Define the material family
The National Lime Association’s terminology separates calcium and magnesium-bearing lime families and distinguishes oxide products from hydrated products. For a burnt dolomite enquiry, that makes the required calcium and magnesium chemistry an important starting point.
Do not assume that a general commercial name identifies every property your process requires. Ask the receiving technical team which chemical limits, physical characteristics and approval tests need to appear in the specification.
What should the RFQ contain?
- Required CaO and MgO values, including the reporting basis.
- Any limits for silica, other impurities or loss on ignition.
- Particle-size distribution and acceptable fines.
- Any process-specific density, reactivity or other physical criteria.
- The test methods and supporting documents needed for approval.
These are questions to resolve, not guaranteed values for the Vietnam Lime product range. If a parameter is not relevant to your process, say so; if it is essential, include an acceptance limit and method rather than relying on an informal description.
Make the comparison readable
Put supplier offers into a single comparison sheet with separate columns for chemistry, physical form, documents and commercial terms. Where information is missing, mark it as unconfirmed. Avoid substituting a value from a different grade, sample or historical shipment.
It is also useful to distinguish a trial quantity from a recurring supply requirement. An initial sample review and a regular shipment programme can have different approval steps, even when they concern the same material family.
Move from review to quotation
Once the technical basis is clear, add the estimated tonnage, packing preference, destination and shipment window. Request a quotation for that defined requirement. Confirm the offered specification and documentation before treating an indicative conversation as an order.