Calcination
Calcination
Calcination (pronounced: /ˌkalsɪˈneɪʃən/) is a thermal treatment process in the absence or limited supply of air or oxygen applied to ores and other solid materials to bring about a thermal decomposition, phase transition, or removal of a volatile fraction. The calcination process normally takes place at temperatures below the melting point of the product materials.
Etymology
The term 'Calcination' is derived from the Latin word 'Calcinare' which means to burn lime due to its most common application, the decomposition of calcium carbonate (limestone) to calcium oxide (lime) and carbon dioxide, in order to create cement.
Process
Calcination is carried out in furnaces or reactors (sometimes referred to as kilns or calciners) of various designs including shaft furnaces, rotary kilns, multiple hearth furnaces, and fluidized bed reactors.
Applications
Calcination has several applications in the industrial sector. It is used in the extraction of metals, in the processing of ores, in the creation of pigments, and in the manufacture of cement. The process is also used in the production of kaolin or china clay.
Related Terms
- Decomposition: The process of breaking down or separating a chemical compound into its constituent parts.
- Phase Transition: A change in the state of matter of a sample corresponding to a change in its physical properties.
- Kiln: A type of oven, used to cook clay objects that is capable of reaching extremely high temperatures.
- Calcium Carbonate: A common substance found in rocks as the minerals calcite and aragonite.
- Calcium Oxide: A white, caustic, alkaline, crystalline solid at room temperature.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Calcination
- Wikipedia's article - Calcination
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