Hydrated Lime CaOH2
Hydrated Lime CaOH2, also known as Calcium Hydroxide or Slaked Lime, is a dry, white, odorless powder produced by chemically reacting Quicklime (CaO) with water in a controlled process called slaking:
CaO (Quicklime) + H2O → Ca(OH)2 (Hydrated Lime)
It is a low-cost, highly effective alkali (base) used extensively for environmental control (acid neutralization), chemical processing, and as a low-temperature flux or basic slag conditioner in metallurgy.
Main Composition and Basicity
The material is valued for its highly basic pH and its ability to neutralize acidic components.
| COMPONENT | CHEMICAL FORMULA | PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT |
| Calcium Hydroxide | Ca(OH)2 | Highly basic (pH approx 12.4), highly reactive, and non-hydraulic (does not set with water alone). |
| CLASSIFICATION | SOLUBILITY | PRIMARY APPLICATION FOCUS |
| Industrial Alkali | Low (slightly soluble in water) | Acid neutralization, flue gas scrubbing, and water treatment. |
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Neutralizing Power | HIGH | Reacts rapidly with acidic oxides (SO2) and acids (HCl) to form stable salts. |
| Slag Basicity | GOOD | Provides the required CaO content at a lower temperature than raw limestone. |
| Cost | LOW | Highly economical source of industrial calcium and alkalinity. |
Hydrated Lime CaOH2
1. Environmental Control and Flue Gas Treatment (Primary Use)
Hydrated lime is essential for controlling air pollution from combustion sources:
- Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD): Lime is the most common reagent used to scrub acidic gases from industrial exhaust (flue gas). It reacts with sulfur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) to form stable, solid calcium salts (CaSO3, CaCl2) that are easily captured and disposed of. This is a crucial step for meeting clean air regulations.
- Water Treatment: Used to soften water (removing temporary hardness), adjust pH, and coagulate impurities for removal.
2. Metallurgical Fluxing and Slag Conditioning
In metallurgy, Hydrated Lime acts as a ready source of lime (CaO) for slag formation:
- Ladle Metallurgy: Used in powder form for secondary steelmaking (ladle refining) to quickly establish a basic, fluid slag. Because it is already in powder form, it reacts faster than crushed quicklime.
- Desulfurization: The basic CaO component is critical for absorbing sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) from molten steel. The water in the Ca(OH)2 rapidly flashes off as steam when added to the melt.
3. Construction and Manufacturing
- Mortars and Plasters: Used as a plasticizer and binder in mortars and renders, improving workability and flexibility.
- Road Construction: Used to stabilize wet, clay-rich soils in road bases.
Technical Guidance and Considerations
- Reactivity: While the presence of the hydroxyl group (OH) makes it highly reactive, it should be noted that water is introduced into the process when Ca(OH)2 is added to molten metal. For some ultra-high-temperature processes (like EAF), pre-dried quicklime (CaO) is preferred to minimize the introduction of steam and hydrogen gas.
- Storage: Hydrated lime is chemically stable but can react slowly with atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to revert to calcium carbonate (Ca(CO)3), so it should be stored in sealed bags to maintain purity.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
