Sampling device for sampling reburned lime from a lime kiln and apparatus and method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in reburned lime sampled from a lime kiln

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sampling apparatus 10 for sampling reburned lime from a lime kiln, the sampling apparatus 10 including a holding device 11 for holding the sampling apparatus 10 within the lime kiln during sampling, and a preparation section 12 having a sample inlet 13 for receiving a sample from the lime kiln into the preparation section 12, a sample outlet 14 for passing the sample from the preparation section 12, and a sieving device 15 for defining the particle size range of the sample. The present invention also relates to an apparatus and method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in reburned lime sampled from a lime kiln.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In lime kilns, lime mud (CaCO3) is regenerated by heat into reburned lime (CaO). An important indicator of the quality of the burned lime in this process is the percentage of residual carbonate in the reburned lime (% CaCO3).

[0003] Traditionally, the percentage of residual carbonate is measured in the lime kiln by manually taking samples from the burned lime and analyzing the samples in a laboratory using acid to determine the amount of residual carbonate in the reburned lime.

[0004] A disadvantage of this known method is that it requires operator time during production, as the sampling must be carried out between other tasks, and it is also dangerous for the operator, as the reburned lime taken from the lime kiln is very hot (up to 1000°C) and is corrosive and irritating. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sampling tool and an apparatus and method for sampling reburned lime samples from a lime kiln, whereby lime sampling, sample manipulation and analysis of the lime samples can be performed more quickly without manual work and with reduced exposure to hazards. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the present invention, since the sampling device according to the invention has a preparation compartment which can be used to sample a reburned lime sample from the lime kiln when the sampling device is in the lime kiln, to sieve the sample and to deliver the sample for further processing (e.g. to a crushing device for crushing the sample), and these sample preparation steps can be performed remotely, for example using a remote-controlled or automated sampling device moving device, avoiding manual sampling and sample preparation operations which require operator time and cause stress and safety risks. More specifically, the sampling device according to the present invention is characterized in that it is claimed in independent claim 1. An apparatus for determining the amount of residual carbonate in reburned lime sampled from a lime kiln is characterized in that it is claimed in independent claim 14. A method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in reburned lime sampled from a lime kiln is characterized in that it is claimed in independent claim 17. Dependent claims 2 to 13 present some advantageous embodiments of the sampling device according to the invention, dependent claims 15 and 16 present some advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, and dependent claim 18 presents some advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] An advantage of the present invention is that all steps of the sampling process can be performed using the same sampling device, eliminating the need for device changes, speeding the testing process and saving costs. Another advantage is that the sampling device of the present invention allows for automation of testing, for example, by applying industrial robots, and provides a high degree of flexibility in terms of layout (compared to, for example, large conveyor systems). A further advantage is that the sampling device of the present invention allows all required sample handling tasks to be performed using a single device, minimizing the amount of separate equipment required. This, among other things, makes testing more straightforward and cost-effective. Automation and directness make the sampling process faster and allow for higher analysis frequencies. Higher analysis frequencies increase data resolution and allow operators to more precisely control the lime reburning process. Furthermore, when applying the present invention, automation eliminates the need for operators to perform any sampling tasks manually, freeing them up to focus on higher-priority tasks and reducing stress, among other things. Furthermore, because robotic sampling is possible using the sampling device of the present invention, at least most of the safety hazards mentioned above associated with manual sampling can be eliminated.

[0008] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a sampling device according to the present invention, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sampling device shown in FIG. 1 in a position where the analytical compartment is in an upright position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the sampling device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the sampling device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiment of sampling device 10 shown in Figures 1-4 is suitable for sampling lime samples from several different locations in a lime kiln. Most typically, lime samples are taken from the chute of the lime kiln, but sampling from other locations is also possible, such as from the lime kiln's flow path and conveyors, or from within the lime kiln. Thus, as used hereinafter, the general definition that a sample is taken or sampled from a lime kiln means that the sample may be taken from any of these locations.

