Chemical goggles and/or safety glasses. A face shield. Protective gloves and clothing. Make sure all skin is covered.
At the very least, use a dusk mask. It is recommended that cooking quicklime be done outside or in a facility with very good ventilation.
Dolomite Chalk Limestone. Avoiding calcium sulfate (such as gypsum). Cooking gypsum could create hazardous and toxic fumes. [2] X Research source
You will need 1. 8 units of raw calcium carbonate for every 1 unit of quicklime you want to make. If you are buying pre-bagged calcium carbonate mix or any sort of rock mixture, make sure to pay attention and consider the directions and ingredient makeup specified on the bag or box. Do not substitute a rock or rock mixture that is not dolomite, chalk, or limestone without consulting a specialist. [4] X Research source
Your kiln needs to be able to maintain high temperatures (over 1000 degrees Celsius) for up to an hour. Your kiln must be big enough for you to make the desired amount of quicklime. Try to make your quicklime outside. However, if you must make it inside, you should have proper ventilation where your kiln is located. This could be a vent or windows that create a cross draft.
To heat your kiln to 1000 to 1100 Celsius. Your kiln remains steady at this temperature before continuing. Your calcium carbonate rock mixture is not immediately next to the kiln as it is heating. To remove any water or other liquids that may be in the immediate vicinity of the kiln.
Heat your calcium carbonate directly on the flame until it becomes red hot. Do this for about 2-3 minutes. The rock will decompose on heating to create calcium oxide (quicklime) and carbon dioxide. After it is apparent that the rock has been cooked and decomposed, turn the heat off.
Store it in a dry heavy-plastic or metal container. Seal your container well. Keep your container out of reach of pets or small children. Keep your quicklime dry. Quicklime reacts violently when mixed with water. As a result, you need to keep your quicklime dry and in a location where it won’t be exposed to leaks or floods.
