Lime is a versatile chemical substance which is indispensable for many industrial processes and applications. Lime is used in different forms:
- as uncalcined calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
- as burnt lime or quick lime (CaO)
- as hydrated lime Ca(OH)2
The most important areas of use are briefly mentioned below. Lime is an indispensable component in:
Iron and Steel
- production of sinter
- treatment of pig iron
- basic oxygen steelmaking
Construction and Building
- building lime
- calcium silicate bricks
- masonry mortar and rendering
- treatment and stabilization of soils
Water and Flue Gas
- drinking water
- waste water
- sewage treatment
- flue gas purification (wet and dry scrubbing)
Industrial Chemicals
- inorganic and organic calcium components
- fluxing or bonding agent
- source of calcium and alkalinity (neutralization)
Agriculture, Forestry and Food
- soil fertility and pH improvement
- lake liming
- human food, animal feed additive
Other Areas
- glass
- paper and pulp
- soda lime
- refining of non-ferrous metals