Hydrated Lime
Hydrated Lime: Properties, Uses, and Benefits
What is Hydrated Lime?
Hydrated lime, also known as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), is a white, dry, and fine powder produced by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) in a controlled process known as slaking. This reaction releases heat and forms a highly alkaline substance used in a variety of industrial and environmental applications.
Chemical Properties of Hydrated Lime
- Chemical Formula: Ca(OH)₂
- Molecular Weight: 74.09 g/mol
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, forming a milky suspension known as "limewater."
- pH: Highly alkaline (pH around 12.4 in water).
- Appearance: White powder with a soft texture.
Uses of Hydrated Lime
1. Water and Wastewater Treatment
Hydrated lime is widely used in water treatment to:
- Neutralize acidic water and balance pH levels.
- Remove impurities such as heavy metals, organic matter, and phosphates.
- Softening hard water by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions.
2. Construction and Building Materials
- Used in mortar and plaster to improve durability and resistance to moisture.
- Enhances cement and concrete strength by reducing shrinkage and cracking.
- Acts as a stabilizer in soil treatment for road construction.
3. Environmental Applications
- Helps in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from industrial processes.
- Used in sludge treatment to control odor and pathogens in wastewater management.
4. Agriculture
- Improves soil pH and reduces soil acidity for better crop yield.
- Serves as a pesticide and fungicide to control plant diseases.
5. Chemical and Industrial Uses
- Used in paper manufacturing for pulp processing.
- Plays a role in sugar refining by removing impurities from sugarcane juice.
- Used in leather tanning and paint production as a neutralizing agent.
Advantages of Hydrated Lime
✅ Cost-effective and readily available.
✅ Environmentally friendly when used in pH control and pollution reduction.
✅ Enhances durability in construction materials.
✅ Reduces acidity in various applications, improving process efficiency.
Conclusion
Hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂) is an essential compound in multiple industries, including water treatment, construction, agriculture, and environmental management. Its ability to neutralize acids, remove impurities, and enhance material strength makes it a valuable resource in industrial and commercial applications.
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