Plasma Lime Kiln LCE Study

Working with funding from BC Hydro, PE Tech was retained to study the opportunity to reduce fossil fuel consumption and GHG emissions from their lime kilns by replacing an existing lime kiln with a new electric plasma powered system. Through this study, it became evident the proposed plasma kiln system could not support peak lime demand conditions. As a result of this analysis, PE Tech determined the Plasma Lime Kiln was better suited to a new installation as a retrofit would require too many major system component changes which made it not practical financially. Although the study indicated the technology was not a practical solution for the client, the early identification meant budgeted funds could be used elsewhere for projects that would achieve efficiency and GHG reductions. In addition, the study identified an additional new process for heat recovery from the high temperature steam slaker used to dry the incoming lime mud. As a result, the slaker replacement with a new steam slaker and lime mud dryer was added as a second alternative without including the plasma kiln replacement. While the original studied identified technology that was not practical, the secondary study finding did result in savings for the client.