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Lime Final

Lime is a calcium-based material derived from limestone, used in construction, agriculture, and chemical industries, with various forms including quicklime, slaked lime, hydraulic lime, and fat lime. The production process involves extracting limestone, calcining it to create quicklime, and then slaking it to form slaked lime, which is stored and transported for various applications. Lime is valued for its environmental benefits, durability, and ability to improve soil fertility, although it has some disadvantages such as longer setting times and the need for skilled labor.

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15 views5 pages

Lime Final

Lime is a calcium-based material derived from limestone, used in construction, agriculture, and chemical industries, with various forms including quicklime, slaked lime, hydraulic lime, and fat lime. The production process involves extracting limestone, calcining it to create quicklime, and then slaking it to form slaked lime, which is stored and transported for various applications. Lime is valued for its environmental benefits, durability, and ability to improve soil fertility, although it has some disadvantages such as longer setting times and the need for skilled labor.

Uploaded by

kshitijgavali5
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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LIME

1.1 What is Lime?

Lime is a calcium-based material obtained from limestone and is extensively used in


construction, agriculture, and chemical industries. It has been an important building material
since ancient times and continues to be used today in mortar, plaster, soil stabilization, and
environmental applications.

Lime comes in different forms:

• Quicklime (Calcium Oxide - CaO): A highly reactive, dry white powder formed by
heating limestone.
• Slaked Lime (Calcium Hydroxide - Ca(OH)₂): Made by mixing quicklime with
water, resulting in a fine powder or paste.
• Hydraulic Lime: Contains impurities such as silica and sets through chemical
reactions with water, even underwater.
• Fat Lime: Also known as high-calcium lime, this type has no impurities and is
highly reactive.

Fun Fact: The Great Wall of China and Roman aqueducts were constructed using
lime-based mortar, proving its durability over centuries!

1.2 How is Lime Made?


Step 1: Extraction of Limestone

• Limestone is mined from quarries or underground deposits.


• It is then crushed into smaller pieces for further processing.

Step 2: Calcination (Burning of Limestone)

• Crushed limestone is heated in kilns at temperatures of 900-1000°C.


• The heat decomposes calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) into quicklime (CaO) and
carbon dioxide (CO₂).
• The reaction is: CaCO3→CaO+CO2CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂CaCO3→CaO+CO2

Step 3: Slaking Process

• Quicklime is mixed with water in a controlled manner to form slaked lime


(Ca(OH)₂).
• This reaction releases heat and forms either a dry powder or a putty-like paste.
• The reaction is: CaO+H2O→Ca(OH)2CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂CaO+H2O→Ca(OH)2

Step 4: Storage and Transportation

• Slaked lime is stored in airtight containers to prevent carbonation with


atmospheric CO₂.
• It is transported in bags, containers, or as a lime slurry (a liquid form).

1.3 Where is Lime Used?

1.3.1 In Construction

• Used in mortar, plaster, and whitewashing.


• Soil stabilization for roads and embankments.
• Integral in cement production.

1.3.2 In Water Treatment

• Helps in softening hard water.


• Neutralizes acidic water.

1.3.3 In Agriculture

• Reduces soil acidity, making it more fertile.


• Used in pesticides and fertilizers.

1.3.4 In Industrial Applications

• Used in steel manufacturing and glass production.


• Essential in chemical processes like sugar refining.
1.4 Classification of Lime
1.4.1 Fat Lime
Fat lime, also known as high-calcium lime or rich lime, is a type of lime that contains a high
percentage of calcium oxide (CaO).

Characteristics of Fat Lime:

1. High calcium content: Fat lime contains more than 95% calcium oxide.
2. High reactivity: Fat lime is highly reactive and slakes rapidly when exposed to water.
3. High binding power: Fat lime has a high binding power, making it suitable for use in
mortar, plaster, and cement.

