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Calcium Chloride

Calcium Chloride is a versatile chemical used for de-icing, dust control, and manufacturing processes across East Africa.

Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) belongs to the family of inorganic salts widely valued for their solubility and chemical reactivity.

Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg drums, 200L drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Calcium Chloride?

Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) belongs to the family of inorganic salts widely valued for their solubility and chemical reactivity. As a highly soluble compound with strong hygroscopic properties, Calcium Chloride plays a vital role in numerous industrial and commercial sectors. In East Africa, especially markets like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, it is an essential chemical for applications ranging from water treatment and dust control to construction and oil drilling.

The demand for Calcium Chloride in this region is driven by its effectiveness in accelerating concrete curing, stabilizing unpaved roads, and enhancing water hardness for municipal and industrial water systems. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Calcium Chloride reliably across these markets, ensuring businesses have consistent quality and timely delivery throughout East Africa. Its availability in various packaging formats suits small-scale plants to large industrial operations. Industries reliant on Calcium Chloride include construction, food processing, oil and gas, and environmental management, all of which depend on its unique chemical properties for operational success.

Calcium Chloride: Detailed Product Overview

Calcium Chloride is a highly soluble, white granular or crystalline solid with the chemical formula CaCl₂ and CAS number 10043-52-4. It is manufactured typically through the reaction of limestone with hydrochloric acid or extracted as a byproduct during the Solvay process. Its key property is strong hygroscopicity—the ability to attract and retain moisture—making it excellent for moisture control and dust suppression.

When dissolved in water, Calcium Chloride produces a highly exothermic reaction, generating heat which underpins its utility in de-icing and anti-icing by lowering the freezing point of water more efficiently than simple salts. This exothermic dissolution also helps accelerate the curing rate of concrete by promoting early hydration of cement.

In water treatment, Calcium Chloride adds calcium ions, which are critical for adjusting water hardness and preventing pipe corrosion and scaling. This compound also serves as a firming agent in food processing by facilitating the cross-linking of pectin in fruits and vegetables, preserving texture during processing and storage.

Its solubility and chemical stability under various conditions make it ideal for use in oil and gas drilling fluids, where it modifies the properties of drilling muds to improve lubricity and maintain wellbore stability. Performance factors that matter include its purity level, particle size, and moisture content, which directly affect dissolution rate and handling characteristics.

Zenco Systems Ltd sources and stores Calcium Chloride under controlled conditions to maintain these critical performance attributes. Buyers relying on this product for industrial processes in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania should consider specifics such as intended application, required grade, and packaging size to optimize operational efficiency.

Applications and Uses of Calcium Chloride

De-icing and Anti-icing

Calcium Chloride is widely used on roads and pavements in mountainous and colder areas to prevent ice formation. Its strong exothermic reaction upon dissolution lowers the freezing point of water significantly, melting ice rapidly even at temperatures as low as -25°C. Application rates vary based on temperature and traffic conditions, but typical usage ranges from 10 to 30 grams per square meter. The chemical's efficiency reduces the need for repeated applications, saving maintenance costs and enhancing road safety across regions in East Africa where cold spells or frost can occur.

Dust Control

In arid or dusty environments, Calcium Chloride is applied to unpaved roads and construction sites to bind dust particles by attracting atmospheric moisture. This effect decreases airborne dust, improving air quality and visibility. The hygroscopic nature of Calcium Chloride means it retains moisture longer than water or alternative dust suppressants, thus extending dust control duration. Application is generally by spraying 10-15% aqueous solutions or direct spreading of granules, tailored to traffic intensity and weather.

Concrete Acceleration

Used as an additive in concrete mixes, Calcium Chloride accelerates the hydration process of cement. This leads to faster setting and early strength development, crucial in construction projects requiring quick turnaround times such as road repairs or precast concrete production. Dosage typically ranges from 1% to 2% by weight of cement. However, users must balance acceleration benefits with potential risks of corrosion to reinforcing steel, making it important to select appropriate grades and consult technical guidance for specific projects.

Food Processing as a Firming Agent

Calcium Chloride is employed in the food industry to maintain firmness and texture in processed fruits and vegetables. It achieves this by stabilizing cell walls through calcium ion cross-linking with pectin substances, preventing sogginess during canning or freezing. Usage concentrations vary but often range from 0.1% to 0.3% in brining solutions. It is recognized as safe for food contact when grade and purity standards are met, subject to verification for regulatory compliance.

Water Treatment

Adding Calcium Chloride to water increases calcium ion concentration, which is beneficial for maintaining water hardness. This helps control corrosion in pipes and equipment by forming protective scale layers, extending infrastructure life. It is also used to adjust ionic balance in treatment plants to improve coagulation and sedimentation processes. Dosage depends on raw water quality but generally lies in the range of 10-100 mg/L as Ca²⁺, with Zenco Systems Ltd providing technical support on custom dosing requirements.

Oil and Gas Drilling Fluids

In drilling operations, Calcium Chloride forms part of brine solutions used to control fluid density and stabilize wellbores. Its high solubility allows preparation of dense fluids that suppress high pressure formations, preventing blowouts and formation collapses. It also improves lubrication and reduces water activity, which protects drilling equipment and enhances mud performance. Concentrations in drilling fluids can exceed 30% w/w, tailored according to geological conditions and drilling depth.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Water Treatment range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Effective Moisture Control

Calcium Chloride’s hygroscopic nature enables it to attract and retain moisture from the air, making it highly effective for dust suppression on unpaved roads. This capability reduces frequent watering needs and extends dust control intervals, saving operational costs for road maintenance and construction sites.

