Call Us +91- 9887762737
  • 10 Feb 2026

Quick Lime Powder – Industrial Applications, Specifications & Bulk Buying Guide (2026)

Quick Lime Powder, commonly known as Calcium Oxide (CaO), is a highly reactive alkaline compound produced by heating limestone at high temperatures. It is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals due to its strong chemical reactivity, moisture-absorbing properties, and ability to neutralize acids.

Why It Remains a High-Demand Industrial Chemical in 2026

In 2026, Quick Lime Powder continues to be in high demand because of rapid infrastructure development, expansion of steel manufacturing, water treatment upgrades, and stricter environmental regulations. Industries are increasingly focusing on efficient waste management and pollution control — areas where quick lime plays a critical role. Additionally, growth in the construction and mining sectors has further increased bulk consumption.

Industries That Rely on Quick Lime

Quick Lime Powder is a backbone material in several industries:

  • Steel and metallurgical industries
  • Construction and cement manufacturing
  • Water and wastewater treatment plants
  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Sugar industry
  • Paper and pulp industry
  • Mining and mineral processing

Importance of Quality and Bulk Sourcing

Since Quick Lime is highly reactive, purity and consistency directly impact industrial performance. Low-grade lime can reduce efficiency, increase waste, and cause process instability. Bulk sourcing from verified manufacturers ensures:

  • Stable CaO percentage
  • Controlled particle size
  • Low impurities
  • Better pricing per metric ton
  • Consistent supply chain

For industrial buyers, selecting the right supplier is as important as selecting the right grade.

What is Quick Lime Powder?

Chemical Name: Calcium Oxide (CaO)

Quick Lime Powder is chemically known as Calcium Oxide (CaO). It is a white, caustic, alkaline substance that reacts vigorously with water to form Calcium Hydroxide (Slaked Lime).

Chemical Reaction:
CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + Heat

This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.

Manufacturing Process – Limestone Calcination Process

Quick Lime is produced through the calcination of limestone (Calcium Carbonate – CaCO₃) in rotary or vertical kilns at temperatures around 900–1100°C.

Process Steps:

  1. High-quality limestone is selected.
  2. Limestone is fed into kilns.
  3. Heating removes carbon dioxide (CO₂).
  4. The remaining product is Calcium Oxide (Quick Lime).

Chemical Equation:
CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂

The quality of raw limestone and kiln temperature control directly affect final product purity.

Difference Between Quick Lime, Hydrated Lime & Limestone

Parameter Quick Lime Hydrated Lime Limestone
Chemical Formula CaO Ca(OH)₂ CaCO₃
Production Calcination Reaction with water Natural mineral
Reactivity Very High Moderate Low
Industrial Use Steel, Chemical Water treatment Construction, cement
Heat Reaction Releases heat with water No heat reaction No reaction

Quick Lime is more reactive than hydrated lime and is preferred in high-temperature and metallurgical applications.

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Appearance: White to off-white powder
  • Molecular Weight: 56.08 g/mol
  • Melting Point: 2572°C
  • Density: 3.34 g/cm³
  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
  • pH (in solution): Highly alkaline (12–13)
  • Moisture Sensitivity: Highly hygroscopic

Due to its moisture sensitivity, proper storage in dry, airtight conditions is essential.

Types of Quick Lime Powder Available in the Market

High Calcium Quick Lime

  • Contains 90–95% CaO
  • Derived from high-purity limestone
  • Used in steel plants, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing
  • Preferred for applications requiring high reactivity

This is the most commonly used industrial grade.

Dolomitic Quick Lime

  • Contains Calcium Oxide and Magnesium Oxide (MgO)
  • Produced from dolomite stone
  • Slower reactivity compared to high-calcium lime
  • Used in soil stabilization and specific metallurgical processes

Suitable for applications requiring magnesium content.

Lump vs Powder Form

Quick Lime Lumps:

  • Larger particle size
  • Used in steel furnaces
  • Lower dust generation
  • Longer shelf life

Quick Lime Powder:

  • Finely ground
  • Faster reaction rate
  • Used in chemical and water treatment industries
  • Easier for automated dosing systems

Industrial buyers select form depending on process requirements.

