What is Calcination?

Calcination also known as calcining is a process of heating a solid compound at a very high temperature below its melting point. This process is carried out in the absence of oxygen or a limited supply of oxygen. The process involves heating a substance to high temperatures, typically between 700 ℃ to 1200 ℃, although the specific temperature can vary based on the melting point of the material and the desired outcome.

In some cases, calcination of a metal results in oxidation of the metal. In the calcination process, a substance is heated below its melting or fusion point. During this process, the moisture is removed (i.e. water from ore is removed leaving the metal oxide behind).

In many industrial processes, calcination is a necessary step that changes the chemical and physical characteristics of materials for a range of uses. In the metal carbonates, the calcination process is carried out to turn metal carbonates into carbon dioxides and metal oxides.

Calcination Definition

Calcination is the process of heating a solid compound at a very high temperature in absence of oxygen or a limited supply of oxygen at controlled atmospheric pressure.

Calcination in other words also called as purification because it is used for the extraction of metals from its ore. In other words, we can say that Calcination is the process of heating ore to a high enough temperature to turn it into an oxide. Either in the absence of air or with insufficient supply, the ore is heated below its melting point.

Calcination Formula

Calcination is the process of heating a material to high temperatures, frequently without or with restricted air or oxygen supply. This causes the material to undergo chemical and physical changes. Although a universal “calcination formula” does not exist, the overall idea can be expressed by a simpler equation. The formula for calcined gypsum can be given as:

CaSO₄.0.5 H₂O

Calcination Example

Examples of Calcination include:

• Calcination of Limestone (Calcium Carbonate)
• Calcination of Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate)
• Calcination of Aluminum Hydroxide
• Calcination of Magnesium Carbonate
• Calcination of Kaolin (Clay Mineral), etc.

Calcination process is also used in the manufacture of quick lime from limestone. The ore is disposed of moisture, organic content, and volatile contaminants including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. It increases porousness. Carbon dioxide and metal oxides are produced during the breakdown of carbonate ores.

Calcination refers to a thermal treatment process applied to ores and other solid materials in the absence of oxygen or air. Calcination is one of the important methods used for the extraction of metals in metallurgy. This process is carried out in a controlled environment with a regulated temperature. The calcination method generally removes moisture from compounds.

In this article, we are going to discuss the Calcination process, Calcination definition, Calcination formula, Calcination example, the difference between calcination and roasting, and a few applications of calcination.