No 1. Traditional Batch Techniques at Chenkumbi, Malawi
Practical Action
The net result of these problems is that the quality of the product is low in terms of both
available lime content and fineness. It is suitable only for building grade lime where low
quality, although not desirable, can be tolerated. The value-added component of low quality
lime is also less.
The lime specification required by the sugar processing industry cannot be reached, despite
the relative high purity of the marble, and the potential to supply chemical grade lime at a
higher value cannot be achieved.
Information at a glance
Type of kiln
Capital costs
Mode of production
Running costs
Type and quality of limestone
Type and quantity of fuel
Fuel efficiency
Conversion rate CaCO3 TO CaO
Hydration
Sieving/classification
Milling
Quality of lime produced
Principal market
Number of persons employed (including quarrying)
Person shifts per 100 tonnes Ca(OH)2 produced
(including quarrying)
Traditional box, open topped
Very low
One batch per 60 days. Average 3 batches per
year. 50 tonnes per batch Ca(OH)2 output
Low
Marble. Approx 95% CaCO3
Hardwood 15MJ/Kg. Approx 55 tonnes per batch
15%
58%
Manual
Manual
Diesel powered hammer mill
Low (average 39% available lime)
Building industry
3 full time and 33 casuals
882
References and further reading
Lime - An Introduction Practical Action Technical Brief
Hydraulic Lime - An Introduction Practical Action Technical Brief
Methods for testing lime in the field Practical Action Technical Brief
How to calculate the Energy Efficiency of Lime Burning Practical Action Technical Brief
Testing methods for pozzolanas Practical Action Technical Brief
Lime Kiln Designs: Small & Medium Scale Oil Fired Lime Kilns Practical Action
Technical Brief
A Small Lime Kiln for Batch and Continuous Firing Practical Action Technical Brief
The Small Scale Vertical Shaft Lime Kiln: A practical guide to design, construction and
operation, Kelvin Mason, Practical Action Publishing, ISBN 9781853394652
Small-scale Lime-burning: A practical introduction Michael Wingate, Practical Action
Publishing, ISBN 9780946688012
A Case Study in Lime Production No2 Improved Techniques at Chenkumbi, Malawi.
Practical Action Technical Brief
Lime and Alternative Binders in East Africa Elijah Agevi et al, Practical Action /ODA,
1995
Lime and Other Alternative Cements Neville Hill et al, Practical Action Publishing, 1992
Building with Lime: A practical introduction. Revised Edition Stafford Holmes &
Michael Wingate, Practical Action Publishing, 2002/3 ISBN 9781853395475
Guide for Manufacture of Lime in Vertical Mixed-feed type lime kiln: Part 1 From lime-
stone, Indian Standard IS 1861 Part 1 – 1990, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi,
India
How to Build a Small Vertical Shaft Lime Kiln Practical Action Technical Brief
4