Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
29f731c5f9214b0bb91b902c7ff5544a
Materials
Associated ID
4569f7bc-800d-4eb2-873b-2657c66c3214
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
Quicklime is a common desiccant used for removing water vapor through chemical absorption, and is also utilized in steelmaking, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, desiccants, leather production, and alcohol dehydration. The dataset includes primary raw materials, auxiliary materials, energy inputs, atmospheric emissions, and waste generated during the production process; however, infrastructure such as manufacturing of production equipment and construction of facilities are excluded from the system boundary. The life cycle inventory is compiled from data sourced from multiple references. The production process of quicklime mainly involves the crushing of limestone, feedstock pretreatment, calcination, and lime handling.
Activity Description
The production process of quicklime mainly includes the crushing of limestone, pretreatment of furnace feed, calcination, and lime processing.
Process Description
Quicklime, chemically known as calcium oxide (CaO), is a white powder or solid substance produced by high-temperature calcination of natural limestone (primarily composed of calcium carbonate). During the calcination process, calcium carbonate in the limestone decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas. Quicklime is strongly alkaline and hygroscopic, capable of undergoing a vigorous chemical reaction with water to form calcium hydroxide (commonly known as slaked lime or limewater), releasing a significant amount of heat in the process. As a desiccant that removes water vapor through chemical absorption, quicklime is commonly used in industries such as steel production, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, leather tanning, and alcohol dehydration.
Time period
2021
2026
Geography
China
Geography comment
This dataset is sourced from data of Chinese enterprises and represents the Chinese geographical context.
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
The production of raw lime in vertical kilns is a traditional and economical method for the thermal processing of limestone. During the calcination of limestone, heat is generated by burning coal, coke, or other fuels at the bottom of the vertical kiln. The heat transfers upward through the limestone bed within the kiln, causing the limestone to undergo chemical decomposition. The temperature inside the kiln is typically maintained between 900°C and 1000°C.