An efficient process to produce calcium thiosulfate (CaS2O3)
from lime, sulfur and oxygen is described. By selecting appropriate process conditions
such as mole ratios of lime to sulfur, temperature and pressure of the reaction
process and the oxidation conditions, including rate and duration, the concentration
of byproducts in the resulting suspension can be reduced to about 2% by weight
or less. The solid particulate dispersion in the suspension tends to form a slimy
solid suspension that is hard to filter if not treated properly. The suspension
then can be acidified and treated with a flocculent. This agglomerates the solids
into a floc that filters with ease. The resulting calcium thiosulfate is a clear
liquid with concentrations achievable up to 29%.