Synthetic gypsum
Synthetic gypsum is a term used to describe a number of gypsum based products than can be used as a alternative to or in conjunction with natural gypsum.
There are a number of different processes involved with the production of synthetic gyspum and different terms to decribe these;
- Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) gypsum is a by-product of the wet purification procedure with natural lime, formed in scrubbing towers of power plants, a extremely sped up process, similar to that of forming natural Gypsum. The SO2 is washed out by water, oxidised to Sulphates SO3 in an aqueous solution, calcium from quicklime precipitates into a purer form (than natural) of gypsum, Dihydrous Calcium Sulphate (CaSO4,2H2O). It is the most common process to create synthetic gypsum.
- Phosphogypsum, is based on reaction with phosphoric acid, a commodity chemical used in the production of fertilisers and detergents which also produces Calcium Sulphate, which can be separated filtration. It can be problematic in terms of crystal shape, quality and riskss of natural radioactivity,
- Titanogypsum, half the production of Titanium Dioxide (a mass produced white pigment) comes from a sulphate, (the other by a chloride) process, of around half produces a white gypsum which can be used.
- Citrogypsum, is a by product in the processing of citric acid, normally blueish in colour by can be purified.
- Fluoroanhydrite, calcium sulphate can form in the production of hydrofluoric acid from heated fluorspar or fluorite with Sulphuric Acid in dry conditions.
- Other synthesised gypsums have potential to be formed by processes with a by-product of sulphuric acid, whilst similar to citrogypsum and citric acid, tartaric, lactic, formic and oxalic acid also produce gypsum.
In 2007 the European gypsum industry organisation (EuroGypsum) stated that;
"Natural Gypsum will continue to cover the basic raw material needs of the Gypsum industry, followed by FGD Gypsum. The most important potential of other synthetic Gypsums than FGD Gypsum lies in the use of purified Phosphogypsum. Next to that is some potential in the use of purified Titanogypsum. In the past, both the Phosphoric Acid and the Titanium Dioxide industries have shown a systematic close down of production facilities in Europe. Investments in either the purification of the produced Gypsums, or in finding applications for the Gypsums produced, may be essential for the future viability of these sites."
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..