Quicklime; excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825

HS code 252210 covers quicklime, a critical industrial material with a wide range of applications. Quicklime, also known as calcium oxide, is a key component in various manufacturing processes, construction activities, and environmental management systems. Its importance extends across industries, making it a vital part of the global economy.

Quicklime is primarily produced through the thermal decomposition of limestone or other calcium-rich minerals. The process, known as calcination, involves heating the raw material to high temperatures, typically between 800°C and 900°C, in a controlled environment. This process drives off the carbon dioxide, leaving behind the calcium oxide, or quicklime. The resulting product is then crushed, screened, and packaged for distribution and use.

The main input for the production of quicklime is limestone, a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Other calcium-rich minerals, such as dolomite, may also be used as raw materials. In addition to the mineral feedstock, the production process requires significant energy inputs, typically in the form of natural gas or coal, to maintain the high temperatures necessary for the calcination reaction.

Quicklime is a versatile material with a wide range of applications. It is used in the production of 252320 Slaked lime, which is further processed into various construction materials. Quicklime is also a key ingredient in the production of 281512 Calcium hydroxide, an important chemical used in water treatment, paper manufacturing, and other industries. Additionally, quicklime finds applications in the steel industry, agriculture, and environmental remediation.