Calcium Hydroxide is a versatile powder used in water treatment, construction, and chemical manufacturing across East Africa.
Calcium Hydroxide, often referred to as slaked lime or hydrated lime, is an inorganic compound with the formula Ca(OH)₂.
Packaging
25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums
Supply Region
Kenya, East Africa
Supplier
Zenco Systems Ltd
Calcium Hydroxide, often referred to as slaked lime or hydrated lime, is an inorganic compound with the formula Ca(OH)₂. It appears as a fine white crystalline powder and is widely utilized for its alkaline properties. Primarily, Calcium Hydroxide serves as a crucial chemical in water treatment plants across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, where it adjusts pH and facilitates the removal of impurities.
Industries such as construction rely on Calcium Hydroxide for soil stabilization and mortar production, leveraging its ability to improve material strength and durability. Chemical manufacturing sectors also use it as a neutralizing agent and reagent. The product’s commercial significance lies in its multifaceted applications, consistent performance, and widespread availability from trusted suppliers like Zenco Systems Ltd. Procurement teams in regional water utilities, construction firms, and industrial processors frequently specify Calcium Hydroxide for its predictable composition and effectiveness in improving water quality and structural materials.
Calcium Hydroxide is manufactured by hydrating quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO), a process that adds water to form a mild alkaline compound with a typical pH range of 12 to 13 when dispersed in water. This reaction yields a white, crystalline powder that exhibits low solubility: roughly 1.73 grams per litre at 20°C, classifying it as sparingly soluble. Despite limited solubility, its alkaline nature allows it to neutralize acidic components efficiently in various processes.
The compound forms a suspension known as limewater when mixed with water, which is often deployed in water treatment to precipitate heavy metals, soften water by removing hardness-causing ions, and encourage sedimentation of impurities. Calcium Hydroxide's effectiveness depends on factors like particle size and purity, so confirming these parameters with the supplier is standard practice. Furthermore, it is a key ingredient in construction materials, stabilizing soils with high clay content by reducing plasticity and increasing load-bearing capacity.
In chemical reactions, Calcium Hydroxide acts as a base to regulate pH levels, produce calcium salts, and act as a precursor to other compounds such as calcium carbonate and calcium hypochlorite. Its relatively stable shelf life is contingent on moisture protection because exposure causes carbonation, reducing reactivity. Zenco Systems Ltd offers Calcium Hydroxide meeting commercial specifications suitable for industrial use across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, where logistics and product quality are monitored to ensure batch consistency and timely delivery.
In water treatment, Calcium Hydroxide adjusts pH to facilitate coagulation and flocculation processes. It precipitates dissolved impurities and heavy metals by forming insoluble hydroxides, which settle out for removal. Dosages vary based on water chemistry but typically range between 10 to 100 mg/L. Water utilities in East Africa use it extensively to soften hard water and reduce corrosiveness, improving overall water quality for industrial and municipal supply.
Calcium Hydroxide strengthens weak or clay-rich soils by reacting with silicates and aluminates in soil particles to form cementitious compounds. This reduces plasticity and swelling while increasing load-bearing capacity. Applied mainly in road construction and foundation work, it is mixed with soil onsite at controlled ratios to ensure effective stabilization and erosion control.
Used as a key ingredient in mortars and plasters, Calcium Hydroxide improves workability, elasticity, and bonding strength. When combined with sand and cement, it produces a durable, smooth finish that resists cracking. Its slow carbonation process enhances curing, making it a preferred choice in masonry and plaster work across the region.
In sugar manufacturing, Calcium Hydroxide clarifies raw juice by neutralizing acids and precipitating impurities. It is dosed carefully to avoid over-liming, which can affect sugar quality. This intermediate step improves crystallization efficiency and final product purity in regional sugar mills.
Calcium Hydroxide serves as a pH regulator in various industrial processes where controlling alkalinity is essential. It neutralizes acidic effluents, protects pipes against corrosion, and stabilizes process streams. Industries such as textiles, paper, and food processing utilize its buffering capacity to maintain product consistency.
Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Water Treatment range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.
Calcium Hydroxide provides reliable and gradual pH adjustment due to its moderate solubility. This allows precise control over alkalinity in water and process streams, reducing risks associated with abrupt pH swings which can damage equipment or affect product quality.
Its versatility enables it to serve diverse sectors from water treatment to construction and food processing. This wide applicability simplifies procurement logistics and inventory management for companies operating in multiple industries across East Africa.
Compared to other alkaline agents, Calcium Hydroxide is cost-effective because it requires lower dosages to achieve desired results in softening and neutralization. Its availability in bulk forms through Zenco Systems Ltd reduces transportation and packaging costs for large-scale users.
In geotechnical applications, it improves soil properties leading to stronger, more durable foundations. This reduces structural failures and maintenance expenses, especially valuable in infrastructure development projects prevalent in the region.
As a dry powder, Calcium Hydroxide has a stable shelf life when stored properly, minimizing waste. Its handling characteristics allow straightforward dosing without complex equipment, supporting efficient process operations.
Calcium Hydroxide is supplied in 25kg and 50kg bags suitable for manual handling and small-scale use, as well as in 200L drums for larger industrial consumers. For major infrastructure or water treatment projects, bulk deliveries can be arranged. Packaging is designed to protect against moisture ingress during transit and storage, a key factor to preserve quality. Zenco Systems Ltd facilitates shipments across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries through coordinated logistics to ensure timely delivery and flexible order sizes.
Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums
Store Calcium Hydroxide in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from moisture and carbon dioxide exposure which causes carbonation, diminishing its reactivity. Use airtight containers or resealable bags to minimize contact with air. Avoid storing near acids or ammonium-based materials to prevent chemical reactions. Handling should avoid dust generation; use protective masks and gloves as a precaution against inhalation and skin contact. Shelf life can extend up to 12 months if properly stored under recommended conditions.
Calcium Hydroxide is caustic and can cause skin irritation or burns upon prolonged contact. Its dust is an inhalation hazard, requiring the use of dust masks, goggles, and protective gloves during handling. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary. Keep the material away from incompatible substances such as acids. Dispose of waste according to local hazardous chemical regulations. Consult the product-specific MSDS provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for comprehensive safety guidelines.
Dosage varies with water quality but generally ranges between 10 to 100 mg/L to adjust pH and precipitate impurities effectively.
Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd ships to Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring East African countries with tailored logistics solutions for reliable delivery.
Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions, protected from moisture and carbon dioxide exposure to prevent degradation.
No. It can irritate skin and respiratory tract. Use gloves, goggles, and masks to avoid dust inhalation and contact.
Confirm with the supplier as Zenco Systems Ltd offers grades suitable for industrial use and specifies food-grade certifications on request.
Available in 25kg and 50kg bags for small to medium use and 200L drums for bulk applications.
Up to 12 months if stored sealed in dry, cool, and ventilated conditions, away from moisture and CO₂.
Yes, it is commonly used on-site mixed with soils to improve load-bearing capacity in infrastructure projects across the region.
More chemicals in Water Treatment
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