The Royal Ice Factory’s Lime Kiln
These kilns were intended for the production of «quick lime» (calcium oxide) by the thermal decomposition of limestone through calcination, or burning. The lime produced here guaranteed the hygiene of the water deposited in the freezing tanks, which made this kiln an essential element for the Ice Factory’s autonomy. Lime is also one of the elements of the mortars that cover the elevations and facades of the production and conservation building, and was also used to waterproof the silos, which is still visible today in the central silo.
Although it it not possible to specify the amount of lime produced in this kiln, it is thought that the quadrangular gap in the wall at the entrance, on the right side, was used to keep a record of the lime produced in each day, this information being transmitted between work shifts.