[0011] The embodiment of the sampling tool 10 shown in Figures 1-4 includes a holding device 11 for holding the sampling tool 10 within the lime kiln during sampling. The holding device 11 for holding the sampling tool 10 may be, for example, an elongated arm-like element, preferably long enough to extend from outside the lime kiln to the location inside the lime kiln where sampling will occur. The embodiment of Figures 1-4 further includes a preparation section 12 having a sample inlet 13 for receiving the sample from the lime kiln, a sample outlet 14 for allowing the sample to leave the preparation section 12, and a sieving tool 15 for limiting the particle size range of the sample. In the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the sieving tool 15 is used to remove particles from the sample that fall within a predetermined particle size limit P max and a predetermined particle size lower limit P min However, in some embodiments, the sieving device may sieve particles having a size above a predetermined upper particle size limit P from the sample. max (i.e., the sample received by the sieving device is sieved to separate only particles having a size greater than 0 to P max or the sample may be separated from the sample by a predetermined particle size lower limit P min (i.e., the sample received by the sieving device is such that only particles having a size below P minto a size that will still enter the preparation compartment through the sample inlet).

[0012] The sieving device 15 separates particles from the sample to a predetermined particle size limit P max and a predetermined particle size lower limit P min In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, where particles having a size below P can be sieved, the particle size is determined by the smallest diameter of the sieve openings in the first sieve 18 or the second sieve 19 of the sieving device 15. More specifically, the diameter of the openings defines the size of the sample particles that will pass through the first sieve 18 or the second sieve 19. If the openings have a constant size in all directions, however, this defines the largest sample particle that can pass through the sieve. However, if the opening size varies (e.g., grooved openings), as in the case of the first sieve 18 and the second sieve 19 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, this defines the largest minimum size of the sample particle that can pass through the sieve. In the case of the sampling device shown in Figures 1-4, P max The preferred value of is 25 mm, and P min A preferred value for is 5 mm. However, these values ​​may vary in various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the sieving tool may sift through the sample to determine the particle size limits P max Particles having a size exceeding a predetermined particle size lower limit P min In such an embodiment, where particles having a size below 10 ...

[0013] 1-4, the sample inlet 13 is an opening in the top of the preparation section 12, preferably large enough and shaped to allow lime to be received into the preparation section 12 when, for example, the sampling device 10 is placed under the chute of a lime kiln. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the sample inlet 13 is formed by the open upper side of the preparation section 12. In other embodiments, it may alternatively include only a portion of the upper side. Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the sample inlet may include additional elements and / or may be such that it allows the sample to be taken from any suitable location within the lime kiln, rather than, for example, under the chute.

[0014] The sampling apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1-4 also includes a cooling device 16 disposed within the preparation compartment 12 to accelerate the cooling of the sample within the preparation compartment 12. The lime samples taken from the lime kiln are very hot, typically having a temperature of about 1000°C. It is therefore important to cool the samples as quickly as possible after they have been sieved within the lime kiln, in order to allow the subsequent steps, i.e., sample crushing and analysis, to proceed without wasting time.

[0015] The first sieve 18 and the second sieve 19 are configured such that the first sieve 18 is within a predetermined particle size upper limit P max and the second sieve 19 rejects sample particles having a size exceeding a predetermined particle size lower limit P min The sample inlet 13 is located in the preparation section 12 so as to reject sample particles having a size below a predetermined upper particle size limit P. 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 sieving is performed, the sample particles are rejected from the preparation section 12 by a predetermined upper particle size limit P. max and the particle size lower limit P min Sample particles having a size between 1 and 2 remain in the sample space 17.

[0016] 1 to 4, the sample outlet 14 is an opening located in the preparation compartment 12 at the position of the sample space 17. More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 4, it is formed in the side wall 21 at the front end of the preparation compartment 12. Thus, the sieved sample can be dispensed by tilting the sampling device 10 at an inclined angle so that the sample outlet 14 is directed downwards.

[0017] A predetermined upper particle size limit P max Particles having a size exceeding the particle size lower limit P min In embodiments having only one sieve for sieving particles having a size below 100 μm, only one sieve may be present in the preparation compartment. In such cases, only one sieve is located between the sample inlet and the impermeable bottom wall of the preparation compartment, from which sample particles received by the only one sieve cannot escape. Thus, in such embodiments, the sample space is located in the side wall between the only one sieve and the bottom wall. The sample outlet may be located similarly to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4.

