At the Metal Expo 2025 conference, where SteelRadar was a media partner, Şengel delivered a presentation titled “Lime Comparison: Energy & Environment,” in which he detailed the physical, chemical, and metallurgical properties of hard burnt and soft burnt lime. He emphasized that while hard burnt lime, produced at high temperatures, has a dense and strong structure, it slows down reaction rates in steelmaking and therefore leads to higher electricity consumption. By contrast, he noted that soft burnt lime, with its porous, reactive, and brittle structure, dissolves much faster in slag, stating: “Soft burnt lime enhances desulfurization while also improving energy efficiency.”
The technical data presented highlighted the tangible impact of this difference on production. Soft burnt lime contributed 24% CaO to slag in just 8 minutes, whereas hard burnt lime required 17 minutes to achieve the same result. Şengel noted that this delay translates into longer processing times and higher electricity consumption in steelmaking, emphasizing that the use of soft burnt lime in the production of one million tons of steel can generate approximately USD 2 million in energy savings.
Şengel also addressed the direct impact of quality differences on lime consumption, noting that low quality lime with 70% active CaO results in an additional annual consumption of 13,000 tons compared to high quality lime containing 90% active CaO. He emphasized that this excess consumption not only increases the direct cost of lime but also creates additional energy and operational burdens in auxiliary processes such as logistics, grinding, handling, and dust collection.
From an environmental perspective, the picture is striking. Şengel stated: “According to calculations, the excess consumption and energy loss caused by low quality lime correspond to approximately 18,500 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. With soft burnt lime dissolving faster and consuming less energy, these emissions can be significantly decreased. Energy efficiency is not only a cost advantage but also a means of decreasing the carbon footprint.”
Şengel emphasized that advances in modern lime production technologies also support this transformation, stating: “With new kiln technologies and carbon capture and storage (CCS) applications, the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere can be reduced. This makes it one of the most important tools for the green transition in the steel industry.”
Şengel concluded his speech with the following remarks: “Soft burnt lime delivers the same metallurgical performance with less lime, offering both an economic and environmentally friendly solution. This approach is becoming increasingly critical for reducing costs and enhancing sustainability in steel production.” He emphasized that the industry’s shift toward resource efficiency and low carbon production is inevitable.
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