Hydrated Lime

Hydrated lime, also known as calcium hydroxide lime, is a versatile product used in a variety of industrial and environmental applications. This white, powdery substance is produced when quicklime is mixed with water, a process known as slaking. The result is a highly alkaline product with unique chemical properties that make it useful in a range of settings.

Types of hydrated lime

There are two primary types of hydrated lime: high calcium hydrated lime and dolomitic hydrated lime. High calcium hydrated lime is derived from pure limestone and contains a high percentage of calcium. Its high alkalinity makes it ideal for use in industrial applications where a high pH is required. On the other hand, dolomitic hydrated lime is derived from dolomite, a type of rock that contains both calcium and magnesium. This type of hydrated lime has lower alkalinity than high calcium hydrated lime but offers the added benefit of magnesium, which can be beneficial in certain applications.

Applications of hydrated lime

Hydrated lime finds usage in a myriad of applications across various industries. In the construction industry, for example, it is used to make hydrated lime plaster, a type of mortar used in building and repairing walls. Its alkaline nature helps to prevent the growth of molds and fungi, ensuring the longevity and durability of the structures.

In the environmental sector, hydrated lime for water treatment is a common application. Its high alkalinity helps to neutralize acidic waste, making it safer to dispose of or reuse. It also helps to precipitate heavy metals, making it easier to remove them from wastewater. In the food industry, hydrated lime is used in the process of corn tortilla production. It helps to remove the outer hull of the corn kernels and improves the nutritional content of the final product.

Materials used to produce hydrated lime

The primary material used to produce hydrated lime is limestone, a naturally occurring sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. The limestone is first heated in a kiln to produce quicklime. This quicklime is then mixed with water, a process known as slaking, to produce hydrated lime. Another material used in the production of hydrated lime is dolomite. Dolomite is a type of rock that contains both calcium and magnesium. When heated, it produces a type of quicklime that, when slaked, results in dolomitic hydrated lime.

Hydrated lime, or hydrogenated lime as it's sometimes called, is a versatile product with numerous applications across different industries. Whether it's used to make plaster, treat water, or produce food, its unique properties make it an essential product in today's world.