Construction Walkthrough of Pre-engineered Quicklime System
Deeper Dive into the Components of a Pre-Engineered Quicklime Feed System
For engineers involved in water treatment, industrial processes, or flue gas desulfurization, quicklime (calcium oxide) is a crucial reagent. Handling and processing quicklime efficiently and safely is paramount. Carmeuse Systems offers a pre-engineered "Quicklime Feed System in a Box" designed to streamline this process. This construction walkthrough features Applications Engineer Scott Fraley, as he discusses the key components and functionality of this compact system. Let's take a deeper dive into what makes up this self-contained solution.
This modular system boasts a surprisingly small 12’ square footprint, yet it’s capable of delivering up to 2,500 lb/hr of quicklime from delivery truck to application. This impressive throughput is achieved through the seamless integration of several key components:
- Welded Silo (12’ Diameter): The foundation of the system is a robust, welded silo with a 12-foot diameter. This silo provides secure and protected storage for the bulk quicklime. Its size is carefully calculated to balance storage capacity with the system's overall compact design. The welded construction ensures structural integrity and minimizes the risk of dust leaks, crucial when handling fine materials like quicklime.
- ZMI Portec Detention Slaker with Wetting Bowl: The heart of the system lies in the ZMI Portec Detention Slaker. This unit is responsible for the controlled hydration of the quicklime (CaO) into calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), or slaked lime. The inclusion of a wetting bowl at the inlet is a significant feature. This pre-wetting step helps to initiate the slaking reaction more effectively, reducing dusting and promoting a more consistent and complete reaction within the detention slaker. The detention time within the slaker is a critical parameter, engineered to ensure optimal conversion and particle size of the resulting lime slurry.
- Bin Vent Dust Collection System: Handling dry quicklime inevitably generates dust. To ensure a safe and clean operating environment, the system incorporates a dedicated bin vent dust collection system. This system is typically mounted on top of the storage silo and works to capture airborne dust particles generated during silo filling and material transfer. Effective dust collection not only improves air quality but also prevents material loss and potential equipment damage.
- Slurry Storage Tank with Agitator: The output of the slaker is a lime slurry, which needs to be stored and maintained in a homogenous state before being pumped to the point of application. The integrated slurry storage tank provides this buffer capacity. Crucially, the tank is equipped with an agitator. This mechanical mixing ensures that the solids in the slurry remain suspended, preventing settling and maintaining a consistent concentration for reliable downstream processes. The size and design of the agitator are carefully selected based on the slurry volume and solid concentration.
- Slurry Pumps: The final stage of the system involves delivering the prepared lime slurry to the application point. The "Quicklime Feed System in a Box" includes appropriately sized slurry pumps designed to handle the abrasive nature of lime slurry. The number and capacity of these pumps are determined by the required flow rate and pressure at the point of use, offering flexibility in system integration.
To learn about a specific section in this video, please use one of the links below to jump directly to that content section.
- Bin vent filters - Basic silo section components
- Air receiver, blower, and silo - Basic silo section components
- Bin activator - Basic silo section components
- Roof module - Including silo mounts, lime chute, knife gate and discharge from wet scrubber
- Volumetric feeder - Lower roof module
- Slaking module showing an M-15 slaker and drive component
Engineered for Efficiency and Convenience:
The beauty of this pre-engineered system lies in its integrated design. By packaging these essential components into a single, compact unit, Carmeuse Systems offers significant advantages:
- Reduced Footprint: The 12’ square footprint minimizes space requirements, making it ideal for facilities with limited available area.
- Simplified Installation: Being delivered as a largely pre-assembled unit, installation time and complexity are significantly reduced compared to sourcing and integrating individual components.
- Optimized Performance: The components are specifically selected and sized to work together efficiently, ensuring optimal quicklime slaking and slurry delivery.
- Single-Source Responsibility: Dealing with a single supplier for the entire system simplifies procurement, support, and maintenance.
For engineering professionals seeking a reliable and space-efficient solution for quicklime handling and processing, the Carmeuse Systems "Quicklime Feed System in a Box" presents a compelling option. The detailed construction walkthrough provides valuable insights into the thoughtful engineering and integration of its key components, highlighting its potential to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.