A study case of energy efficiency, energy profile, and technological gap of combustion systems in the Colombian lime industry

Substantial heat losses were found especially through the flue gases and kiln walls. The kiln thermal efficiencies calculated were in the range of 54-59%, with combustion efficiencies of 74-78%. The energy performance indicators of the vertical kilns were significantly below those of the most advanced technology available for the calcination stage. Potential energy savings through the introduction of the state-of-the-art kiln technology in the Colombian lime industry is discussed.