Sampling tool for sampling refired lime from lime kiln and apparatus and method for determining amount of residual carbonate in refired lime sampled from lime kiln

Abstract

The invention relates to a sampling tool (10) for sampling refired lime from a lime kiln, comprising: a holding device (11) for holding the sampling tool (10) in the lime kiln during sampling; and a preparation chamber (12) having a sample inlet (13) for receiving the sample from the lime kiln into the preparation chamber (12), a sample outlet (14) for unloading the sample from the preparation chamber (12), a screening device (15) for limiting the particle size range of the sample. The invention also relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in refired lime sampled from a lime kiln.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a sampling tool for sampling reburned lime from a lime kiln. In addition, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in reburned lime sampled from a lime kiln. Background Art

[0002] In a lime kiln, lime mud (CaCO3) is regenerated into reburned lime (CaO) by heat. In this process, a key performance indicator of the quality of the burned lime is the proportion of residual carbonate (CaCO3%) in the reburned lime.

[0003] Traditionally, the proportion of residual carbonate has been measured by manually taking a sample from the burned lime at the lime kiln and analyzing the sample in a laboratory using acid to determine the amount of residual carbonate in the reburned lime.

[0004] Disadvantages of this known method are that the method takes the operator's time during production since the operator has to perform the sampling in the midst of their other tasks. Sampling is also dangerous for the operator since the reburned lime taken from the lime kiln is very hot (up to 1000 °C) and is corrosive and irritating. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sampling tool for sampling reburned lime samples from a lime kiln and an apparatus and a method by means of which lime sampling, sample processing and analysis of lime samples can be carried out more quickly without manual work and by means of which exposure to danger can be reduced.

[0006] The present invention solves the above problems because the sampling tool according to the present invention has a preparation chamber that can be used to sample and screen the recalcined lime sample from the lime kiln when the sampling tool is in the lime kiln, and is also used to unload the sample for further processing (for example, unloading to a grinding device for grinding the sample). And since these sample preparation stages can be carried out remotely by using, for example, a remotely controlled or automated sampling tool moving device, the manual sampling and sample preparation work that requires the operator's working hours and causes pressure and safety risks is avoided. More specifically, the sampling tool according to the present invention is characterized by the features described in independent claim 1. An apparatus for determining the amount of residual carbonate in recalcined lime sampled from a lime kiln is characterized by the features described in independent claim 14. A method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in recalcined lime sampled from a lime kiln is characterized by the features described in independent claim 17. Dependent claims 2 to 13 present some advantageous embodiments of the sampling tool according to the present invention, dependent claims 15 and 16 of the apparatus according to the present invention, and dependent claim 18 of the method according to the present invention.

[0007] An advantage of the present invention is that the sampling tool does not require tool replacement because all stages of sampling can be performed by using the same sampling tool, which accelerates the testing process and results in cost savings. Another advantage is that the sampling tool according to the present invention can be automated for testing by applying, for example, an industrial robot, providing a high level of flexibility with respect to the layout (compared to, for example, a large conveyor system). Another advantage is that the sampling tool of the present invention allows all the required sample processing tasks to be completed by using a single device, which minimizes the required amount of separate equipment. This makes the testing particularly simpler and cost-effective. Automation and directness make the sampling process faster, which allows for a higher analysis frequency. A higher analysis frequency improves the data resolution and enables the operator to more precisely control the lime recalcination process. Additionally, when the present invention is applied, due to automation, no operator is required to manually perform any sampling tasks, which reduces their burden and enables them to focus on their main work, especially reducing the stress suffered due to work. Moreover, since robotic sampling can be performed by using the sampling tool according to the present invention, at least most of the above safety hazards associated with manual sampling can be eliminated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 An embodiment of the sampling tool according to the present invention is shown as seen obliquely from above,

[0010] Figure 2 as shownFigure 1 A side view of the sampling tool shown in the position where its analysis chamber is in an upright position,

[0011] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 a rear view of the sampling tool shown in, and

[0012] Figure 4 shows Figures 1 to 3 a front view of the sampling tool shown in. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0013] Figures 1-4 The embodiment of the sampling tool 10 shown in is suitable for sampling lime samples from several different positions in a lime kiln. Most typically, the lime sample is taken from the chute of the lime kiln, but it is also possible to sample from other positions, such as from the passage and conveyor of the lime kiln or from inside the lime kiln. Therefore, when the general limitation of taking or sampling the sample from the lime kiln is used hereinafter, it means that the sample can be taken from any of these places.

