Decomposition of ammonium sulfate residue in a high solid/gas ratio suspension state with an industrial-scale reactor system (production line)

Abstract Ammonium sulfate residue is a particulate solid and is produced during the manufacture of ammonium sulfate fertilizer. The residue used in this study contained a large portion of calcium carbonate, from which active lime (CaO) was recovered via thermal decomposition. We used a purpose-built device to decompose the residue in a semi-suspension state. We found that CaO had the highest activity when residue was decomposed at 850–900 °C. Our experiments indicated that ammonium sulfate residue should be decomposed in a suspension state to produce active CaO. Based on our laboratory test findings, an industrial-scale production line with a high solid/gas ratio in a suspension state was d…