Quicklime Air Classification for Burn Level Segregation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The production of quicklime in lime kilns results in inconsistent burn levels due to variations in limestone particle size and composition, leading to a mixture of soft, medium, and hard burned products, making it costly and inefficient to segregate these fractions for specific industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving grinding and calcining limestone, followed by milling and air classification to separate quicklime particles into soft, medium, and hard burned fractions based on particle size distribution, with specific dividing points to achieve consistent reactivity profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If limestone is calcined in lime kilns, then quicklime is produced, but the burn level is inconsistent due to variations in particle size and composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburn level consistencyVSAvoidproduct uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the quicklime product into distinct segments based on particle size ranges (e.g., 0-10 mesh, 10-20 mesh, 20-40 mesh, 40-100 mesh). Each size segment corresponds to a specific burn level characteristic, allowing the inconsistent burn levels to be organized into predictable categories that can be selectively used for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by associating specific burn level characteristics with specific particle size ranges. Instead of attempting to produce uniformly burned quicklime throughout, the method accepts local variations in burn level but ensures that each local region (particle size category) has consistent and predictable properties suitable for particular uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If quicklime fractions are segregated for specific applications, then reactivity consistency is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereactivity consistencyVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs air classification technology that automatically separates quicklime fractions based on their natural aerodynamic properties related to particle size and burn level. This self-service separation mechanism eliminates the need for manual sorting or complex mechanical classification systems, thereby achieving fraction segregation without significantly increasing production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If particle size is reduced to increase surface area, then reactivity improves, but burn level control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction speedVSAvoidburn level control

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes dynamic relationships between particle size, surface area, and burn level characteristics. By controlling the particle size distribution within specific ranges and using air classification to separate fractions, the method dynamically optimizes the balance between surface area (for reactivity) and burn level consistency, allowing fine-tuned control over reaction characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for the production of quicklime with improved consistency in burn time characteristics, enhancing its reactivity and usability in various industrial processes without the need for additives or expensive sorting techniques, thereby reducing production costs and improving product quality.

Implementation Method 1

air classification to separate quicklime particles into soft, medium, and hard burned fractions based on particle size distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir classification:

Data Source

PatentUS11865583B1Systems and methods for separating soft burned and hard burned calcium oxide

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 MISSISSIPPI LIME CO

AI summary

Systems and methods to effectively sort calcined lime (quicklime) particles to produce products with more consistent size and burn time characteristics after the quicklime particles have been created and without the use of specialized additives. Specifically, such systems and methods sort the quicklime particles below a selected size into a softer burned and harder burned fraction based on their size. The fractions are burned in the kiln together and as a singular product, but can be classified from each other after calcining.