Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
e807bc7e177e4b36b42ea84f42eb507f
Materials
Associated ID
847207e3-2250-4e84-8348-1754b8c402ec
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 steel production, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, desiccants, leather processing, and alcohol dehydration. The dataset includes major raw and auxiliary materials, energy inputs, atmospheric emissions, and waste generated during the production process. Infrastructure such as production equipment manufacturing and plant construction are not included within the system boundary of the dataset. The life cycle inventory is compiled from data sourced from multiple references. The production process of quicklime mainly includes limestone crushing, feedstock pretreatment, calcination, and lime handling procedures.
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
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
The production of raw lime in a rotary kiln is an efficient thermal processing method for limestone. During the calcination process in the rotary kiln, the temperature inside the kiln is typically controlled between 900°C and 1100°C. This high-temperature environment causes the calcium carbonate in limestone to decompose, producing calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The rotation of the kiln ensures uniform heating of the limestone particles and consistent thermal decomposition reactions.