Verfahren zur Herstellung von Calciumsulfatdihydratschülpen

This invention relates to an improved process for producing gypsum calcium sulfate dihydrate flakes from powdered gypsum calcium sulfate dihydrate obtained from the desulfurization of flue gas by the wet limestone process. The flakes have sufficient size and strength such that the gypsum calcium sulfate dihydrate can be handled and processed in conventional equipment commonly used by wallboard manufacturers and others in the construction industry. The intermediate calcium sulfate dihydrate from the desulfurization process is dewatered to about 5 to 12% by weight and then compressed into a thin sheet under a compaction or compression load of 4 tons force to 15 tons force per linear inch of sheet width. A linear speed of from 0.5 to 2.5 feet per second is maintained during compaction providing a compaction residence time of from about 0.2 to 1.2 seconds. An elevated temperature is maintained during the compaction process to enhance the reformation of the crystal size and shape of the gypsum calcium sulfate dihydrate. The combination of pressure and temperature on the moist gypsum calcium sulfate dihydrate alters the physical characteristics of the gypsum calcium sulfate dihydrate, thereby resulting a sheet which breaks into hard flakes on exit from the compaction zone.