Industrial Grade vs Metallurgical Grade

Type Application Purity Level Key Use
Industrial Grade Water treatment, chemical processing 85–92% CaO Neutralization & pH control
Metallurgical Grade Steel & alloy production 92–95%+ CaO Slag formation & impurity removal

Metallurgical grade requires stricter impurity control, especially low silica and sulfur content.

Quick Lime Powder remains a strategic industrial chemical in 2026, driven by growth in steel, construction, environmental management, and chemical sectors. Understanding its types, specifications, and industrial suitability helps buyers make informed procurement decisions.

For bulk buyers, focusing on:

  • CaO purity percentage
  • Moisture content
  • Particle size distribution
  • Reliable supplier sourcing
  • Competitive per-ton pricing

ensures cost efficiency and long-term operational stability.

If you are sourcing Quick Lime Powder in bulk, always request a technical data sheet (TDS), quality certification, and recent lab analysis report before finalizing your purchase.

Industrial Applications of Quick Lime Powder

Quick Lime Powder (Calcium Oxide – CaO) is one of the most versatile industrial chemicals due to its high alkalinity, strong reactivity, and impurity-binding properties. Below are the major industrial sectors where quick lime plays a critical operational role in 2026.

Steel & Metallurgy Industry

The steel industry is the largest consumer of Quick Lime Powder globally.

Role in Slag Formation

Quick lime is added to molten iron to form slag. Slag is a separate layer that floats above molten metal and absorbs impurities. Lime improves slag fluidity and efficiency, making the refining process smoother and more controlled.

Impurity Removal (Silica, Phosphorus, Sulfur)

Quick lime reacts with acidic impurities such as:

  • Silica (SiO₂)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Sulfur (S)

It binds these impurities chemically and removes them through slag separation. This purification step is essential for producing high-grade steel.

Improving Steel Quality

By reducing unwanted elements, quick lime:

  • Enhances steel strength
  • Improves ductility
  • Increases corrosion resistance
  • Ensures better structural integrity

Metallurgical-grade quick lime with high CaO content (92%+) is preferred for this purpose.

Construction Industry

Quick Lime Powder plays an important role in modern infrastructure development.

Soil Stabilization

In road and foundation projects, quick lime is mixed with clay soils to:

  • Reduce plasticity
  • Improve load-bearing capacity
  • Increase durability
  • Reduce swelling and shrinkage

This improves the life and strength of roads, highways, and building foundations.

Road Base Improvement

Quick lime strengthens subgrade layers in highways and industrial pavements. It enhances compaction and moisture resistance, making it ideal for heavy-traffic roads.

Cement Manufacturing

Quick lime is a primary raw material in cement production. It contributes to:

  • Clinker formation
  • Structural bonding
  • Improved compressive strength

Its purity directly impacts cement quality.

Water & Wastewater Treatment

With stricter environmental norms in 2026, quick lime demand in water treatment is rising steadily.

pH Control

Quick lime is used to neutralize acidic water. It increases pH levels in:

  • Municipal water treatment plants
  • Industrial effluent systems
  • Mining wastewater

Maintaining proper pH prevents pipe corrosion and protects aquatic ecosystems.

Heavy Metal Removal

Quick lime helps precipitate heavy metals such as:

  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Chromium
  • Nickel

These metals form insoluble compounds and can be easily filtered out.

Sludge Treatment

Quick lime reduces moisture content in sludge, controls odor, and improves handling during disposal. It also destroys pathogens through its high alkalinity.

Sugar Industry

The sugar industry relies heavily on quick lime for purification processes.

Juice Clarification Process

During sugar production, lime is added to raw cane juice to:

  • Adjust pH
  • Coagulate impurities
  • Facilitate sedimentation

This process improves sugar purity and color.

Impurity Removal

Quick lime removes:

  • Organic acids
  • Phosphates
  • Suspended solids

This ensures higher recovery rates and better-quality refined sugar.

Chemical Manufacturing

Quick Lime Powder is a base material in several chemical production processes.

