Lime KilnsAdding oxygen to increase production

The production rate of a lime kiln can increase by use of oxygen (O2). The capacity increase (up to 30%), makes it possible to postpone investments in additional capacity. The alternative of purchasing more lime and dumping the surplus of lime mud is costly. Fuel savings, often in the order of 30 percent per ton of lime, add to a very high profitability of oxygen addition.

The considerable fuel savings with oxygen addition can in some cases make oxygen addition profitable even when no additional production capacity is required.

The following advantages can be achieved:

  • Increased capacity (up to +30%)
  • Reduced fuel consumption (oil, natural gas, etc.)
  • Decreased specific energy consumption
  • Decreased risk for Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)


Linde's technology for increasing the capacity of lime kiln using oxygen can be achieved with a very low investment cost. The cost for the application is mostly variable.

Oxygen has been used for several years to boost capacity and save fuel in many lime kilns in pulp mills. The technology is also used in cement kilns and similar installations. Linde has extensive experience of these types of furnaces and combustion processes in many countries.