Hydrated Lime Powder in Meghalaya
Hydrated Lime Powder, also known as Calcium Hydroxide [Ca(OH)â‚‚], is a fine, dry, white powder produced by hydrating quicklime (Calcium Oxide). When water is added to quicklime, it undergoes an exothermic reaction, resulting in hydrated lime. It is non-toxic, alkaline in nature, and has a smooth texture.
Hydrated lime is widely used in water and wastewater treatment, construction, agriculture, chemical industries, and environmental applications. Its strong alkalinity makes it effective in pH control, neutralization of acidic substances, flocculation, and as a disinfectant.
Uses:
- Water treatment – pH adjustment, softening, and removal of impurities.
- Construction – as a component in mortars, plasters, and whitewash.
- Agriculture – soil stabilization, acidity neutralization, and as a pesticide.
- Industrial – used in tanning, paper, sugar refining, and chemical manufacturing.
Properties of Hydrated Lime Powder
- Chemical Composition – Calcium Hydroxide [Ca(OH)â‚‚], with high calcium content and minimal impurities.
- Physical Appearance – Fine, dry, white amorphous powder with a smooth texture.
- Solubility – Slightly soluble in water, forming a solution known as limewater.
- Alkalinity – Strongly alkaline in nature (pH around 12.4 in saturated solution).
- Reactivity – Reacts with acids to form calcium salts and water; reacts with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate.
- Thermal Stability – Stable at ambient temperature but decomposes into calcium oxide and water when heated above 580°C.
- Density – Bulk density generally ranges from 450–650 kg/m³ (depending on fineness).
- Disinfectant Property – Has antimicrobial action, used for disinfection and sanitation.
- Non-toxic & Eco-friendly – Safe for controlled industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications.
- Versatility – Can be used for water treatment, construction, agriculture, and chemical processes.
| Property/Aspect | Quicklime (CaO) | Hydrated Lime (Ca(OH)â‚‚) |
| Chemical Formula | CaO | Ca(OH)â‚‚ |
| Common Name | Burnt Lime, Calcium Oxide | Slaked Lime, Calcium Hydroxide |
| Physical Appearance | Hard, white to gray lumps or pebbles | Fine, dry, white powder |
| Production Process | Obtained by calcining limestone (CaCO₃ → CaO + COâ‚‚) | Produced by adding water to quicklime (CaO + Hâ‚‚O → Ca(OH)â‚‚) |
| Reactivity with Water | Highly exothermic reaction, releases heat | Already hydrated, does not react violently with water |
| Alkalinity (pH) | Strongly alkaline, reacts rapidly | Strongly alkaline, but less reactive than quicklime |
| Solubility in Water | Very low solubility, forms lime putty/slurry when mixed | Slightly soluble, forms lime water |
| Bulk Density | Higher (~1000–1300 kg/m³) | Lower (~450–650 kg/m³) |
| Handling & Safety | Corrosive, generates intense heat when hydrated | Safer to handle, mild irritant |
| Uses | Steel industry, cement manufacturing, flue gas treatment | Water treatment, construction (mortar, plaster), agriculture, chemical industry |
