Product Details
What is Slaked Lime?
Slaked Lime, also known as Hydrated Lime or Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), is a versatile inorganic compound formed by reacting quicklime (Calcium Oxide, CaO) with water. It serves as a critical raw material in industries ranging from construction to pharmaceuticals due to its unique properties:
- High Alkalinity: pH 12–12.4 in aqueous solutions.
- Low Solubility: 1.65 g/L in water at 25°C, ideal for suspensions.
- Reactive Surface: Efficiently absorbs CO₂, SO₂, and acidic pollutants.
Physical & Chemical Properties of Slaked Lime
Physical Properties
- Appearance: Fine white powder, free of visible impurities.
- Density: 2.21 g/cm³ (true density), 0.5–0.7 g/cm³ (bulk density).
- Particle Size: Adjustable from 20 mesh (coarse) to 200 mesh (ultra-fine).
Chemical Properties
- Thermal Decomposition: Breaks down at 580°C into CaO and water vapor.
- Reactivity:
- Neutralizes acids: Ca(OH)₂ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + 2H₂O.
- Captures CO₂: Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O (used in carbon sequestration).
Advanced Production Process of Slaked Lime
Modern manufacturing ensures high purity and consistency:
- Hydration Control: Water-to-lime ratio maintained at 0.33:1.
- Temperature Management: Reactor kept at 65±5°C to prevent overheating.
- Precision Grinding: Jet mills produce particles with D50=5µm (CV <5%).
Quality Advantages
| Parameter | Industry Standard | Our Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥90% | ≥95% |
| Free CaO | ≤1.5% | ≤0.8% |
| Heavy Metals | <50 ppm | <10 ppm |
Industrial Applications of Slaked Lime
① Water Treatment & Environmental Remediation
- pH Adjustment: Neutralizes acidic wastewater (pH 2–4) at 30% lower cost than NaOH.
- Heavy Metal Removal: Binds to Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ (removal rate >99.5%).
- Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD): Achieves 98.5% SO₂ capture at Ca/S ratio 1.03.
② Construction & Building Materials
- Mortar Additive: Enhances workability and reduces cracking by 25%.
- Soil Stabilization: Increases clay soil CBR value from 3 to 8.5.
③ Chemical Manufacturing
- Plastic Filler: 15% Slaked Lime in PVC improves tensile strength by 18% (ASTM D638).
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Used in aspirin production with >92% yield.
④ Food & Agriculture
- Food-Grade (E526): Anti-caking agent in powdered products (≤0.3% dosage).
- Soil pH Correction: Raises acidic soil pH from 5.0 to 6.8, boosting crop yields.
Safe Handling & Storage of Slaked Lime
Operational Safety
- PPE Requirements:
- Respiratory: FFP2 masks (EN 149 standard).
- Eye Protection: ANSI Z87.1-rated goggles.
- Spill Management: Use inert absorbents (e.g., sand), never water.
Optimal Storage Conditions
| Grade | Temperature | Humidity | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial | <30°C | <60% RH | 25kg moisture-proof bags |
| Food/Pharma | 15–25°C | <45% RH | 10kg vacuum-sealed pouches |
FAQs – Slaked Lime Usage & Safety
Q1: Is Slaked Lime corrosive?
A1: Yes, its high alkalinity can irritate skin and eyes. Always wear PPE during handling.
Q2: Can Hydrated Lime be used in drinking water?
A2: Yes, food-grade Calcium Hydroxide is certified for water treatment (WHO-compliant Ca²⁺ levels <100 mg/L).
Q3: How does Slaked Lime differ from quicklime?
A3: Slaked Lime (Ca(OH)₂) is hydrated, less reactive, and safer than quicklime (CaO).
Reference
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_hydroxide
