Application of lime in various business areas
In ferrous metallurgy
Lime allows you to sinter the smallest particles of iron ore for firing in blast furnaces.
Lime removes silicon and alumina from iron ore, and, if necessary, removes impurities of sulfur and phosphorus.
Limestone and lime are added to iron ore to lower its melting point. This process is needed to save energy in production.
Lime is resistant to high temperatures, therefore it is used as a refractory component.
In nonferrous metallurgy
Lime plays a significant role in the enrichment of copper, aluminum, gold, zinc, cobalt and lead.
The alkaline environment created by lime contributes to the flotation of copper, zinc, and lead ores; enrichment of the gold-containing environment (cyanidation process).
In the production of copper, lime plays the role of a flux, for the treatment of gases in the production of metal, as well as for the removal of arsenic from copper in converters and anode furnaces, it acts as a reagent.
Lime protects molten magnesium oxide from oxidation, even used to extinguish flammable magnesium, as well as to neutralize water bodies that have arisen in the mined areas of mining.
In the oil and gas industry
The union of limestone and clay helps regulate the density and viscosity of drilling fluids. In this case, limestone and lime react with their acidic components.
Limestone flour helps precipitate drilling suspensions.
Slaked lime adjusts the pH to the desired level, increases the speed of processing.
Lime is used in biofuel production technologies.
Slaked lime also helps to increase the amount of biogas during fermentation.
In the chemical industry
In the production of gelatin type "B" from the skins and bones of animals requires a very high pH level. Lime helps maintain it.
At high temperatures, lime reacts with carbon to form calcium carbide (CaC2). It is needed in the manufacture of fertilizers and acetylene. As a result of the reaction of lime with phosphoric acid, calcium phosphates are obtained - ingredients for toothpastes, food products, pharmaceutical preparations and, also, fertilizers.
Slaked lime is needed if your task is to keep the fruit fresh. It absorbs CO2 during its maturation during storage.
Lime is a participant in the production of various organic polymers: epoxy resins, polyurethanes, anti-icing fluids for the aircraft industry.
In the glass industry
The use of limestone and lime in the manufacture of glass makes it possible to obtain amorphous and transparent glass, with increased hardness, mechanical and temperature resistance.
In the pulp and paper industry
Lime is used in the chemical process of pulp production.
Lime underlies the production of precipitated calcium carbonate - CaCO3, with which cellulose fibers are obtained, used as a filler and covering material, which favorably affects the whiteness, opacity, density and texture of paper.
In construction
Hydrated calcium silicates are a union of lime and sand.
Slaked lime helps to strengthen building mixtures and mortars.
Limestone is the foundation for concrete structures. Lime is used in the manufacture of autoclaved aerated concrete.
When building with lime, if necessary, dry the soil.
Lime reduces the plasticity of clay soil and clay materials.
Limestone is a filler, and hydrated lime is an additive to improve the quality of asphalt mixes for road surfaces.
For environmental protection
Slaked lime removes acidic pollution from flue gases and, in conjunction with sorbents, even some heavy metals, dioxins and furans, which leads to neutralization of the harmful effects on the environment.
In water supply and drainage
Using lime and limestone, you can adjust the acidity of water and wastewater, bringing the pH level to neutral. Also with the help of flocculation and coagulation, heavy metals are precipitated and water is purified.
Drinking water is enriched and remineralized with lime. She is involved in the process of softening hard water.
In agriculture
Lime reduces soil acidity, making it easier for plants to access nutrients and increase the biological activity of the soil. In the process of liming there is an improvement in the structure of the soil, it becomes more permeable to air and water, saturated with calcium and magnesium.
Calcium and magnesium contained in lime and limestone are essential for the nutrition and proper development of domestic animals and birds.
Lime is used to disinfect pet habitats.
In the food industry
Quicklime is used in the production of white sugar, to clean beet or cane juice from various impurities.
The water remaining after washing the sugar raw materials is also purified with lime and sent for reuse.
Lime is also used to purify citric acid for use in the food industry.