The crystalline structure of calcite is one of the key factors making it unsuitable for lime production. Compared to other limestones, calcite has a higher degree of crystallinity and exhibits a cubic crystal system. This makes calcite relatively brittle and prone to breakage during calcination.
1.1 The Influence of Crystallinity on the Calcination Process
High crystallinity of calcite makes it prone to structural fracture during calcination. The purpose of calcination is to decompose the calcium carbonate in limestone into calcium oxide, but high crystallinity leads to internal cracks in the limestone particles, affecting the overall strength of the limestone.
1.2 Gas Flow Problems Caused by Crushing
After calcination, calcite is easily crushed, thus hindering gas flow within the lime kiln. This leads to difficulties in exhaust gas discharge, affecting the thermodynamic and gas flow balance within the lime kiln, ultimately impacting the quality and production efficiency of the lime.