[0014] Figures 1-4 The embodiment of the sampling tool 10 shown in includes a holding device 11 for holding the sampling tool 10 in the lime kiln during sampling. The holding device 11 for holding the sampling tool 10 can be, for example, an elongate arm-like element, which is preferably so long that it extends from outside the lime kiln to the position where sampling occurs inside the lime kiln. Figures 1-4 The embodiment also includes a preparation chamber 12, which has a sample inlet 13 for receiving the sample from the lime kiln, a sample outlet 14 for unloading the sample from the preparation chamber 12, and a screening device 15 for restricting the particle size range of the sample. In Figures 1-4 the case of the embodiment, the screening device 15 is capable of screening from sample particles having a particle size exceeding a predetermined particle size upper limit P max and a predetermined particle size lower limit P min . However, in some embodiments, the screening device can be such that it is only capable of screening out from the sample particles having a particle size exceeding a predetermined particle size upper limit P max (i.e., such that the sample received by the screening device contains sample particles having a particle size between 0 and P max ), or such that it is only capable of screening out from the sample particles having a particle size lower than a predetermined particle size lower limit P min (i.e., such that the sample received by the screening device contains sample particles having a particle size between P min and the particle size still suitable for entering the preparation chamber through the sample inlet).

[0015] In Figures 1-4In the embodiment shown, and wherein the screening device 15 is capable of screening from sample particles having a particle size above a predetermined particle size upper limit P max and below a predetermined particle size lower limit P min The particle size is determined by the minimum diameter of the sieve openings of the first sieve 18 or the second sieve 19 of the screening device 15. More specifically, the diameter of the sieve opening defines the size of the sample particles suitable for passing through the first sieve 18 or the second sieve 19. If the sieve opening has a constant size in all directions, it defines the largest sample particles that can pass through the sieve. However, if the sieve opening size varies (e.g., the sieve opening is groove-shaped), it defines the maximum and minimum sizes of the sample particles that can pass through the sieve, as is the case with the first sieve 18 and the second sieve 19 in the embodiment of Figures 1-4 . In the case of the sampling tool shown in Figures 1-4 , the preferred value of P max is 25 mm, and the preferred value of P min is 5 mm. However, these values can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. In addition, in such embodiments where the screening device is capable of screening from sample particles having a particle size above a predetermined particle size upper limit P max or below a predetermined particle size lower limit P min , only one sieve may be arranged to screen out particles having the corresponding particle size from the sample.

[0016] In Figures 1-4 , the sample inlet 13 is an opening at the top of the preparation chamber 12. Preferably, the opening is large enough and has a shape that can receive lime into the preparation chamber 12 when the sampling tool 10 is placed below the chute of, for example, a lime kiln. In the case of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4 , the sample inlet 13 is formed by the open top side of the preparation chamber 12. In other embodiments, alternatively, it may only include a part of the top side. In addition, in some other embodiments, the sample inlet may include additional one or several elements, and / or may be such that it allows taking samples, for example, from any suitable position inside the lime kiln rather than below the chute.

[0017] Figures 1 to 4 The sampling tool 10 shown in also includes a cooling device 16 arranged inside the preparation chamber 12 to accelerate the cooling of the sample in the preparation chamber 12. The lime sample taken out from the lime kiln is very hot, usually having a temperature of about 1000 °C. Therefore, it is important to cool the sample as quickly as possible after the sample has been screened in the lime kiln to achieve the upcoming stages, namely, grinding and analysis of the sample, without wasting time.

[0018] The first sieve 18 and the second sieve 19 have been arranged in the preparation chamber 12 such that: the first sieve 18 rejects particles having a particle size above a predetermined particle size upper limit Pmax sample particles of a granularity, and the second sieve 19 rejects sample particles having a granularity lower than a predetermined lower granularity limit P min of the granularity. The sample inlet 13 is located above the first sieve 18, and the sample space 17 is the space between the first sieve 18 and the second sieve 19. Thus, when screening is carried out, sample particles having a granularity between a predetermined upper granularity limit P max and the lower granularity limit P min are retained in the sample space 17.

[0019] In Figures 1 to 4 the embodiment shown, the sample outlet 14 is an opening arranged into the preparation chamber 12 at the location of the sample space 17. More specifically, as can be seen from Figure 4 it, at the front end of the preparation chamber 12, the sample outlet 14 is formed in the side wall 21. Thus, by tilting the sampling tool 10 at an inclined angle such that the sample outlet 14 is pointed downward, the screened sample can be unloaded.

