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Difference Between Polarized & Hydrated Lime

Quicklime, or polarized lime, is created by heating limestone. Hydrated lime is a formed by adding water to quicklime. These forms of lime are used in several industries, such as construction and agriculture. Limestone is a natural resource that creates all types of chemicals that vary depending on application. When working with limestone, the acidity level is important, and can make a difference in how it is used.

Production of Quicklime
- Quicklime is used in creation of other lime chemicals. High-calcium quicklime comes from limestone deposits that contain less than 5 percent magnesium carbonate, with a majority high in calcium. This lime becomes a chemical compound known as calcium oxide that appears as a crystalline, alkaline solid. You create quicklime by heating limestone. As a base, high-calcium limestone interacts with other chemicals and processes to create lime for different applications, such as balancing pH levels, absorption, managing sludge on construction areas and other industrial functions.
Differences in Hydrated Lime Creation
- Quicklime reacts with water to produce hydrated lime. For example, high-calcium hydrated lime is a dry powder that combines with water to produce a liquified slurry that is pumped to industrial plants, producing a chemical with a high pH level -- strongly alkaline. Dolomitic hydrate type N is made from the addition of water at a certain atmospheric pressure so that it only mixes with the calcium oxide in the limestone. The hydration in this lime quickly reacts with the quicklime to produce finer particles than normal hydrated lime.
Types of Hydrated Lime
- There are three main types of dolomitic hydrated lime. The first is type N, which is useful for neutralizing other chemicals. Dolomitic hydrate type S comes from reactions within a closed container or autoclave. The dolomitic hydrate type S reacts with the water under high pressure while inside the autoclave and produces fine particles with higher water solubility and plasticity. Type SA is the third dolomitic hydrate, which has even higher water solubility than type S. Other sub-types of hydrated lime include niagara lime putty, food-grade hydrate and lubricant-additive hydrate.
Applications
- Hydrated lime has different purposes depending on the application. For example, dolomitic hydrate type N is often used in agriculture work for reducing soil acidity. Dolomitic hydrate type SA is often used in creating stucco mixes that are weather-resistant and long-lasting. Food-grade hydrate works as a preservative when producing tortillas, bread, toothpaste, pharmaceutical pills and powdered refreshments.

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