Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
e2d26c5f-b92c-4d76-8566-a0028ae29cdd
Materials
Associated ID
d67a1df8-a8da-455e-96ee-ea54d7bd3cc4
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
Quicklime is a common desiccant used for removing water vapor through chemical absorption, and it is also employed in steel production, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, desiccants, leather tanning, and alcohol dehydration. The dataset includes primary raw and auxiliary materials, energy use, atmospheric emissions, water discharges, and waste generated during the production process. Infrastructure such as equipment manufacturing and facility construction is not 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 involves the following steps: limestone crushing, feedstock pretreatment, calcination, and lime handling. Calcination is carried out in either rotary kilns or vertical shaft kilns.
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 crushed limestone is fed into a calcination kiln, such as a rotary kiln or shaft kiln. Inside the kiln, the limestone is heated to high temperatures, typically between 900°C and 1100°C. At this temperature, calcium carbonate in the limestone decomposes, producing calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.