[0020] In such an embodiment having only one sieve for screening particles having a granularity exceeding a predetermined upper granularity limit P max or lower than the lower granularity limit P min of the granularity, there can be only one sieve in the preparation chamber. In this case, the only one sieve is located between the sample inlet and the impermeable bottom wall of the preparation chamber, and the sample particles received by the only one sieve cannot leave through the impermeable bottom wall. Thus, in this embodiment, the sample space is within the side wall between the only one sieve and the bottom wall. The sample outlet can be positioned similarly to the sample outlet in the Figures 1 to 4 embodiment shown.

[0021] In order to accommodate the sample during the analysis of the sample, the sampling tool 10 can include an analysis chamber 20 capable of receiving the sample from outside the sampling tool 10. In Figures 1-4In the embodiment shown, the analysis chamber 20 is a tray attached to the side wall 21 of the preparation chamber 12 outside the preparation chamber 12. Thus, it has only a bottom wall and side walls, and it is open from its top end to receive the sample to be analyzed. However, in some other embodiments, the analysis chamber may not be part of the sampling tool, but may be separable from the sampling tool. Thus, the analysis chamber may be arranged, for example, in combination with a separate analysis device, which is exchanged onto the sampling tool moving device such that the separate analysis device replaces that part of the sampling tool that includes the preparation chamber, and before analysis, the prepared sample is loaded into the separate analysis device. Loading is most typically implemented such that the sample is received from the grinding device, where the screened and cooled sample is unloaded from the preparation chamber after screening. Thus, in embodiments of the sampling tool that do not have their own analysis chamber, the analysis chamber does not exist during the preparation phase, and on the other hand, the preparation chamber does not exist during the analysis phase. However, there may also be embodiments where the analysis chamber is detachably attached to the sampling tool, and thus in the case of such embodiments, the analysis of the sample can be carried out by using the sampling tool with the analysis chamber or by using a separate device including the analysis chamber.

[0022] As can be seen from Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 it can be seen that in the Figures 1 to 4 embodiment, the analysis chamber 20 has been attached to the side wall 21 of the preparation chamber 12 in such an orientation that the open end 20a of the analysis chamber 20 is open perpendicular to the direction in which the sample is received through the sample inlet 13 into the preparation chamber 12 (i.e., the sample entering the analysis chamber is received perpendicular to the receiving direction of the sample entering the preparation chamber 12). This is advantageous because due to this feature, at the same moment when the sampling tool 10 is rotated to the position where the preparation chamber 12 can receive the next sample to be prepared through the sample inlet 13, the previously analyzed sample is unloaded from the analysis chamber 20. In other embodiments where the sampling tool includes an analysis chamber, the angle between the open end of the analysis chamber and the said receiving direction of the sample entering the preparation chamber may vary somewhat from the perpendicular angle. Thus, it can be, for example, any angle, preferably between 30° and 120°, such that when the sampling tool is rotated to the position where the preparation chamber 12 is ready to receive the next sample to be prepared, the previously analyzed sample is correspondingly unloaded.

[0023] Figures 1-4 The preparation chamber 12 of the sampling tool 10 shown in Figures 1-4In the embodiment, there is no top wall in the preparation chamber 12, and the preparation chamber 12 is open from its top side. Thus, the top side of the preparation chamber 12 forms a sample inlet 13 for receiving a sample. The sieve plate 18a of the first sieve 18 is between the upper edge 21a and the lower edge 21b of the side wall 21, thus forming an "intermediate bottom plate" for the preparation chamber. When the sample is received from the lime kiln through the sample inlet 13 into the preparation chamber 12, the sieve plate 18a supports the sample. The sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19 is at the lower edge 21b of the side wall 21. However, in other embodiments similar to this, it can also be placed at a position between the sieve plate of the first sieve and the lower edge of the side wall, such that an appropriate space for the sample particles passing through the first sieve is left between the sieve plate of the first sieve and the sieve plate of the second sieve. The sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19 forms the only bottom wall of the preparation chamber 12 in the sampling tool 10. Thus, the particles of the sample having a particle size lower than the predetermined lower particle size limit P min fall from the preparation chamber 12 through the sieve plate 19b of the second sieve 19. In such an embodiment where only the sieve is for screening the particles having a particle size lower than the lower particle size limit P min , the sieve can have only one sieve plate, and the only one sieve plate forms the bottom wall of the preparation chamber.

