This method provides a dry slaking of lime that can be used or converted into putty. A watertight masonry platform is constructed, on which lime is spread in a layer of 15 cm. Water is then sprayed on it through a hose pipe until the lime is broken into a fine powder. During the dewatering process, the lime pile is repeatedly turned over. It is then left for 24 hours during which further slaking takes place.
The rate of hydration or slaking is very much a function of the composition, physical condition and degree of lime burning. It should be noted that over-burnt or under-burnt limestone does not slide easily. Therefore, such unwanted pieces should be removed before slaking. It is also important to convert all lumps into powder or pulp form. It has been observed that one part of quicklime is converted into about 1½ parts in paste form and about 2 parts in powder form.
The amount of water required to hydrate 100 kg of lime is 32 liters, but in practice 100 liters of water may be added. This is usually determined by experience and depends on other factors such as the composition of the quicklime, the method of sewing and the form in which the hydrated lime is required, i.e. in putty or powder form.
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