[0018] To accommodate the sample during analysis, the sampling device 10 can include an analytical compartment 20 that can accept the sample from outside the sampling device 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the analytical compartment 20 is a tray attached to the side wall 21 of the preparation compartment 12, outside the preparation compartment 12. It therefore has only a bottom wall and side walls and is open from the top to accept the sample to be analyzed. However, in some other embodiments, the analytical compartment may not be part of the sampling device, but may be separate from the sampling device. Thus, for example, it may be configured in connection with a separate analytical device that is replaced by a sampling device transfer device, where the separate analytical device replaces the part of the sampling device that includes the preparation compartment, and into which the prepared sample is loaded prior to analysis. Loading is most typically achieved so that the sample is received from a grinding device, where the sieved and cooled sample leaves the preparation compartment after sieving. Thus, in embodiments of a sampling device that does not have its own analytical compartment, the analytical compartment is absent during the preparation phase, while the preparation compartment is absent during the analysis phase. However, there may also be embodiments in which the analytical zone is removably attached to the sampling device, in which case analysis of the sample may be carried out using the sampling device having the analytical zone or by using a separate device containing the analytical zone.

[0019] As can be seen from Figures 1, 3, and 4, in the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the analytical compartment 20 is attached to the side wall 21 of the preparation compartment 12 in an orientation such that the open end 20a of the analytical compartment 20 opens perpendicular to the direction in which a sample is received into the preparation compartment 12 through the sample inlet 13 (i.e., the sample is received into the analytical compartment perpendicular to the direction in which the sample is received into the preparation compartment 12). This is advantageous because, due to this feature, when the sampling device 10 is rotated to a position in which the preparation compartment 12 can receive the next sample for preparation through the sample inlet 13, the previously analyzed sample is simultaneously ejected from the analytical compartment 20. In other embodiments in which the sampling device includes an analytical compartment, the angle between the open end of the analytical compartment and the direction in which a sample is received into the preparation compartment may vary other than a right angle. Thus, for example, it may be any angle, preferably between 30° and 120°, so that when the sampling device is rotated to a position in which the preparation compartment 12 is ready to receive the next sample for preparation, the previous analyzed sample is correspondingly ejected.

[0020] The preparation compartment 12 of the sampling device 10 shown in Figures 1-4 includes a sidewall 21. Both the first sieve 18 and the second sieve 19 include sieve plates 18a and 19a mounted at a distance from each other within the sidewall. The sidewall 21 has an upper edge 21a and a lower edge 21b. As noted above, in the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the preparation compartment 12 does not have a top wall and is open from the top. Thus, the upper side of the preparation compartment 12 forms the sample inlet 13 for receiving the sample. The sieve plate 18a of the first sieve 18 is located between the upper edge 21a and the lower edge 21b of the sidewall 21, forming a "middle floor" in the preparation compartment. The sieve plate 18a supports the sample as it is received into the preparation compartment 12 from the lime kiln through the sample inlet 13. The sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19 is located at the lower edge 21b of the sidewall 21. However, in such other embodiments, the sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19 may be located anywhere between the sieve plate of the first sieve and the lower edge of the side wall, such that adequate space for sample particles that have passed through the first sieve is left between the sieve plate 19a of the first sieve and the sieve plate 19b of the second sieve 19. The sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19 forms the only bottom wall for the preparation compartment 12 in the sampling device 10. Therefore, the predetermined particle size lower limit P min Particles of the sample having a particle size less than the lower particle size limit P are dropped out of the preparation compartment 12 through the sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19. min In the embodiment where the sieve is for sieving particles having a particle size below 0.1 mm, the sieve may have only one sieve plate forming the bottom wall of the preparation compartment.

