Production of precipitated calcium carbonate particles from gypsum waste using venturi tubes as a carbonation zone

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the production of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) particles from desulfurization gypsum (DG) waste using a new experimental apparatus that is divided into two main parts: carbonation and stabilization zones. The solution was circulated via a pump from the stabilization zone to the carbonation zone where different types of Venturi tube were used for the reaction of CO2 with solution to produce PCC particles. The effects of CO2 flow rate, circulation rate, and Venturi types on the properties of the produced PCC particles were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particle size analyses. The conductivity and pH values of the solution were monitored during the carbonation. In addition, the reactivity of selected PCC was determined to evaluate its use as a sorbent in a desulfurization unit. The experimental results indicate that the Venturi tube had a strong effect on the reaction time and properties of PCC particles. The use of a Venturi tube resulted in a decrease in the time required for producing PCC particles, which were smooth, well-crystallized, and nano-sized cubic crystals. However, when no Venturi tube was used, hollow spherical crystals formed along with cubic crystals. It was found that the reactivity of selected PCC particles produced using Venturi tube was rather higher (52 × 10−4 min−1), indicating that the PCC can be used as a sorbent in the desulfurization unit.