results indicate that oxygen enrichment applied to lime production can reduce energy consumption and emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a recently developed simulation model that can be used as a tool for evaluating sustainable development measures for cement and lime production processes. Examples of such measures are introducing new combustion technologies such as oxy-fuel combustion, using biomass fuel and using alternative materials in the raw material feed. One major issue when introducing process changes is the need to maintain product quality. In some ways, oxygen-enriched air combustion resembles oxy-fuel combustion. The model results were validated and found to be consistent with full-scale operational data for normal running conditions and for a full-scale test with oxygen-enriched air. The model shows, for example, that with an additional 1500 m/h of oxygen, fuel addition at the calciners can increase up to 108% and the raw material feed rate can increase up to 116% for a process with a raw meal feed of 335·5 t/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]