Hot forming of dolomite briquettes

Abstract

Results of experiments to study the production of dolomite clinker having a density close to the theoretical density of pure sintered dolomite are discussed. Density values are reported for samples obtained by the following process: decarbonization of dolomite, hot briquetting at 300–700°C, firing the semi-product at 1500°C. A similar procedure was also developed using salt-doped dolomite. The technology used leads to especially good results when dealing with ‘hard to sinter’ dolomites. It also avoids the necessity to use extremely high temperatures for the sintering process, thus making the process more economical from the point of view of energy consumption.