[0024] In Figures 1-4 's embodiment, the cooling device 16 includes a cooling medium channel 22 arranged in the preparation chamber 12. In this embodiment, the cooling medium channel 22 is formed in the side wall of the preparation chamber by forming a double covering layer of the side wall 21, as can be seen from Figure 4 that there is a hollow space between the double covering layers of the side wall 21. The hollow space is divided into a plurality of sections that have already been divided from each other by the intermediate wall 22a arranged in the side wall 21, such that the cooling medium flows in all sections of the cooling medium channel 22. Thus, the cooling medium cools the entire side wall 21 when it flows through the cooling medium channel 22. Since in this embodiment the cooling medium is air, it does not have to be returned to the cooling medium source, but can be released into the atmosphere. This occurs through the cooling medium outlet 22b shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 . In other embodiments, the cooling medium can be some other fluid suitable for cooling the sampling tool after sampling. However, air is advantageous because no kind of equipment for storing air and returning the air to any storage device is required as in the case of using other cooling media. This makes the cooling device simpler and cheaper. In addition, in such a system, the existing compressed air supply system, such as the compressed air supply system of the lime kiln, can be utilized.

[0025] In Figures 1-4In an embodiment, the holding device 11 is an elongate arm-like element having a first end 23 and a second end 24. In the second end there is a flange 24a by means of which the holding device can be attached to the tool moving device or can be held by the tool moving device, such as being held by the arm of an articulated robot. At the first end 23 there is a flange 23a by means of which the holding device 11 is fixed to the front end of the preparation chamber 12. The holding device 11 is preferably designed such that the sampling tool 10 extends through a door or hatch into the lime kiln, such that advantageously, the tool moving device remains outside the lime kiln as much as possible. In this embodiment, the holding device further comprises: a connecting conduit 25 connected to the cooling medium channel 22 of the preparation chamber 12; and a connector for connecting the connecting conduit 25 to the cooling medium supply device. Since the cooling medium is air in this case, the connector can be, for example, a compressed air connector. In other embodiments, the cooling medium can be, for example, a certain liquid or other gas. At least, in the case where a certain liquid is used as the cooling medium, the system includes all the necessary equipment for cooling the liquid, such as a storage container (e.g., a reservoir) from which the coolant is pumped to the sampling tool and the liquid returns from the sampling tool to the storage container after it has circulated in the cooling channels of the sampling tool. In this case, there can also be, for example, a heat exchanger or cooler for cooling the liquid before it returns to the storage container.

[0026] When preparing the sampling tool according to Figures 1 to 4 for lime sampling, the sampling tool 10 is held from its holding device 11 or the holding device 11 is fixedly attached to the tool moving device at its second end 24 from its flange 24a. For example, the tool moving device can be a suitable manipulator by means of which the sampling tool 10 can be moved into the lime kiln to obtain a sample and moved from the lime kiln to other devices required for analysis. Preferably, the tool moving device is an articulated robot (having, for example, six degrees of freedom) because: with this articulated robot, the sampling tool can move most freely to the desired positions and places during the sampling stage and the analysis stage. The articulated robot is also advantageous because it can be programmed to produce suitable screening movements to complete, for example, screening in the lime chute inside the lime kiln. In addition, the connector of the cooling device and the cooling medium supply device can be prepared such that: after removing the sampling tool 10 from the lime kiln, the sampling tool can be immediately connected to the cooling medium supply device. Since Figures 1 to 4 the cooling medium used in the embodiment of

[0027] is air, the cooling medium supply device is a suitable air supply device, such as, for example, the compressed air supply system of a factory. Figures 1 to 4The sampling and determination of the amount of residual carbonate in the reburned lime sample by the sampling tool 10 can be divided, for example, into the following stages:

[0028] 1. Insert the sampling tool 10 into the lime chute or into other positions in the lime kiln, and collect the sample into the preparation chamber 12 of the sampling tool 10.

[0029] 2. Screen out lime particles larger than a predetermined upper size limit P max through the first sieve 18. During screening, the sampling tool 10 is inside the chute, and the screening movement is performed by twisting the arm of the robot back and forth (or by the corresponding part of another tool moving device), so that the sampling tool 10 rotates correspondingly relative to its longitudinal axis X. This causes the reject material (i.e., sample particles with a particle size higher than the predetermined particle size upper limit P max ) to fall out of the preparation chamber 12. The accept material (i.e., sample particles with a particle size lower than the predetermined particle size upper limit P max ) reaches the sample space 17 through the sieve plate 18a of the first sieve 18.

