Production of Mesoporous Silica Particles: Calcination

This report gives detailed overview of the latter process where silica hydrogels undergo thermal treatment for moisture removal. The design methodology of the tray calciner, heat exchanger and the air scrubber are outlined. The process is right after the washing of silica particles with ethanol in the nutsche filters, then stored for a short period of time, before being collected for calcination to form silica xerogels. The waste heat from the calcination process is recovered then transferred to the heating medium system. This waste heat is combustion by-products of surfactant template and kerosene (present as moisture content) in the silica particles, which needs to be scrubbed with water to avoid air pollution from oxides of carbon. The production of mesoporous silica particles is concluded by the drying of the silica hydrogels at high temperatures, for moisture removal. The final step of product synthesis is the removal of moisture, commonly completed via calcination, however alternative methods include chemical removal and decomposition via microwaves. Based on the above, the conventional thermal treatment is employed over the alternatives due to its efficient application.