Thermodynamic processes and characterisation of dead burned magnesia : a review

In magnesia plant, annular vertical shaft kilns - high temperature processing units, are used for the production of dead burned Magnesia. Vertical Shaft kilns such as those operating at the reference magnesia plant are known to be efficient. However, the knowledge of thermal processes and physical behaviours inside the operating kiln has not yet been studied in detailed. This is mainly due to the high working temperature inside the kiln which makes temperature and pressure measurements very difficult and expensive or almost impossible. The inability to obtain such information has limited the optimisation of the kiln's process variables. With increasing knowledge and computing power, computational modelling is becoming a readily used resource for improving processes that occurs in a vertical shaft kiln. This study represents the review of the thermodynamic processes of dead burned magnesia production with an integrated view to improving energy efficiency of magnesia production and to achieve environmental sustainability.