Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime)
Hydrated lime powder and slurry for water softening, flue gas treatment, soil stabilization, and mining applications.
Product Overview
Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), commonly known as hydrated lime or slaked lime, is produced by adding water to calcium oxide (quicklime) in a process called slaking. It is one of the oldest and most widely used industrial chemicals, valued for its low cost, calcium content, and moderate alkalinity.
Texas-Chem supplies calcium hydroxide as dry hydrated lime powder and as pre-mixed slurry for applications requiring liquid delivery. Hydrated lime is the lowest-cost alkali available and is preferred for large-volume applications where the highest-strength caustics are not required.
Common Applications
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1305-62-0 |
| Molecular Formula | Ca(OH)2 |
| Molecular Weight | 74.09 g/mol |
| Appearance | White powder or slurry |
| Purity | 90-96% Ca(OH)2 (hydrated lime) |
| pH (saturated solution) | 12.4 |
| Bulk Density | 400-600 kg/m3 (powder) |
| Specific Surface Area | 15-30 m2/g (typical) |
| Grade | Industrial |
| Packaging | Bags, Super Sacks, Bulk |
Safety & Documentation
Calcium hydroxide is a mild to moderate irritant. Dust can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Wear dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves when handling dry product. Slurry can cause skin irritation with prolonged contact. Review SDS before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hydrated lime and quicklime?
Quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) is produced by calcining limestone at high temperature. Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2) is produced by adding water to quicklime. Hydrated lime is safer and easier to handle than quicklime, which reacts violently with water.
What is hydrated lime used for in water treatment?
Hydrated lime is used in the lime-soda softening process to remove calcium and magnesium hardness, in pH adjustment and stabilization, in phosphorus precipitation, and in heavy metal removal from industrial wastewater.
Why is hydrated lime used in flue gas treatment?
Lime slurry or dry hydrated lime is injected into flue gas streams to react with sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and other acid gases, forming calcium sulfate and calcium chloride that are captured in baghouse filters or wet scrubbers.
Does Texas-Chem supply lime slurry?
Yes. Texas-Chem can supply pre-mixed lime slurry (typically 15-30% solids) for applications requiring liquid delivery. Contact us for specific slurry concentration and delivery requirements.
Packaging Options
Key Properties
Delivery Info
Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) vs. Alternatives
Calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) is a low-cost, calcium-bearing alkali widely used in water treatment and construction. Here's how it compares to other caustics.
| Attribute | Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) | Sodium Hydroxide | Sodium Carbonate |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH (saturated solution) | 12.4 | 13.0 | 11.6 |
| Form Available | Powder (hydrated lime), Slurry | Liquid (50%), Flake | Light / Dense powder |
| Calcium Content | Yes — 54% Ca(OH)2 | None | None |
| Primary Use | Water softening, flue gas, soil stabilization, construction | Paper, water treatment, chemical synthesis | Glass, detergents, water softening |
| Relative Cost | Very low — lowest cost alkali | Low — commodity | Low — commodity |
Industries We Supply Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) To
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Hydrated lime is used for water softening (lime-soda process), pH adjustment, phosphorus precipitation, and heavy metal removal in municipal and industrial water treatment.
Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) supply in Houston, TXFlue Gas Desulfurization
Lime slurry injected into flue gas streams at power plants and industrial boilers to capture sulfur dioxide (SO2) and acid gases.
Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) supply in Dallas, TXConstruction & Civil Engineering
Used for soil stabilization, road base treatment, and as a component in mortars, plasters, and masonry products.
Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) supply in Fort Worth, TXMining & Mineral Processing
Lime used for pH control in flotation circuits, cyanide detoxification in gold mining, and neutralization of acid mine drainage.
Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) supply in San Antonio, TX