[0030] 3. Screen out particles smaller than a predetermined lower size limit P min through the sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19. This occurs for sample particles that have passed through the sieve plate 18a of the first sieve 18 (i.e., are in the sample space). The reject material (i.e., sample particles with a particle size lower than the predetermined lower size limit P min ) formed during this stage of screening passes through the sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19 and falls back into the lime kiln. The accept material (i.e., sample particles with a particle size between the particle size upper limit P max and the particle size lower limit P min ) remains inside the sample space 17.

[0031] 4. Move the sampling tool 10 to the cooling station, where the cooling air supply is connected to the holding device 11, and the holding device 11 conducts the cooling air supply to the cooling channel 22 of the preparation chamber 12. Thus, the side wall 21 of the preparation chamber 12 is cooled, and thus the sample inside the sample space 17 is also cooled. Since the cooling is performed by the cooling device 16 passing through the side wall 21 of the preparation chamber 12 rather than, for example, by direct blowing (as is the case when applying currently known methods), the sample is not scattered into the atmosphere.

[0032] 5. The cooled and screened sample is carefully unloaded from the sample space 17 through the sample outlet 14 to a grinding device to perform grinding of the sample. The side wall 21 of the preparation chamber 12 at the location of the sample outlet 14 is shaped such that while the sample moves away from the location where sampling was performed, the side wall 21 holds the sample at an angle in the sample space 17. However, during this stage, when the sampling tool 10 is tilted in the tilted or vertical position, the sample particles fall out of the sample space 17.

[0033] 6. After the grinding stage, the sampling tool 12 is rotated by the tool moving device (i.e., for example, by twisting the arm of a robot) such that the open end of the analysis chamber 20 is pointed upward. In this position, it can be used to collect the sample from the outlet of the grinding device. Figure 2 The correct position is shown in. Then, the sampling tool is moved relative to a fixed scraper plate by the tool moving device (i.e., for example, the arm of a robot), by means of which the sample is flattened such that the scraper readjusts the sample particles in the analysis chamber 20.

[0034] 7. The final stage is to determine the amount of residual carbonate from the reburned lime by analyzing the prepared sample. During this stage, when the sample is in the analysis chamber 20, the sample is brought into contact with an analysis probe. This analysis can be performed, for example, by using a probe that determines the amount of residual carbonate by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Alternatively, other types of probes suitable for determining the amount of residual carbonate can be applied. In addition, the analysis can be performed by some other suitable method. For example, alternatively, traditional analysis methods can be applied, i.e., the calcimeter method (e.g., SCAN-32:98) that is commonly used to measure the residual carbonate content, or an analysis method based on the carbon content to measure the residual carbonate content from the reburned lime.

[0035] After the analysis stage, the sampling cycle begins. Stage 1 starts, and when the sampling tool is twisted back to the position where it can receive the next lime sample from the chute into the preparation chamber 12, the used sample will fall into the dropping chute. In this way, all the samples are taken back into the process and no waste is formed.

[0036] In the case where the sampling tool has a screening device such that the screening device can screen out only the particles having a particle size exceeding a predetermined particle size upper limit P max or having a particle size lower than a predetermined particle size lower limit P min of the sample, except for omitting the screening stage 2 or 3 respectively, the sampling and the determination of the amount of residual carbonate in the reburned lime sample are completed in a corresponding manner as described above.

[0037] A sampling tool, device and method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in a reburned lime sample can be further implemented in a manner different from the above embodiments.

[0038] For example, in some embodiments of the sampling tool, the screening device may include a single sieve with an adjustable sieve opening. Such a sieve can be placed in the preparation chamber, for example, similarly to the first sieve 18 in the Figures 1 to 4 embodiment. Thus, by means of such a screening device, by screening in two separate stages, it is possible to screen out sample particles having a particle size greater than a predetermined particle size upper limit P max and lower than a predetermined particle size lower limit P min . This will occur in the following manner: after the particles having a particle size greater than the predetermined particle size upper limit P max have been screened out, in the first stage, the size of the sieve opening will be reduced to correspond to the particle size of the predetermined particle size lower limit P min , and then, in the second stage, by using the sieve with the reduced sieve opening, the preparation chamber will be inverted to perform the second screening stage. Inverting the preparation chamber also unloads the rejects of the first screening stage (i.e., those particles that are too large) from above the sieve.

