This is a very common and quick method of obtaining a small supply of ordinary quicklime. No construction is required. Simply the ground is leveled and cleared and the limestone and fuel are stored in alternating layers, if the fuel is wood. But if the fuel is coal or charcoal, limestone and the fuel are mixed together and placed in the form of a pile. Any type of burning material available locally is used. The entire pile is then covered with clay plaster and an attempt is made to preserve as much heat as possible. Small holes are also left above and below the plaster. When the blue flame at the top disappears, it indicates the completion of lime burning. The clamp is then allowed to cool and the pieces of quicklime are later picked by hand. Although burning is quick and cheap for ordinary lime, it is not suitable for large quantities for the following reasons.
Mass production of lime proves uneconomical.
Burning is not complete resulting in poor quality lime consisting of burnt limestone.
Losses in terms of both heat generated and material generated are substantial.
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