Industry Overview: Lime in Environmental Treatment
Lime contributes significantly to the protection of the environment through the following applications:
Waste Water Treatment:
Many wastewater streams, whether industrial or municipal, require pH correction and/or the removal of metallic contaminants before they can be discharged safely into the environment. Lime provides a cost efficient and safe solution, particularly when compared to alternatives such as caustic soda:
Lime is not susceptible to dangerous pH excursions in the event of a control problem.
Lime is relatively safe in handling and storage.
The use of lime precipitates metals as a manageable sludge, providing easier dewatering and hence lower sludge volumes.
Lime treatment provides flocculation, with and without the use of additional polymer treatments, and is beneficial in removal of suspended solids.
Sludge and Domestic Refuse:
Lime plays a very important role in the treatment of household and industrial waste sludge prior to disposal in landfills or its use as an agricultural supplement. Lime is also used to treat contaminated soils. It provides a safe means for:
Sludge dewatering, making it practical to handle and transport
Preventing leaching of metals that can contaminate ground and surface waters
Prevention of odors
Lime adds Calcium and Magnesium to the sludge product, enhancing its value as an agricultural supplement
Treatment of Combustion Gases from Fossil Fuel Industrial and Utility Plants:
Lime is used extensively to remove harmful sulfur dioxide from the combustion gases of utility and industrial plants. Refer to the Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) section of the Carmeuse Lime & Stone Web site for full coverage of FGD applications and advanced technology.
Carmeuse Technology and Products
Carmeuse Lime & Stone provides a full range of products for the treatment of both wastewater streams and sludge:
Wastewaters
Milk of lime is a highly convenient form of lime to treat wastewaters. Delivered directly to your lime slurry tank, it can be fed directly to the waste stream.
Bulk quicklime and hydrated lime are available in all locations.
Sludge Treatment
Bulk quicklime, pebble or fines, and hydrated lime are available at all locations in the Carmeuse service area.