[0039] Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but the present invention can vary within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sampling tool (10) for sampling and resintering lime from a lime kiln, comprising a holding device (11) and a preparation chamber (12), the holding device (11) being configured to hold the sampling tool (10) in the lime kiln during sampling, and the preparation chamber (12) having: - A sample inlet (13) for receiving a sample from the lime kiln into the preparation chamber (12); - A sample outlet (14) for unloading the sample from the preparation chamber (12); - A screening device (15) for restricting the particle size range of the sample; - A sample space (17) for the portion of the sample screened out by the screening device (15); characterized in that - The screening device (15) includes a first sieve (18) and a second sieve (19). The first sieve (18) is used to screen out particles with a particle size exceeding the upper particle size limit P from the sample. max The second sieve (19) is used to screen out particles with a particle size lower than the lower particle size limit P from the sample. min from the sample. - The sample inlet (13) is above the first sieve (18), - The sample space (17) is the space between the first sieve (18) and the second sieve (19).

2. The sampling tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein The preparation chamber (12) includes side walls (21), the side walls (21) having an upper edge (21a) and a lower edge (21b), and wherein the first sieve (18) includes a sieve plate (18a), and the second sieve (19) includes a sieve plate (19a), and wherein the sieve plates (18a, 19a) have been attached within the side walls (21) at a distance from each other.

3. The sampling tool (10) according to claim 2, wherein The sieve plate (18a) of the first sieve (18) is between the upper edge (21a) and the lower edge (21b) of the side walls (21), and wherein the sieve plate (19a) of the second sieve (19) is between the sieve plate (18a) of the first sieve (18) and the lower edge (21b) of the side walls (21), or is located at the lower edge (21b) of the side walls (21).

4. The sampling tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sampling tool (10) comprises a cooling device (16) capable of reducing the temperature of the sample in the preparation chamber (12).

5. The sampling tool (10) according to claim 4, wherein The cooling device (16) includes a cooling medium circulation channel (22) arranged within the preparation chamber (12).

6. The sampling tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sampling tool (10) comprises an analysis chamber (20) capable of receiving the sample from outside the sampling tool (10) and configured to accommodate the sample during analysis of the sample.

7. The sampling tool (10) according to claim 6, wherein The analysis chamber (20) is a tray which is attached to the sampling tool (10) at a position where the open end (20a) of the tray is directed perpendicularly to the direction in which the preparation chamber (12) is arranged to receive the sample from the lime kiln, or is directed at an inclination angle with respect to the direction in which the preparation chamber (12) is arranged to receive the sample from the lime kiln, such that when the sampling tool (10) is in the position to receive the sample from the lime kiln into the preparation chamber (12), the analysis chamber (20) is in the position where the analysis chamber (20) unloads the contents of the analysis chamber (20) to unload a previous sample.

8. The sampling tool (10) according to claim 7, wherein The holding device (11) includes a connecting conduit (25) connected to the cooling medium circulation channel (22) and a connector (25a) for connecting the connecting conduit (25) to a cooling medium supply device.

9. An apparatus for determining the amount of residual carbonate in resintered lime sampled from a lime kiln, comprising: - The sampling tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, for receiving a sample from the lime kiln and for preparing the sample by at least screening the sample, - An analysis chamber, which is the analysis chamber (20) according to claim 7, or an analysis chamber of a separate analysis device separated from the sampling tool (10); - A sampling tool moving device for moving the sampling tool (10) into the lime kiln and out of the lime kiln to a grinding device, and further for moving the sampling tool (10) having the analysis chamber (20) according to claim 7 or the separate analysis device from the grinding device to a residual carbonate analysis device; - A grinding device for grinding the sample received from the preparation chamber (12) of the sampling tool (10); and - A residual carbonate analysis device for determining the amount of residual carbonate in the sample in the analysis chamber (20).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The sampling tool moving device is an articulated robot.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The residual carbonate analysis device is a device for determining the amount of residual carbonate based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

12. A method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in recalcined lime sampled from a lime kiln, comprising the following method steps: - Sampling a recalcined lime sample from the lime kiln by using the sampling tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; - Preparing the sample by screening the sample by using the sampling tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to limit the particle size range of the sample; - Unloading the sample from the preparation chamber (12) of the sampling tool (10) to a grinding device; - Grinding the sample by a grinding device; - Loading the sample into the analysis chamber (20) of the sampling tool (10) having the analysis chamber (20) according to claim 7 or into the analysis chamber of a separate analysis device, and determining the amount of residual carbonate of the sample in the analysis chamber.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The determination of the amount of residual carbonate is carried out by applying near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), by the calciner method (e.g., SCAN-32:98) commonly used to measure the residual carbonate content, or by an analysis method based on the carbon content.

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