EESAC SAS

Modelled fate of sulphur and chlorine
in rotary lime kilns | Part I: Chemical equilibria prevailing
in the kilns

Investigations performed to predict the SO2 and HCl emissions of rotary kilns have shown that Investigation performed to predict the SO2 and HCI emissions of rotary kilns have shown that the chemical reactions needed to assess these emissions also enable quantification of the generation rate of build-ups in the preheating zone of these kilns. As anticipated by the theory and confirmed by industrial tests, sulphur and chlorine loops were found. The chlorine loop is closely interconnected to the sulphur loop that is itself influenced by the process conditions prevailing in the kilns. The quantification of the thus resulting emissions and generation of build-ups requires a precise assessment of all reactions involving sulphur and chlorine. However the first results of the modelling showed only a fair agreement between calculations and monitoring results. Further investigations were therefore carried out. Accordingly it was found that potassium plays a key role in the chemical reactions occurring in rotary lime kilns. The inclusion of this element in the modelling enabled a significant increase in the accuracy of the prediction. This paper presents the chemical reactions used in the model.

1 Introduction

The lime industry is using rotary kilns especially for the flexibility of this production tool. The energy efficiency of rotary kilns was along the time improved, especially with the development of shaft or vertical preheaters.

Practical experience shows that operators of rotary lime kilns face several challenges:

Rotary kilns equipped with vertical preheaters have to be frequently stopped since the preheaters are clogging for reasons that were until now unexplored and often considered as unavoidable. These stops trigger operational costs (cooling down of the kiln, cleaning of the...

Related articles:

Issue 3/2020 MAERZ OFENBAU AG

The Maerz hybrid kiln for variable lime reactivity

1 Introduction The development of modern lime kilns to date has been focusing on the optimisation of the specific heat consumption as well as on the flexibility to use a wide variety of fuels. Little...

more
Issue 8/2021 MAERZ OFENBAU AG

New PFR lime kiln process with blast furnace gas and oxygen

The annual worldwide lime production amounts to approximately 400 million t and roughly 50% thereof is used for the iron and steel industry. Large steel mills often operate their own lime kilns and it...

more
Issue 1/2021 MAERZ OFENBAU AG

New and innovative Maerz PFR lime kiln for Kalkfabrik Netstal in Switzerland

1 Introduction The first lime plant in Netstal/Switzerland became operative in 1900. Since 1992 the operational management of Kalkfabrik Netstal lies with Mr. Heinz Marti. In 1994 the first 200 t/d...

more
Issue 6/2023 MVW LECHTENBERG PROJEKTENTWICKLUNGS- UND BETEILIGUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH

Decarbonizing lime kilns with alternative fuels

Lime is a mineral product derived from limestone by an industrial process. Naturally occurring limestone is composed almost exclusively of calcium carbonate. The lime production process is based on a...

more
Issue 9/2018 OneStone Consulting S.L.

Latest trends in the lime industry

1 Introduction Lime is a versatile high-quality product used in different applications such as environmental, metallurgical, construction, and chemical/industrial applications, and more [1]. Calcium...

more