Uses of Fat Lime:

1. Building construction: Fat lime is used in mortar, plaster, and cement for building
construction.
2. Water treatment: Fat lime is used to raise the pH of water and remove impurities.
3. Steel production: Fat lime is used as a flux in steel production to remove impurities.

Advantages of Fat Lime:

1. High strength: Fat lime produces a strong and durable mortar and plaster.
2. Good workability: Fat lime is easy to mix and apply.
3. Resistance to weathering: Fat lime is resistant to weathering and can withstand exposure to
wind, rain, and sunlight.

Disadvantages of Fat Lime:

1. High cost: Fat lime is more expensive than other types of lime.
2. Limited availability: Fat lime may not be readily available in all locations.
3. Requires skilled labor: Fat lime requires skilled labor to mix and apply correctly.

1.4.2 Hydraulic Lime


Hydraulic lime is a type of lime that sets and hardens when exposed to water, unlike non-
hydraulic lime which only sets in air. Hydraulic lime is also known as water lime or hydrated
lime.

Properties of Hydraulic Lime


1. Sets underwater: Hydraulic lime can set and harden even when submerged in water.
2. High strength: Hydraulic lime has higher compressive strength than non-hydraulic lime.
3. Durability: Hydraulic lime is more resistant to weathering and erosion.
4. Adhesion: Hydraulic lime has good adhesion to surfaces.

Types of Hydraulic Lime


1. Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL): Made from limestone containing clay and other minerals.
2. Artificial Hydraulic Lime: Made from a mixture of limestone and clay.

Uses of Hydraulic Lime


1. Construction: Used in building foundations, walls, and bridges.
2. Masonry: Used in mortar and plaster.
3. Waterproofing: Used to create waterproof coatings and renderings.
4. Restoration: Used in the restoration of historic buildings and monuments.

Advantages of Hydraulic Lime


1. Breathability: Allows for moisture transfer, reducing the risk of trapped moisture.
2. Flexibility: Can accommodate small movements and settlements.
3. Sustainability: Made from natural materials, hydraulic lime is a sustainable option.

Disadvantages of Hydraulic Lime


1. Slow setting: Hydraulic lime takes longer to set than cement-based materials.
2. Lower early strength: Hydraulic lime has lower early strength than cement-based materials.

Overall, hydraulic lime is a versatile and durable building material that offers many
advantages, particularly in terms of sustainability and breathability.

1.4.3 Poor lime


Poor lime, also known as lean lime or magnesium lime, is a type of lime that contains a lower
percentage of calcium oxide (CaO) and a higher percentage of magnesium oxide (MgO)
compared to fat lime.

Characteristics of Poor Lime:

1. Lower calcium content: Poor lime contains less than 80% calcium oxide.
2. Higher magnesium content: Poor lime contains a higher percentage of magnesium oxide.
3. Lower reactivity: Poor lime is less reactive and slakes more slowly than fat lime.
4. Lower binding power: Poor lime has a lower binding power, making it less suitable for use
in mortar and plaster.

Uses of Poor Lime:

1. Agricultural applications: Poor lime is used to neutralize acidic soils and improve soil
fertility.
2. Construction: Poor lime is used in construction for less critical applications, such as rubble
masonry.
3. Waste treatment: Poor lime is used to treat industrial waste and neutralize acidic effluents.

Advantages of Poor Lime:

1. Lower cost: Poor lime is less expensive than fat lime.


2. Easier to handle: Poor lime is less reactive and easier to handle than fat lime.

Disadvantages of Poor Lime:

1. Lower strength: Poor lime produces a weaker mortar and plaster.


2. Limited durability: Poor lime is less durable and more prone to weathering.
1.5 Advantages of Lime

✔ Environmentally friendly.
✔ Provides high workability and durability in mortar and plaster.
✔ Improves soil fertility and water quality.
✔ Reduces moisture absorption in buildings.

1.5 Disadvantages of Lime

✖ Takes longer to set compared to cement.


✖ Requires skilled labor for proper mixing.
✖ Can cause skin and respiratory irritation

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