Normal Lump Lime
The robust, bulk-grade standard for foundational metallurgical and industrial processing. Delivered in its traditional, uncrushed form directly from the calcination kiln, Normal Lump Lime provides a steady and dependable source of basicity, with a balanced dissolution rate that ensures sustained neutralisation. In calcium carbide manufacturing, its bulk lump form is charged with metallurgical coke or anthracite into a submerged-arc electric furnace, where temperatures of approximately 2000 °C drive the endothermic reaction CaO + 3C → CaC₂ + CO. The uncrushed lump geometry is critical to the process: it withstands the mechanical burden loads and thermal shock of the furnace, maintains an open, permeable charge that allows carbon monoxide off-gas to percolate freely to the top, and provides a steady, controlled feed rate of CaO into the reaction zone — minimising fines carryover, electrode fouling and thermal instability.
Industries & applications
Where it's used
Carbide
High-calcium quicklime is a primary raw material in the manufacturing of calcium carbide. When combined with a carbon source, such as coke, and heated to extreme temperatures in an electric arc furnace, the lime reacts to form this essential chemical intermediate. Calcium carbide is subsequently used to generate acetylene gas for welding and serves as a vital building block in various organic synthesis processes.
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Dispersants are used in paper manufacturing to maintain stable pigment and filler suspensions, improving retention, sheet formation, surface quality, and production efficiency
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