Manufacturing Process

	Illustration - GBT formed briquette crystal structure before calcination
	Illustration - GBT formed briquette crystal structure after calcination

As indicated in table 1, the Hi-PSI-G manufacturing process is inexpensive, easily scalable, and readily transportable.  Novel methods are employed for pressing, calcining, drying, and grinding gypsum briquettes.  All of the equipment used in the production process is currently “off the shelf” having been used on an ongoing basis for other applications. The process itself is simple to perform, requiring little operator input and no expensive additives. The process conditions use very little process water, minimizing energy use and avoiding water treatment costs. In addition, the drying and grinding equipment operate under conditions of ideal efficiency thus increasing production rates and minimizing energy costs. 

Advantageously, GBT’s patented process provides great flexibility in the choice of raw material (calcium sulfate dihydrate) used to form the alpha hemihydrate briquettes.  Material sources may include natural gypsum from mines and quarries around the world, as well as byproduct gypsum from a variety of chemical processes.  Examples of chemical sources include desulfurization of flue gases, the production of titanium oxide, the production of phosphate-based fertilizers, the neutralization of waste sulfuric acid streams, or the production of organic acids and their salts, e.g., citric acid, citrates, etc..  Recycled gypsum from gypsum-based products are equally well-suited for this process.

For those plaster users that do not need to dry the excess water but require the extra strength of a low water demand plaster, e.g., floorscreed producers, the benefit is the reduced cost of manufacture, access to supplies of low cost byproduct gypsum and the ability to build small plants where needed rather than ship product from a central facility. Average production costs have been estimated at about $35 per ton, less than half the cost of a typical dry process alpha plaster and about one third the cost of a typical wet process alpha plaster. These production costs are similar to a beta plaster produced from rock.

 learn about typical applications for Hi-PSI-G

Table 1. Features of the Hi-PSI-G Manufacturing Process

* depends on various circumstances including facility location, available energy resources, etc.