Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
LIME (CaO)
Also “quicklime,” “unslaked lime,” and “calcium oxide.” “Hydrated” lime
is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)
).
2
Properties
White to grayish-white solid. Reacts with water to
form calcium hydroxide.
Commercial grades
Commercial lime is available in lump, pebble, ground,
and pulverized forms.
Uses
One of the oldest commercial chemicals. Used in
hundreds of applications. The most important uses
are for making steel and chemicals, water treatment,
pollution control, pulp and paper, and construction.
Manufacture
Limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO
) from mines or
quarries is heated in a kiln (calcined).
3
heat
CaCO
limestone
CaO
+
CO
2
carbon dioxide
3
Suppliers
Barium & Chemicals, Bruchem, Chemical Lime Co.,
Coyne Chemical, Kraft Chemical, Austin White
Lime Co., Cutler-Magner Co., Mississippi Lime
Co., Los Angeles Chemical, others.
Lime has been manufactured for more than 2000 years and was the product
of one of the first chemical processes used in the U.S. by the early settlers
(the manufacture of rum being another). The many uses of lime are so varied
that limestone and lime production are greater than any other natural sub-
stance. It is a low-cost commodity in the U.S. because there are limestone
deposits in many parts of the country. Lime plants are always close to the
limestone source in order to minimize freight costs.
