Production process of ground calcium carbonate
What is Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC)?
Ground calcium carbonate, also known as GCC, is a white powder made from limestone that is often used in construction and as a filler or pigment in products such as paper, plastic, and paint. GCC is made by grinding the limestone into a fine powder and then treating it with chemicals to remove impurities. The resulting product is a white powder that can be used in a variety of applications.
GCC is used as a filler in paper, plastic, and paint because it is relatively inexpensive and has a high degree of whiteness. GCC is also used in construction because it is strong and durable.
GCC Production Process
The GCC production process is a multi-step process that begins with the mining of calcium carbonate from limestone deposits. The calcium carbonate is then crushed and screened to size before being fed into a rotating kiln.
The kiln heats the calcium carbonate to 1500 degrees Celsius, which causes it to break down into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The calcium oxide is then fed into a slaker where it is mixed with water to create calcium hydroxide.
The calcium hydroxide is then fed into a grinder where it is mixed with ground limestone to create GCC. The GCC is then screened to remove any impurities before being packaged for sale.
The Role of the Precipitator in GCC Production
Precipitators play an important role in GCC production. They help to remove impurities from the calcium carbonate and produce a more pure product. In addition, precipitators can help to improve the quality of the calcium carbonate by increasing its brightness and whiteness.
Precipitators are used in GCC production to:
Remove impurities from the calcium carbonate.
Improve the quality of the calcium carbonate.
Increase the brightness and whiteness of the calcium carbonate.
The Manufacturing Process
The process of producing ground calcium carbonate begins with the extraction of calcium-rich limestone from quarries. The limestone is then crushed and ground to a fine powder. Next, the limestone is calcined (heated) to drive off any remaining moisture and to break down any remaining impurities.
The resulting calcium oxide is then mixed with water and ground to a fine powder again. This slurry is pumped into huge kettles where it is heated and further processed to form a product known as precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). PCC has a very fine particle size and can be used in a wide range of applications including paint, plastics, paper, and food.
Quality Control
To ensure the highest quality product is produced, a strict quality control process is adhered to during ground calcium carbonate production. This begins with selecting the right raw materials. The right mix of calcium carbonate, other minerals, and impurities will be determined by what the final product will be used for.
Once the correct raw materials are sourced, the manufacturing process can begin. During production, regular samples are taken and tested for purity, particle size, and other properties. These tests allow for any necessary adjustments to be made so that the final product meets all specifications.
The finished ground calcium carbonate powder is then packaging in a clean and dry environment to prevent contamination. Once packaged, it is shipped out for delivery to customers who rely on its high quality.
Environmental Concerns
There are a number of environmental concerns associated with the production of ground calcium carbonate. These include emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, as well as the potential for water pollution.
The main greenhouse gas emitted during the production of ground calcium carbonate is carbon dioxide. This gas is released when limestone is heated in order to produce calcium oxide, which is then used to produce calcium carbonate. Other emissions from this process include nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
Water pollution can also occur during the production of ground calcium carbonate. This is because the process uses large amounts of water, which can lead to the release of pollutants into waterways.
Ground Calcium Carbonate Applications
Ground calcium carbonate is a versatile material used in a variety of industries. Its properties make it ideal for use as an additive in many different applications.
Some of the most common ground calcium carbonate applications include:
-As a filler in paper products
-As a dietary supplement
-In cosmetics and personal care products
-As an antacid
-In toothpaste
-In construction materials such as concrete and plaster
The Ground Calcium Carbonate Production Process
The Ground Calcium Carbonate Production Process (GCC) involves a series of steps:
1. Mining and quarrying of raw calcium carbonate materials.
2. Crushing and grinding of the raw materials to generate Enteromorpha flakes.
3. Suspension of the Enteromorpha flakes in water to form a slurry.
4. Deposition of the slurry onto a substrate to form GCC films or sheets.
5. Drying and curing of the GCC films or sheets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the production process of ground calcium carbonate generally involves crushing the raw material to a fine powder, before being washed and filtered. The resulting slurry is then dried and divided into various particle sizes for further use. This process is relatively simple and efficient, making it a popular choice for many manufacturers.