Production of Calcium Carbide

Quick lime reacts with coke at high temperatures to produce calcium carbide, which is used in:

  • Acetylene gas production
  • Chemical synthesis industries

Alkali Production

Quick lime is used in caustic soda and alkali recovery processes, particularly in pulp and paper industries.

Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC)

Quick lime is converted into hydrated lime and then processed to produce PCC, widely used in:

  • Paper coating
  • Plastics
  • Paints
  • Rubber manufacturing

Environmental Applications

As environmental compliance standards tighten globally, quick lime plays a key role in pollution control.

Flue Gas Treatment

Quick lime is used in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems to remove:

  • Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
  • Acidic gases

This helps power plants and industrial units meet emission norms.

Acid Neutralization

In mining and chemical industries, quick lime neutralizes acidic waste streams, preventing soil and groundwater contamination.

Hazardous Waste Stabilization

Quick lime stabilizes hazardous industrial waste by:

  • Reducing leachability
  • Controlling odor
  • Destroying pathogens
  • Solidifying waste for safer disposal

Quick Lime Powder remains a core industrial material in 2026, supporting sectors like steel, construction, water treatment, sugar processing, chemical production, and environmental management. Its ability to neutralize acids, remove impurities, and enhance material strength makes it indispensable for heavy industries.

For bulk industrial buyers, selecting the correct grade and ensuring consistent CaO purity is essential to maximize operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Technical Specifications of Quick Lime Powder

For industrial procurement, technical specifications are the most critical evaluation criteria. Even minor variations in purity or particle size can significantly affect performance in steel furnaces, water treatment plants, or chemical processes.

Below are the key parameters bulk buyers should verify in 2026.

Key Parameters to Check

CaO Purity (%)

This indicates the percentage of active Calcium Oxide present.

  • Higher CaO = Higher reactivity & efficiency
  • Steel industry typically requires 92%+ purity
  • Industrial applications may accept 85–90% purity

Higher purity ensures better impurity removal and lower slag volume in metallurgical processes.

MgO Content (%)

Magnesium Oxide content varies depending on raw material.

  • High Calcium Lime: Low MgO (0.5–2%)
  • Dolomitic Lime: Higher MgO (3–5%+)

Excess MgO can affect slag chemistry in steel production, so control is important.

Reactivity

Reactivity measures how quickly lime reacts with water or acidic compounds.

  • High reactivity preferred in water treatment
  • Controlled reactivity needed in metallurgical use

Reactivity depends on calcination temperature and limestone quality.

Available wwContent

This represents the chemically active portion of lime available for reaction. It determines efficiency in neutralization and purification processes.

Loss on Ignition (LOI)

LOI measures unburnt carbonates or impurities remaining after calcination.

  • Lower LOI indicates better calcination
  • Typical acceptable range: < 5%

High LOI reduces lime efficiency.

Mesh Size / Particle Size

Particle size affects reaction speed and application suitability.

  • 100–300 mesh commonly used
  • Fine powder reacts faster
  • Larger particles suitable for furnace use

Uniform particle distribution ensures consistent industrial performance.

Bulk Density

Bulk density affects transportation and storage efficiency.

  • Typical range: 0.9 – 1.2 g/cm³
  • Higher density reduces dust formation

Moisture Content

Quick lime is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture easily.

  • Standard acceptable level: Below 2%
  • High moisture reduces reactivity and shelf life

Typical Industrial Specification Table (2026 Standard)

Parameter Standard Range
CaO Purity 85% – 95%
MgO 0.5% – 5%
Mesh Size 100–300 Mesh
Moisture < 2%
Reactivity High / Medium
LOI < 5%
Bulk Density 0.9 – 1.2 g/cm³

These specifications may vary depending on industrial requirements and grade.

Quality Testing & Certification

Before finalizing bulk procurement, quality verification is essential.

Lab Testing Parameters

Standard laboratory tests include:

  • CaO percentage analysis
  • MgO content testing
  • Insoluble matter
  • Reactivity test
  • LOI analysis
  • Moisture content

Modern suppliers use XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) and titration methods for accurate analysis.

