Microproducts from Marble Processing Waste

摘要

This paper refers to the use of the marble processing wastes as a new source for high quality carbonate fillers. The marble processing waste is the sludge produced in the marble processing plants during the size-cutting and smoothing phases. Technological waste samples from different marble manufacturing companies in Bulgaria were characterized. The mineralogical and chemical composition, particle size distribution, solid phase content, whiteness, yellowness and abrasiveness were determined. The possibility of obtaining white carbonate fillers from marble processing waste was studies in a laboratory. The technological tests included hydro classification, thickening, filtration, and drying of calcium carbonate products. The pilot scale manufacturing operations w ere conducted. The natural calcium carbonates produced were properly tested and their properties correspond to the requirements of the relevant international standards specification for white carbonate fillers. It w as found that the calcium carbonates obtained from marble processing waste could be used in the paper, paints and building industries.