Calcination is a process that involves heating a metal ore at high temperatures, typically below its melting point, in the presence of limited air or oxygen.
The primary purpose of calcination is to remove volatile impurities, such as water and carbon dioxide, and sometimes to oxidize the substance partially or entirely.
The term calcination originates from its major application, which is the heating of calcium carbonate ores.
How Does Calcination Work? Explained in 5 Simple Points
1. Mechanism of Calcination
Calcination is achieved by subjecting a sample to high temperatures in the presence of oxygen or air, or by inducing thermal decomposition through a heat treatment process.
This thermal decomposition is typically carried out in a calcining furnace, where the sample is placed in an environment with an absence or limited supply of air or oxygen.
2. Driving off Absorbed Moisture
One of the main objectives of using a calcination furnace is to drive off absorbed moisture.
This is crucial for materials that have absorbed water, which can be detrimental to their stability or reactivity.
3. Removing Volatile Constituents
Another objective is to remove volatile constituents, such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
These can be driven off during the heating process.
4. Oxidizing the Substance
Calcination can involve partial or complete oxidation of the material.
This alters its chemical composition and properties.
5. Applications of Calcination Furnaces
Calcination furnaces have several applications:
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Cement Production: One of the most common applications is the decomposition of calcium carbonate into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide, which is a critical step in cement production.
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Synthesis of Zeolites: Calcination furnaces are used to remove ammonium ions during the synthesis process.
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Devitrification of Glass: This process involves the use of calcination to affect phase transformations in glass materials.
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