BIS Standards (If Applicable)

In India, lime products may comply with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications depending on industrial application. Buyers should confirm relevant IS codes applicable to their sector.

ISO Certifications

Reliable manufacturers often hold:

  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
  • ISO 45001 (Occupational Safety)

These certifications reflect standardized manufacturing and compliance practices.

Third-Party Inspection Importance

For large bulk orders, third-party inspection agencies verify:

  • Batch consistency
  • Weight accuracy
  • Chemical composition
  • Packaging quality

This reduces procurement risk.

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) must accompany each batch. It includes:

  • Chemical composition
  • Batch number
  • Manufacturing date
  • Test results
  • Authorized signature

Never finalize bulk procurement without COA documentation.

Packaging Options for Bulk Buyers

Packaging plays a critical role in protecting quick lime from moisture.

25 kg / 50 kg HDPE Bags

  • Most common packaging
  • Suitable for medium-scale industries
  • Easy handling and storage

Jumbo Bags (1 MT)

  • Cost-effective for bulk buyers
  • Reduced packaging cost per ton
  • Suitable for large industrial plants

Bulk Tanker Supply

  • Ideal for continuous industrial consumption
  • Direct plant delivery
  • Lower handling loss

Customized Packaging

Manufacturers may offer:

  • Moisture-proof liners
  • Branded packaging
  • Export-grade packaging

Export buyers often require fumigation and palletized shipments.

Wholesale & Bulk Buying Guide (2026 Edition)

A. Factors Affecting Price

  • Purity Level – Higher CaO content increases price.
  • Transportation Cost – Lime is heavy; freight significantly impacts final cost.
  • Quantity Ordered – Bulk orders reduce per-ton price.
  • Seasonal Demand – Construction season increases demand.
  • Supplier Location – Proximity to limestone mines reduces cost.

Average Wholesale Price Range (2026)

(Indicative industrial estimate; may vary by region)

  • Industrial Grade: Moderate price range per metric ton
  • Metallurgical Grade (92–95%+ CaO): Higher price range

Typically, metallurgical grade costs more due to higher purity and stricter quality control.

How to Choose the Right Supplier

Before selecting a supplier, evaluate:

  • Manufacturing capacity (daily/annual output)
  • In-house testing laboratory
  • Consistent raw material sourcing
  • Logistics network
  • Flexible payment terms
  • Industry reputation

Reliable suppliers ensure uninterrupted plant operations.

Questions to Ask Before Bulk Purchase

  • What is the guaranteed CaO purity percentage?
  • Is COA provided with each shipment?
  • What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
  • What is the delivery timeline?
  • Are there penalties for delayed supply?
  • Is moisture-proof packaging included?

These questions reduce operational and financial risks.

Storage & Handling Guidelines

Proper storage preserves product efficiency.

Moisture Protection

  • Store in dry, covered warehouses
  • Avoid exposure to rain or humidity
  • Use airtight packaging

Warehouse Conditions

  • Elevated platform storage
  • Proper ventilation
  • Avoid direct floor contact

Safety Measures

  • Avoid direct skin contact
  • Prevent dust inhalation
  • Keep away from acids

Shelf Life Considerations

Quick lime has limited shelf life due to moisture absorption.

  • Ideal usage: Within 1–3 months of manufacturing
  • Always follow FIFO (First In, First Out) method

Safety & Precautions

Quick Lime Powder is a highly alkaline and reactive chemical. Proper safety protocols must be followed.

⚠ Handling Hazards

  • Can cause skin burns
  • Severe eye irritation
  • Respiratory irritation if inhaled

PPE Requirements

Workers should use:

  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves
  • Dust masks / Respirators
  • Protective clothing

Transportation Safety

  • Use moisture-proof covered trucks
  • Avoid mixing with incompatible chemicals
  • Ensure proper labeling

MSDS Compliance

Always request and maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). It includes:

  • Hazard classification
  • First-aid measures
  • Fire-fighting measures
  • Spill response procedures
  • Disposal guidelines

Compliance with MSDS ensures worker safety and regulatory adherence.

Post Your Requirement
147
Visitor Counter