[0021] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the cooling device 16 includes a refrigerant flow path 22 disposed within the preparation compartment 12. As can be seen from FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 22 is formed within the sidewall of the preparation compartment by forming a double coating layer on the sidewall 21, with a hollow space between them. The hollow space is divided into separate sections by an intermediate wall 22a disposed within the sidewall 21, allowing the refrigerant to flow through all sections of the refrigerant flow path 22. As a result, as the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path 22, it cools the entire sidewall 21. In this embodiment, because the refrigerant is air, the refrigerant does not need to be returned to its source but is instead released into the atmosphere. This is accomplished through the refrigerant outlet 22b shown in FIGS. 1-4. In other embodiments, the refrigerant may be any other fluid suitable for cooling the sampling device after sampling. However, air is advantageous because it does not require any type of storage equipment or need to be returned to some kind of reservoir, as is the case with other refrigerants. This makes the cooling device simpler and less expensive. Furthermore, such a system may make use of existing compressed air supply systems, such as the compressed air supply system of a lime kiln.

[0022] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 , the holding device 11 is an elongated, arm-like element having a first end 23 and a second end 24. The second end has a flange 24a, by which the holding device can be attached to or held by an instrument movement device, such as by the arm of an articulated robot. The first end 23 has a flange 23a, by which the holding device 11 is fixed to the front end of the preparation section 12. The holding device 11 is preferably designed so that the sampling instrument 10 extends into the lime kiln through a gate or hatch, so that the instrument movement device advantageously remains as far outside the lime kiln as possible. In this embodiment, the holding device further includes a connecting conduit 25 connected to the refrigerant flow path 22 of the preparation section 12 and a connector for connecting the connecting conduit 25 to a refrigerant supply device. In this case, the refrigerant is air, so the connector can be, for example, a pressurized air connector. In other embodiments, for example, the refrigerant can be any liquid or other gas. At least when a liquid is used as a coolant, the system includes all necessary equipment such as a storage container (e.g., a reservoir) for cooling the liquid, from which it is pumped to the sampling device, and from which it is returned to the storage container after circulating in the cooling channels of the sampling device. Also, in such cases, there may be a heat exchanger or chiller, for example, to cool the liquid before returning it to the storage container.

[0023] 1-4 for lime sampling, the sampling tool 10 is held by the holding device 11, or the holding device 11 is fixedly attached at its second end 24 to an tool transfer device via the flange 24a. The tool transfer device can be, for example, any suitable manipulator, by which the sampling tool 10 can be moved into the lime kiln for taking samples and from the lime kiln to other devices required for analysis. The tool transfer device is preferably an articulated robot (e.g., with six degrees of freedom) so that the sampling tool can be moved most freely to desired positions and locations during the sampling and analysis phases. Articulated robots are also advantageous because they can be programmed to generate sieving movements suitable for performing sieving, for example, in a lime drop chute inside the lime kiln. Furthermore, connectors for the cooling tool and coolant supply device can be provided so that the sampling tool 10 can be connected to the coolant supply device immediately after it is removed from the lime kiln. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the refrigerant used is air, so the refrigerant supply device is any suitable air supply device, for example a compressed air supply system in a factory.

[0024] Sampling with the sampling device 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 4 and determining the amount of residual carbonate in the reburned lime sample can be divided, for example, into the following steps:

[0025] 1. The sampling device 10 is inserted into the lime drop chute or other location within the lime kiln and the sample is collected in the staging section 12 of the sampling device 10.

[0026] 2. A predetermined size limit P maxLime particles exceeding the predetermined particle size limit P are sieved out by the first sieve 18. During sieving, the sampling device 10 is inside the chute and the sieving action is performed by twisting the robot arm back and forth (or by a corresponding part of another device movement device) and correspondingly rotating the sampling device 10 about its longitudinal axis X. This results in rejected material (i.e., particles exceeding the predetermined particle size limit P max ) drop out of the preparation compartment 12. At this stage, the accepted material (i.e., sample particles having a size above the predetermined particle size upper limit P max (sample particles having a size below 1 / 2 mm) pass through the sieve plate 18 a of the first sieve 18 into the sample space 17 .

