Shaft Lime Kiln

At a glance..

The Shaft Lime Kiln was adopted by the Building Research Station, to meet the needs, where only small quantities of lime are required for building purposes, stabilization of soils and lime washes. This bulletin is directed at a community where the use of lime would be an asset in improving conditions is a District where limestone is readily available.

The details..

'Shaft Lime Kiln Technical Bulletin No. 13' is an informative guide to building and operating vertical kilns for making quicklime from limestone. The bulletin covers everything from selecting materials to firing techniques, providing practical advice based on years of experience in Papua New Guinea's Department of Works and Supply.

The book begins with an overview of the history and uses of lime before diving into the specifics of constructing a shaft kiln, including choosing a site, sourcing materials like bricks or refractory concrete, designing ventilation systems that maximize fuel efficiency while minimizing emissions.

Readers will learn about different types of fuels that can be used to heat their kilns - such as wood chips or coal - as well as how to monitor temperature levels throughout the process using simple tools like thermocouples or infrared pyrometers.

Overall this technical manual offers valuable insights into one aspect of traditional industry which has been largely forgotten by modern society but still holds relevance today especially when it comes to sustainable living practices.