Steel or water: two different purchases
Both deliver calcium alkalinity, but the process decides the form and the grade:
- Steel mills charge quicklime (CaO) as a slag-forming flux in BOF and EAF, and as ladle flux.
- Water and wastewater plants dose hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂) for pH correction, softening and heavy-metal precipitation: it is already slaked, so it disperses directly and is safer to handle.
- Flue-gas desulfurization, soil stabilization and construction use both, depending on the equipment on site.
Quicklime for steel mills
Coarse quicklime resists dusting when charged; milled quicklime slakes and reacts faster. Choose on how your furnace forms slag.
| Property | Mesh 70 | Mesh 170 (R170) | Milled Super-90 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CaO | 88–90% | 90–92% | min 85% active, 88% total |
| CaCO₃ | 3–6% | 3–6% | < 8.0% |
| Particle size | ≤ 2 mm | −170 mesh (90 µm) | −200 mesh (74 µm) |
| SiO₂ | < 0.7% | < 0.7% | < 1.0% |
| Reactivity | — | — | 70 °C in < 5 min |
| Best suited to | Converter and ladle flux | High-purity fine powder | Fast slag formation |
Specify reactivity alongside purity: a lime that meets 90% CaO but slakes slowly can still fail in the process. Values are typical specification ranges; every shipment carries a batch Certificate of Analysis covering CaO, CaCO₃, loss on ignition and sieve residue.
Product specification Quicklime (CaO): Mesh 70, Mesh 170 and Super-90 Three grades with full analysis, reactivity, packaging and shelf life.Hydrated lime for water treatment and beyond
For municipal and industrial water, the 400 mesh special grade gives the fastest dispersion and the largest reactive surface, so less product achieves the same pH correction and less grit reaches the dosing equipment.
| Grade | Ca(OH)₂ | Fineness | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special — 400 mesh | 95–96.5% | 400# ≤ 5% | Water and wastewater treatment |
| General — 200–250 mesh | 90–93% | 200# ≤ 25% | Multi-purpose, FGD, neutralization |
| High-activity — 200 mesh | 92–96% | 200# ≤ 5% | Activity 72–80%, reactive dosing |
| Economy — 200 mesh | 88–90% | 200# ≤ 3% | Mortars, plasters, construction |
| Ultra-pure — food and sugar | 95–100.5% | 325# ≤ 0.40% | Food, sugar refining; lead ≤ 2 mg/kg |
Packing lime for a humid coast
Moisture is the enemy on a Gulf quay, and it treats the two limes differently:
- Quicklime reacts exothermically with water. Keep bags sealed, dry and off the ground; order moisture-proof PE-lined bags for humid destinations and long transits. Stored correctly, shelf life is up to two years.
- Hydrated lime is already slaked and stable, but it still has to be kept dry and covered to stay free-flowing in the doser.
- Packaging options: 25 kg 3-ply laminated PP bags, 1–1.5 MT woven jumbo bags with single or four loops, or bulk.
Shipping to the GCC
The loading ports face the GCC across the Gulf, so the sea leg is short: FOB from Bandar Abbas or Bandar Imam Khomeini, with CFR and CIF to most GCC ports, or overland by truck through Iran's land borders for buyers on those routes.
| Item | Terms |
|---|---|
| Minimum order | 1 × 20 ft container (approx. 25 MT) bagged; 500 MT for a bulk vessel; trial quantities for qualification |
| Lead time | 7–14 days for standard grades after order confirmation; 15–25 days for custom-milled or specially packed material |
| Certification | Batch CoA with every shipment; SGS, Bureau Veritas or your inspector at the buyer's cost |
| Payment | Irrevocable L/C at sight, TT in advance, or terms agreed after a first successful shipment |
| HS code (6-digit) | Quicklime 2522.10; hydrated lime 2522.20 — national subheadings vary |
Ordering the right lime
- State the process, not only the purity: steel flux, water dosing, FGD or construction each points to a different grade.
- Specify reactivity for quicklime (for example EN 459-2 t60, or the slaking temperature curve), not just CaO.
- Specify fineness for hydrated lime by the mesh your dosing system handles.
- Qualify a trial container in your own furnace or plant before a bulk contract.
Frequently asked questions
Which quicklime grade suits steelmaking?
Mesh 70 is the usual converter and ladle flux because its coarser size resists dusting. Where fast slag formation matters, the milled Super-90 grade slakes to 70 °C in under 5 minutes.
Which hydrated lime grade is best for water treatment?
The 400 mesh special grade, at 95–96.5% Ca(OH)₂. Its fineness disperses quickly and leaves minimal grit in dosing equipment.
How should quicklime be stored in a humid climate?
Sealed, dry, covered and off the ground, in moisture-proof PE-lined bags. Stored correctly, it keeps for up to two years.
What is the minimum order?
One 20 ft container, about 25 MT bagged; 500 MT for a bulk vessel. Trial quantities can be arranged.
Do you ship to GCC ports?
Yes. FOB Bandar Abbas or Bandar Imam Khomeini, with CFR and CIF to most GCC ports, or overland by truck where the route suits.
Which HS codes apply?
2522.10 for quicklime and 2522.20 for hydrated lime. National subheadings vary by destination.