[0027] 3. A predetermined particle size lower limit P min Particles below the predetermined particle size limit P are sieved by the sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19. This is done for the sample particles that have passed through the sieve plate 18a of the first sieve 18, i.e., the sample particles that are in the sample space. The rejected particles (i.e., particles below the predetermined particle size limit P) formed during this sieving step are then sieved by the sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19. min The sample particles (i.e., particles having a size below the upper particle size limit P) pass through the sieve plate 19a of the second sieve 19 and fall back into the lime kiln. max and the particle size lower limit P min The sample particles (having a size between 1 and 2) remain inside the sample space 17.

[0028] 4. The sampling apparatus 10 is moved to the cooling station, where a cooling air supply is connected to the holding device 11 and conducted to the cooling channels 22 of the preparation compartment 12. The side walls 21 of the preparation compartment 12 are thus cooled, as is the case with currently known methods, and the sample inside the sample space 17. Because the cooling is performed through the side walls 21 of the preparation compartment 12 by the cooling device 16, and not, for example, by direct airflow, as is the case with currently known methods, the sample is not blown up into the atmosphere.

[0029] 5. The cooled and sieved sample is carefully discharged from the sample space 17 through the sample outlet 14 into a crushing device to perform crushing of the sample. The side wall 21 of the preparation section 12 at the location of the sample outlet 14 is shaped at an angle to keep the sample in the sample space 17 while it is moved away from the location where sampling took place. However, at this stage when the sampling instrument 10 is tilted or tilted to a vertical position, sample particles fall out of the sample space 17.

[0030] 6. After the grinding step, the sampling device 10 is turned by the device movement device (i.e., for example, by twisting the robot arm) so that the open end of the analysis compartment 20 is facing upwards. In this position, it can be used to collect a sample from the outlet of the grinding device. The correct position is shown in Figure 2. The sample is then flattened by a fixed scraper plate by the device movement device (i.e., for example, a robot arm) moving the sampling device relative to the fixed scraper plate, and the scraper realigns the sample particles in the analysis compartment 20.

[0031] 7. As a final step, the amount of residual carbonate from the reburned lime is determined by analyzing the prepared sample. In this step, a sample is taken to contact an analytical probe while it is in the analysis compartment 20. The analysis can be carried out, for example, using a probe that determines the amount of residual carbonate using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Alternatively, other types of probes suitable for determining the amount of residual carbonate may be applied. Furthermore, the analysis can be carried out by any other suitable method. For example, conventional analytical methods, i.e., the calcinometer method commonly used to measure residual carbonate content (e.g., SCAN-32:98), or analytical methods based on carbon content to measure residual carbonate content from reburned lime may alternatively be applied.

[0032] After the analysis stage, the sampling cycle begins again. Stage 1 begins, and as the used sample is dropped into the drop chute, the sampling fixture is twisted back into position to receive the next lime sample from the chute into the preparation compartment 12. In this way, all samples are returned to the process and no waste is generated.

[0033] Upper particle size limit P determined beforehand from the sample max Particles having a size exceeding a predetermined particle size lower limit P min In the case of a sampling apparatus having a sieving device capable of sieving out only particles having a size below , the sampling and determination of the amount of residual carbonate in the reburned lime sample is carried out in a corresponding manner as above, except that sieving step 2 or 3, respectively, is omitted.

[0034] The sampling device and the apparatus and method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in a reburned lime sample may also be implemented in ways different from the examples described above.

[0035] For example, in some embodiments of the sampling apparatus, the sieving device may include a single sieve with adjustable openings. Such a sieve may be placed in the preparation compartment, for example, similar to the first sieve 18 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. Thus, such a sieving device allows for the sieving of particles within a predetermined particle size limit P from the sample by sieving in two separate stages. max and a predetermined particle size lower limit P min It is possible to sieve out particles having a size below a predetermined particle size upper limit P max After particles having a size exceeding the predetermined particle size lower limit P are sieved, the size of the openings is minThe particles are then reduced to a particle size corresponding to the size of the preparatory compartment, and then in a second stage, the preparatory compartment is rotated upside down and a sieve with reduced openings is used to carry out the second sieving stage. By rotating the preparatory compartment upside down, the rejects from the first sieving stage (i.e., oversized particles) are also forced out of the sieve.

