A detention slaker is a type of lime slaker used in the industrial process of converting quicklime (calcium oxide) into hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) to create a lime slurry. The term "detention" refers to the method by which the slaking reaction takes place, which is in a controlled and contained environment.
Detention slakers are designed to handle a continuous flow of quicklime and water, as opposed to a batch process. Here's how a detention slaker typically works:
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Quicklime Addition: Quicklime is continuously fed into the detention slaker. The amount of quicklime added is controlled to maintain a consistent lime-to-water ratio.
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Mixing: The quicklime is mixed with a carefully controlled flow of water in the slaking chamber or reactor. This mixture of quicklime and water undergoes an exothermic chemical reaction, resulting in the conversion of quicklime into hydrated lime. The heat generated during the reaction is effectively managed to prevent overheating.
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Residence Time: The mixture of quicklime and water is allowed to stay within the slaking chamber for a specific period, known as the residence time. This allows the complete slaking reaction to take place and ensures that the resultant lime slurry is uniform and of high quality.
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Temperature Control: Detention slakers are equipped with mechanisms for temperature control to maintain the reaction temperature within a safe and optimal range. This is important to prevent overheating, which could lead to the production of poor-quality lime or even safety hazards.
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Discharge: Once the slaking reaction is complete, the resulting hydrated lime slurry is continuously discharged from the slaker and can be collected for use in various industrial applications.
Detention slakers are often preferred in applications where a continuous and controlled supply of high-quality lime slurry is required. They are commonly used in industries such as water treatment, wastewater treatment, and the production of chemicals, where pH control, coagulation, and other processes rely on the availability of a consistent and well-slaked lime slurry.
The advantage of detention slakers over batch slakers is their ability to maintain a continuous and steady supply of lime slurry, making them suitable for operations with higher lime consumption and a need for consistent product quality.
