Precipitated Calcium Carbonate products
Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is a mineral pigment used throughout the world for paper production . It is valued for its high brightness and light scattering characteristics in paper filling and coating applications.
PCC Production
PCC is produced through a chemical reaction process that utilises calcium oxide (quicklime), water, and carbon dioxide. The reaction produces very pure calcium carbonate crystals and water. The crystals can be tailored to a variety of different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific reaction process used.
The three main shapes of PCC crystals are aragonite, rhombohedral, and scalenohedral. Within each crystal type, the PCC process can control mean particle size, size distribution, and surface area.
Imerys PCC Production
Most of the PCC produced throughout the world comes from satellite PCC plants at paper mill sites. The two main raw materials required are quicklime and carbon dioxide. In most cases, carbon dioxide is available from a mill flue gas source. Imerys produces a range of PCC products characterised by specific particle shape, particle size distribution, and optical properties. Imerys’ process control systems ensure a consistent, high quality product that meets customers' precise specifications.
Logistics
PCC products are supplied in slurry form to the "host" paper mill where the satellite PCC plant is located. If the PCC plant has excess capacity, products can then be shipped in slurry form by tanker truck (and in some cases by rail) to other paper mills. Since filler PCC is most often at low solids, it is usually only economic to ship for short distances.