Accelerates Concrete Setting

Its ability to accelerate cement hydration shortens curing times, enabling faster project completion and earlier load bearing. This benefit is essential in fast-paced construction environments where time savings directly translate into cost and resource efficiency.

Highly Soluble and Reactive

Calcium Chloride dissolves readily in water, producing a heat-releasing process advantageous for applications like de-icing in cold climates. This ensures rapid ice melting without excessive chemical usage, improving safety and reducing environmental impact.

Versatile Across Industries

The compound’s chemical stability and multifunctionality allow it to serve diverse sectors such as water treatment, food processing, and oil drilling. This versatility makes sourcing simpler for businesses needing one chemical for varied processes, supported by Zenco Systems Ltd’s reliable distribution.

Packaging Information

Calcium Chloride is supplied in a range of packaging formats suitable for different customer needs across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Standard commercial packaging includes 25 kg bags for manual handling and retail scale. For larger industrial users, 50 kg drums or 200L drums are available, facilitating bulk use and safer storage. Zenco Systems Ltd can also support custom packaging or bulk delivery arrangements for high-volume clients, ensuring smooth logistics even across East African borders.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg drums, 200L drums

Storage and Handling

Store Calcium Chloride in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area away from moisture sources to prevent clumping and degradation. Packaging should remain sealed until use to maintain quality. Avoid storage near incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers or acids. Because it is highly hygroscopic, exposure to humid air will cause lumping and reduce flowability. Handle the chemical with protective gloves and eye protection, minimizing dust generation. Shelf life under proper storage conditions generally extends to 12 months, but verify with supplier certificates for batch-specific details.

Safety Information

Calcium Chloride can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation due to its hygroscopic and exothermic properties when dissolved. Use personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and dust masks, when handling. In case of contact, rinse affected areas thoroughly with water. Spillages should be cleaned promptly to avoid slip hazards and environmental contamination. Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for comprehensive information on hazard classification and emergency measures.

Technical Specifications

pHApproximately 8 (10% solution)
GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density2.15 g/cm³ (anhydrous)
FormulaCaCl₂
Packaging25 kg bags, 50 kg drums, 200 L drums
AppearanceWhite granular or crystalline solid
CAS Number10043-52-4
SolubilityHighly soluble in water (74.5 g/100 ml at 20°C)
Chemical NameCalcium Chloride
Storage ConditionsKeep dry, cool, and sealed

Applications

  • De-icing and anti-icing
  • Dust control
  • Concrete acceleration
  • Food processing as a firming agent
  • Water treatment
  • Oil and gas drilling fluids

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

pHApproximately 8 (10% solution)
GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density2.15 g/cm³ (anhydrous)
FormulaCaCl₂
Packaging25 kg bags, 50 kg drums, 200 L drums
AppearanceWhite granular or crystalline solid
CAS Number10043-52-4
SolubilityHighly soluble in water (74.5 g/100 ml at 20°C)
Chemical NameCalcium Chloride
Storage ConditionsKeep dry, cool, and sealed

Product Features

  • - High water solubility
  • - Strong hygroscopicity
  • - Exothermic dissolution
  • - White granular or crystalline form
  • - Chemical formula CaCl₂
  • - Compatible with water treatment processes

Industries Served

  • - Construction
  • - Water Treatment
  • - Food Processing
  • - Oil and Gas
  • - Agriculture
  • - Road Maintenance

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Calcium Chloride

What is Calcium Chloride used for in Kenya and Tanzania?

In Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and surrounding East African regions, Calcium Chloride is primarily used for road de-icing, dust control on unpaved roads, accelerating concrete curing, water treatment to improve hardness, food processing as a firming agent, and as a component in oil and gas drilling fluids.

How do I determine the correct dosage of Calcium Chloride for concrete acceleration?

Dosage varies but typically ranges between 1% and 2% by weight of cement. It's important to balance early strength gains with corrosion risks to steel reinforcements. Consult technical guidelines and your Zenco Systems Ltd sales engineer for application-specific advice.

Is your Calcium Chloride food grade and safe for use in food processing?

Zenco Systems Ltd can supply Calcium Chloride for food use depending on customer requirements. Confirm food-grade certification and purity levels with our technical team before ordering to ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

Do you supply Calcium Chloride outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Calcium Chloride throughout East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries. We manage cross-border logistics to ensure reliable delivery and competitive pricing across the region.

How should Calcium Chloride be stored to maintain quality?

Store in sealed, moisture-proof containers at cool temperatures below 25°C. Keep away from humid or wet environments to avoid clumping and degradation. Under these conditions, shelf life can extend to about 12 months.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling Calcium Chloride?

Wear gloves, protective eyewear, and dust masks to prevent skin and eye irritation as well as inhalation of dust. Follow the SDS instructions available from Zenco Systems Ltd for detailed safety protocols.

What packaging sizes are available for Calcium Chloride?

Calcium Chloride is available in 25 kg bags, 50 kg drums, and 200 L drums, accommodating both small scale and large industrial requirements. Bulk orders and custom packaging can be arranged on request.

Can I mix Calcium Chloride with other chemicals for water treatment?

Calcium Chloride is commonly used alongside coagulants like Aluminium Sulphate, but compatibility depends on water chemistry and treatment goals. Consult with Zenco Systems Ltd specialists to tailor blends safely and effectively.

How quickly does Calcium Chloride act in dust suppression applications?

It starts attracting moisture immediately upon application, significantly reducing dust within hours. Its moisture retention extends dust control often for weeks under typical East African climatic conditions.

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