Quicklime is an alkaline substance produced from heating limestone in specialized kilns.
Humans have used quicklime since antiquity for construction, agriculture and metalwork applications. It is still used in all of these industries and more; there is a lot to learn about this substance.
It is Produced from Limestone
Quicklime is used as a building material, in steel production or to produce lime plaster. It is produced from limestone by calcination at high temperatures.
This process has been in existence for centuries and can be found all around the world. Historically it was made in batches using large kilns heated with wood or coal; modern versions can reuse their generated heat more efficiently, making them more eco-friendly.
This process is simple. Once limestone has been calcined, it is pulverized to produce quicklime (CaO) and slaked lime. Slaked lime can then be mixed with water to form milk of lime which can neutralize acid soils while increasing load-carrying capacity in clay-containing soils.
Quicklime can be useful, but must be handled carefully to prevent an adverse reaction that can cause skin and eye burns as well as inhalation hazards for anyone making or working with it.
As such, workers must utilize full personal protective equipment including goggles, head hood, polyurethane or rubber gloves, and a cotton work suit with leather boots and dust mask to avoid breathing in this powdered substance. This safety gear is absolutely essential.
Keeping an emergency fire hydrant nearby would also be wise to maintain a safe working environment, as quicklime reacts rapidly when in contact with moisture. You can click the link: https://www.osha.gov/portable-extinguishers/ for more information about how to safely utilize a fire extinguisher. It is important to be prepared for any possible emergency!
It is A Caustic Alkaline Substance
Quicklime is a caustic alkaline substance crafted of calcium oxide that is widely used for industrial manufacturing processes, paper pulp manufacturing, wastewater and flue gas treatment, mortar application for construction projects, as well as human health benefits like supporting healthy bones and decreasing hypertension.
Lime is a white or gray powder with granular texture that has high chemical reactivity when exposed to water. Once exposed, it reacts rapidly and produces calcium hydroxide, known as hydrated lime, or calcium hydroxide. It has a low melting point but high heat capacity.
As it can be extremely abrasive and corrosive, handling it with caution must be undertaken to prevent burns and injuries to both hands as well as eyes if they come in contact. Also it may cause irritations if inhaled and should therefore be stored safely away from children and pets. This may mean locking it away in a shed or storing it safely out of reach in the garage.
Calcium oxide is an extremely dangerous compound, and when inhaled can cause irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs. You can learn more by clicking the link. Furthermore, handling this material could prove hazardous if exposed to wet skin or direct sunlight; it could also release large amounts of heat which could ignite combustible materials.
It is A Natural Product
Quicklime is a natural product created by heating calcium carbonate found in chalk or seashells with fire.
Quick lime is the calcined form of limestone that shares its chemical composition with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). This versatile substance can be used in many ways, including water pH management, soil regeneration and acid neutralization as well as increasing clay-based soil’s load bearing ability. Quicklime also finds use as building materials.
Lime products boast stronger neutralizing capacities per dry ton than caustic soda, making them less hazardous and more economical compared to caustic soda products.
Lime products also tend to be more environmentally-friendly options for acid neutralization applications. Available as powder, slurry and liquid forms of lime, with liquid forms being ideal as water treatment agents, acidity regulators or leaveners.
It is A Versatile Material
Quicklime is one of the most versatile materials used in industrial processes.
Traditional lime production processes involve burning fossil fuels to heat a kiln, leading to unavoidable CO2 emissions. These emissions can be significantly reduced by using electric calcination powered by renewable energy for zero emission lime production.
Furthermore, by capturing and storing CO2, its high purity could even be reused as raw material in other industrial processes or cement production, creating a circular economy model and helping address climate change. This process can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions or even eliminate them altogether.
A newer technology called zero-emission quicklime uses electricity instead of fossil fuels to heat limestone for heating purposes. Quicklime can produce an exothermic reaction when mixed with water, producing calcium hydroxide in its solid state (hydration). While this process is essential to cement and mortar manufacturing, its exposure can pose hazards to workers who are not adequately protected.