Hydraulic action

Hydrated Lime also known as Calcium Hydroxide or Slaked Lime is a type of lime that is produced by adding water to quicklime. It is a colorless crystal or white powder, and is created when calcium oxide (called lime or quicklime) is mixed, or "slaked" with water. It has many names including hydrated lime, caustic lime, builders' lime, slack lime, cal, or pickling lime.

Production

Hydrated lime is produced by hydration of quicklime. The process is known as slaking. Quicklime (calcium oxide) is mixed with water to create hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide). The reaction can be written as follows:

CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2

This reaction is exothermic and releases energy in the form of heat.

Uses

Hydrated lime has a wide range of uses. It is used in the construction industry for making mortar and plaster. It is also used in the chemical industry for the manufacture of calcium salts. In environmental science, it is used for water treatment and soil stabilization. In agriculture, it is used to adjust the pH of soil and in the production of insecticides and fungicides. In the food industry, it is used in the process of sugar refining and as a pH regulator.

Safety

Hydrated lime is a strong alkali and can cause burns to skin and eyes. It is also harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Therefore, it should be handled with care and appropriate safety measures should be taken.

See also

• Lime (material)
• Calcium oxide
• Calcium carbonate
• Lime kiln
• Lime mortar