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RESEARCH PRODUCT

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

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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 devised. The optimal operating conditions for the decomposition of the ammonium sulfate residue to produce high quality CaO were also investigated. We found that the CaCO 3 decomposition rate was high and the CaO product was highly active, averaging 170 s by the citric acid method. Morphology measurements showed that the CaO product had a porous structure and a large specific surface ensuring high activity.