Washing studies with a limestone sample for reduction of insolubles: a case study

Abstract

The paper deals with the washing studies conducted with a limestone sample received from Rourkela Steel Plant with a view to reduce the insolubles. The sample analysed 14.88% insolubles and it was required to reduce the same to below 12% level. As the sample contained some amount of clay both in the fines and coating the lumps, it was decided to conduct washing after crushing the sample to the desired size. Bench scale washing studies indicated that, bulk of the clayey matter could be removed. As the insolubles content of the coarser lumps was quite low, pilot plant scale washing studies were conducted both with -50 mm and -25 mm material separately. Results indicated that in both the cases, the insolubles could be reduced to below 12% level with a marginal loss of CaO values.