[0036] Thus, although the invention has been limited to the above examples, the invention can be varied within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sampling device (10) for sampling reburned lime from a lime kiln, comprising: a holding device (11) for holding the sampling tool (10) within the lime kiln during the sampling; Preparation compartment (12) - a sample inlet (13) for receiving a sample from the lime kiln into the preparation compartment (12); a sample outlet (14) for letting said sample leave said preparation compartment (12); - a sieving device (15) for limiting the particle size range of the sample, and - a sample space (17) for the part of the sample sieved by the sieving device (15); a preparation section (12) having A sampling device (10) comprising: - the sieving device (15) separates particles from the sample up to the particle size limit P ｍａｘ a first sieve (18) for sieving out particles having a size exceeding a particle size limit P from the sample; ｍｉｎ a second sieve (19) for screening out particles having a particle size below - said sample inlet (13) is above said first sieve (18); - the sample space (17) is the space between the first sieve (18) and the second sieve (19); A sampling device (10) characterized in that:

2. The preparation compartment (12) comprises a side wall (21) having an upper edge (21a) and a lower edge (21b); The first sieve (18) includes a sieve plate (18a), and the second sieve (19) includes a sieve plate (19a), The sieve plates (18a, 19a) are mounted at a distance from each other within the side wall (21). A sampling device (10) according to claim 1.

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

4. 4. The sampling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sampling device (10) comprises a cooling device (16) capable of lowering the temperature of the sample in the preparation compartment (12).

5. The sampling device (10) of claim 4, wherein the cooling device (16) includes a refrigerant circulation channel (22) disposed within the preparation compartment (12).

6. A sampling device (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sampling device (10) comprises an analysis compartment (20) for containing the sample during analysis, which can receive the sample from outside the sampling device (10).

7. 7. The sampling device (10) of claim 6, wherein the analytical compartment (20) is a tray attached to the sampling device (10) in a position where an open end (20a) of the analytical compartment (20) is oriented perpendicularly or at an angle to a direction in which the preparation compartment (12) is configured to receive the sample from the lime kiln, such that when the sampling device (10) is in a position to receive the sample from the lime kiln into the preparation compartment (12), the analytical compartment (20) is in a position to discharge its contents to discharge a previous sample.

8. 8. The sampling instrument (10) of claim 7, wherein the holding device (11) comprises a connecting conduit (25) connected to the refrigerant circulation flow path (22) and a connector (25a) for connecting the connecting conduit (25) to a refrigerant supply device.

9. 1. An apparatus for determining the amount of residual carbonate in reburned lime sampled from a lime kiln, comprising: - a sampling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for receiving a sample from the lime kiln and for preparing said sample by at least sieving said sample; an analytical compartment (20) as defined in claim 7 or an analytical compartment of a separate analytical device distinct from said sampling device (10); a sampling tool transfer device for transferring the sampling tool (10) into and from the lime kiln to a crushing device and for transferring the sampling tool (10) having an analysis section (20) according to claim 7 or the separate analysis device from the crushing device to a residual carbonate analysis device; a crushing device for crushing the sample received from the preparation compartment (12) of the sampling tool (10); a residual carbonate analysis device for determining the amount of residual carbonate from said sample in said analysis compartment (20); An apparatus comprising:

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the sampling instrument movement device is an articulated robot.

11. 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. 1. A method for determining the amount of residual carbonate in reburned lime sampled from a lime kiln, comprising: - sampling a reburned lime sample from a lime kiln using a sampling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; - preparing the sample by sieving the sample to define the particle size range of the sample using a sampling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; - discharging the sample from the preparation compartment (12) of the sampling tool (10) into a crushing device; - grinding said sample by means of a grinding device; - placing the sample in the analytical zone (20) of the sampling device (10) having an analytical zone (20) according to claim 7 or in the analytical zone of a separate analytical device, and determining the amount of residual carbonate from the sample in the analytical zone; A method comprising:

13. 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 a calcinometer method commonly used to measure residual carbonate content (e.g. SCAN-32:98), or by an analytical method based on carbon content.

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