Quicklime is calcium oxide (CaO), which has varying particle size depending on the end use and high available calcium content. Quicklime is produced by burning or calcining limestone (calcium carbonate) in a kiln at 2000 degrees +/-. Quicklime is used primarily in flue gas treatment of sulphur emissions, water and wastewater treatment, soil amendment processing, well drilling applications, among other environmental or agricultural applications. Quicklime is produced by two kilns at the Rapid City, South Dakota Complex and also at Wyoming Lime Producers in Frannie, Wyoming (a Basin Electric owned plant operated by Pete Lien & Sons).
Hydrated Lime is produced by hydrating quicklime to produce calcium oxide which has small particle size, good flow properties, high surface area, and high total and available calcium hydroxide. Hydrated lime is used primarily in water and wastewater treatment, asphalt concrete treatment for anti-strip purposes, soil amendment processing, among other environmental applications. Hydrated lime is produced at the Rapid City Complex as well as the Colorado Hydrator located in LaPorte, CO.