Quicklime CaO Pebble
Quicklime CaO Pebble (also known as Calcium Oxide or Burnt Lime) is a white, caustic, strongly basic, and highly reactive inorganic material produced by calcining high-purity limestone (CACO3) in a kiln at temperatures between 900°C and 1200°C. The Pebble form refers to the particle size, which consists of small, dense lumps, making it ideal for bulk addition to furnaces where fast reaction and good flow properties are required.
Heat
Main Composition and Basicity
Quicklime is the active form of lime, free of the carbon dioxide and moisture present in limestone or hydrated lime.
| COMPONENT | CHEMICAL FORMULA | PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT |
| Calcium Oxide | CaO | Extremely strong base and flux, high heat of hydration. |
| Form | Pebble / Lump | Optimized size for furnace charging and reaction speed. |
| CLASSIFICATION | MELTING POINT | PRIMARY APPLICATION FOCUS |
| Active Flux | ~2572°C | Slag formation and desulfurization in high-temperature metallurgy. |
Key Performance Metric
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Basicity | EXTREME | Provides the most active form of calcium oxide for high-temperature chemical reactions. |
| Reaction Speed | HIGH | Reacts much faster than limestone as it is already calcined (no endothermic CO2 release). |
| Heat Release | HIGH | Releases significant heat upon hydration (slaking), useful for drying or heating. |
Quicklime CaO Pebble
Applications and Key Characteristics
Quicklime in pebble form is the preferred flux for speed and efficiency in the steel industry and other high-temperature processes.
- Steelmaking Flux (EAF/BOF): Quicklime is the primary slag-forming agent in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and Basic Oxygen Furnaces (BOF). Because it is pre-calcined, its addition does not absorb vast amounts of heat (unlike limestone), allowing for faster processing times and greater energy efficiency.
- Purification (Desulfurization and Dephosphorization): The strong basicity of CaO is essential for scavenging impurities such as sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) from the molten steel, transferring them into the slag phase to produce clean steel.
- Neutralization and pH Control: Used to neutralize acidic water, chemicals, and sludges due to its powerful alkalinity.
- Refractory Repair: Used in granular form as a basic material for repairing hearths and slag lines.
Pebble Grade vs. Powder
- Pebble/Lump: The pebble form is ideal for charging into the molten metal/slag layer, as its mass allows it to penetrate the slag quickly and react efficiently. It minimizes dust and prevents the material from being immediately swept out of the furnace by the exhaust system.
- Powder: Finer grades are used when maximum surface area is needed for fast reactions (e.g., in ladle metallurgy or dry flue gas scrubbing) or when mixing into refractories.
Technical Guidance and Handling
Quicklime is highly reactive and requires careful handling:
- Hydration Risk: Quicklime is extremely moisture-sensitive.16 It reacts violently (exothermic reaction) with water and even atmospheric moisture to form Hydrated Lime (Ca(OH2), which is called slaking.
CaO + H3O → CaOH2 + Heat
This reaction generates enough heat to pose a fire or explosion risk if storage containers are breached by water. Therefore, Quicklime must be stored in airtight silos or moisture-proof packaging.
- Safety: It is corrosive and caustic; proper PPE (gloves, eye protection) must be used to prevent chemical burns when handling.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
