Hydrated lime, chemically known as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), is one of the most versatile alkaline materials used across a wide range of industries. It is produced by carefully adding water to quicklime, resulting in a fine white powder with strong pH control, neutralization, and purification properties.
Due to its chemical stability, cost-effectiveness, and multi-functional nature, hydrated lime is widely used in construction, water treatment, food processing, chemicals, agriculture, environmental protection, and manufacturing industries.
In India, Vigyan Lime is recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality hydrated lime, supplying consistent and application-specific grades to domestic and international markets.
What Is Hydrated Lime?
Hydrated lime is an alkaline compound formed when quicklime (calcium oxide) reacts with water in a controlled process known as hydration.
Chemical Details
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Chemical Name: Calcium Hydroxide
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Chemical Formula: Ca(OH)₂
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Appearance: Fine white powder
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Nature: Strong alkali
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Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
Manufacturing Process of Hydrated Lime
The production of hydrated lime involves the following steps:
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Calcination of Limestone
High-purity limestone is heated in kilns to produce quicklime (CaO). -
Hydration Process
Controlled addition of water converts quicklime into hydrated lime. -
Grinding & Classification
The product is milled to achieve desired fineness. -
Quality Testing & Packaging
Hydrated lime is tested for purity, reactivity, and particle size before packing.
Manufacturers like Vigyan Lime follow strict process control to ensure consistent quality across batches.
Key Properties of Hydrated Lime
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High alkalinity (excellent pH control)
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Strong neutralizing capability
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Antibacterial and purification properties
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Excellent binding characteristics
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Environment-friendly and recyclable
These properties make hydrated lime suitable for diverse industrial and environmental applications.
Applications of Hydrated Lime
1. Water & Wastewater Treatment
Hydrated lime plays a critical role in municipal and industrial water treatment.
Uses include:
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pH adjustment
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Removal of heavy metals
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Water softening
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Sludge stabilization
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Odor control
It is widely used in drinking water plants, sewage treatment plants, and industrial effluent treatment systems.
2. Construction Industry
In construction, hydrated lime improves durability and workability.
Applications:
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Lime mortar
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Plaster and putty
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Soil stabilization
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Road base strengthening
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Brick masonry
Hydrated lime enhances flexibility, reduces cracking, and increases longevity of structures.
3. Food Industry (Food Grade Hydrated Lime)
Hydrated lime food grade is used in regulated food applications.
Major uses:
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Corn processing (nixtamalization)
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Pickling and food preservation
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pH control in food processing
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Beverage and juice clarification
Only FCC-certified hydrated lime should be used in food-related applications.
4. Sugar Industry
In sugar manufacturing, hydrated lime is essential for juice purification.
Functions:
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Removal of impurities
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Clarification of sugarcane juice
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pH regulation
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Improved sugar recovery
5. Chemical Industry
Hydrated lime is widely used as a chemical reagent.
Applications include:
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Acid neutralization
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Production of calcium-based chemicals
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pH correction in reactors
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Waste acid treatment
6. Agriculture & Soil Treatment
In agriculture, hydrated lime improves soil health.
Uses:
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Neutralization of acidic soils
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Improvement of soil structure
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Increase nutrient availability
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Disease control in livestock farms
7. Environmental Protection & Pollution Control
Hydrated lime is a key material for emission and waste control.
Applications:
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Flue gas desulfurization (SO₂ removal)
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Hazardous waste neutralization
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Odor control in landfills
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Industrial air pollution treatment
8. Paper & Pulp Industry
Used in chemical recovery and pulp processing.
Functions:
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Causticizing agent
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pH control
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Recovery of sodium hydroxide
9. Leather & Textile Industry
Hydrated lime supports material processing.
Uses:
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Hide and skin processing
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Hair removal
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Wastewater treatment
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pH adjustment in textile baths
10. Pharmaceutical & Laboratory Applications
High-purity hydrated lime is used in:
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Pharmaceutical formulations
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Laboratory reagents
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Controlled chemical reactions
Hydrated Lime vs Quicklime
| Parameter | Hydrated Lime | Quicklime |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Form | Ca(OH)₂ | CaO |
| Reactivity | Moderate | Very high |
| Handling | Safer | Requires caution |
| Applications | Wide & controlled | Industrial & metallurgical |
Typical Specifications – Hydrated Lime
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 90–95% |
| Appearance | White powder |
| pH (slurry) | 12–12.5 |
| Packaging | 25 kg / 50 kg bags |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Why Choose Vigyan Lime for Hydrated Lime?
✔ One of India’s most trusted lime manufacturers
✔ Consistent quality and controlled fineness
✔ Multiple grades for industrial & food use
✔ Strong supply chain & bulk delivery
✔ Decades of industry expertise
Vigyan Lime supplies hydrated lime tailored to specific industry requirements, ensuring performance, safety, and compliance.
Hydrated lime is an indispensable industrial mineral with applications ranging from water treatment and construction to food processing and environmental protection. Its versatility, cost efficiency, and eco-friendly nature make it a preferred choice across industries.
With advanced manufacturing practices and decades of experience, Vigyan Lime continues to support India’s infrastructure, food, and industrial growth through high-quality hydrated lime solutions.
https://www.calciumhydroxide.in/calcium-hydroxide-food-grade–1402740.html
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