SUBJECT:

Building Materials & Construction

B. Tech. III (Civil), 5th Semester

SUBJECT TEACHER:
Bhaven N. Tandel
Assistant Professor,
Department of Civil Engineering,
SV National Institute of Technology, Surat.
bnt@ced.svnit.ac.in
(+91) 98255 53175

MANUFACTURE
OF LIME

BASIC PRINCIPLES
1.
Chemical reaction: The reaction
given
below occurs at 900 C.
CaCO3
2.

CaO +

CO2

Optimum conditions for effective

reaction:
(i)
Maintain 900C or more
throughout
the kiln.
(ii) Maintain uniformity of burning
by
supplying appropriate size
of
limestone and fuel.
(iii) Maintain smooth movement of
exhaust gas for reuse.

OPERATIONAL FACTORS IN THE

MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF LIME

1. Temperature in kiln:
For each type of limestone, there is a
temperature range of calcination which
gives best burning. At 900C, limestone
liberates CO2 at fairly rapid rate. For
faster rate, temperature should be over
900C. For max. efficiency temp of exhaust
gases should be as low as possible.
2. Size of limestone:
Larger is the size
of limestone larger is the time required for
heat to reach the centre of limestone.
3. Size of fuel: It should be such that it
burns at required rate in calcination zone.
Usually the size of coke may be half the

MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Raw materials: Coke, coal, limestone
Stages of operation:
1.Charging
2.Calcining
3.Drawing
4.Hydrating

DESCRIPTION OF EACH STAGE OF

OPERATION
1. Preparation of limestone: Limestone from quarry
should be crushed to the required size.
Undersized material should be rejected.
2. Preparation of fuel: Fuel should be reduced to
the size stated above.
3. Reserve storage: Quantities sufficient for one
day use of proper sized limestone and fuel
should be kept in reserve.
4. Charging and proportion of mixing: The
proportion of limestone to fuel mix for charging
in kiln is calculated with regard to heat req. for
calcination and calorific value of fuel.

5. Kiln loading: It is done manually by

human chain ladder or by lifts and skips.
6.Calcination: The mixture is allowed to
burn, converting calcium carbonate to
calcium oxide which is called quick lime.
7. Drawing: Drawing is done at regular
intervals that has been fixed with due
regard to loading cycle. The interval should
not be more than 8 hours. The drawn lime
is cooled and picked for under burnt and
over burnt lime.
8. Hydration of lime: For commercial use
quick lime is completely hydrated to dry
powder.