Calcium chloride

What is Calcium chloride?

Calcium chloride or Calcium dichloride is a chemical compound with the formula CaCl2. It is composed of calcium, a metallic element, and chlorine, a halogen. Calcium chloride exists as a white, crystalline solid at room temperature and is highly soluble in water.

Specification 

Calcium dichloride specifications encompass various aspects beyond just purity grades. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications to consider:

 

Chemical Composition:

• Primarily Calcium dichloride (CaCl2)
• May contain impurities depending on the grade (e.g., magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sulfate salts in technical grades)

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: White crystalline solid at room temperature
• Odor: Odorless
• Taste: Salty
• Melting Point: 775 °C
• Boiling Point: 1600 °C (decomposes)
• Density: 2.15 g/cm³ (at 25°C)
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water (exothermic reaction)
• Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture readily from the air

Chemical Properties:

• pH: Slightly acidic solution when dissolved in water (pH 8-10 for a 100 g/L solution at 20°C)
• Corrosive: Can corrode metals, especially in concentrated solutions

Additional Specifications:

• Mesh Size: Particle size distribution of the calcium chloride (e.g., granular, powder, flakes) Moisture Content: Amount of water present in the product
• Assay: Specific percentage of calcium chloride present
• Chloride Content: Percentage of chloride ions
• Impurities: Levels of other elements or compounds present

 

Application and usage

Calcium chloride (CaCl2) finds numerous applications across various industries due to its diverse properties. Here are some of the key applications of calcium chloride:

• Deicing Agent

  Calcium dichloride is widely used as a deicing agent on roads, sidewalks, and airport runways during winter. It lowers the freezing point of water, effectively melting ice and snow and preventing the formation of hazardous ice patches.

 

• Concrete Accelerator

  In the construction industry, Calcium dichloride serves as a concrete accelerator. It speeds up the setting and curing process of concrete, particularly in cold weather conditions, enhancing construction timelines and improving structural integrity.

 

• Desiccant

  Calcium dichloride is an effective desiccant due to its hygroscopic nature. It absorbs moisture from the air, making it valuable for controlling humidity levels in industrial processes, drying air in compressed air systems, and preserving dry foods.

 

• Food Additive

  As a food additive, Calcium dichloride is used as a firming agent and preservative. It helps maintain the texture of canned vegetables, tofu, and other food products while extending their shelf life.

 

• Water Treatment

  Calcium dichloride is employed in water treatment processes to adjust calcium hardness levels and pH balance in swimming pools and spas. It helps prevent scale formation and corrosion in water pipes and equipment.

 

• Drilling Fluid Additive

  In the oil and gas industry, Calcium dichloride is used as a drilling fluid additive. It controls viscosity, inhibits clay swelling, and enhances wellbore stability during drilling operations, ensuring smoother and more efficient drilling processes.

 

• Medicinal Uses

  Calcium chloride is utilized in medical applications as an electrolyte replenisher in intravenous fluids. It is also used to treat hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) and certain other medical conditions.

 

• Preservative in Pickling

  In food processing, calcium chloride is used as a preservative in the pickling process. It helps maintain the texture and extend the shelf life of pickled products such as cucumbers, peppers, and olives.

 

• Dust Control

  Calcium chloride is applied to unpaved roads and surfaces to control dust emissions. It attracts moisture from the air, creating a crust that suppresses dust particles and improves air quality.

 

• Humidity Control in Packaging

  Calcium chloride is used in packaging materials to control humidity and prevent moisture damage to sensitive products such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals during storage and transportation.

These are just some of the many applications of calcium chloride, showcasing its versatility and importance in various industries and everyday life.

 

Grades

Certainly, here’s a more detailed breakdown of the different purity levels of calcium chloride, along with their corresponding percentage ranges and uses:

• Food Grade:

Food-grade CaCl2 is manufactured to meet stringent purity standards suitable for use in food and beverage applications. It typically has a purity level of 95% or higher, ensuring it is free from contaminants and safe for consumption. Food-grade calcium chloride is commonly used as a firming agent and preservative in various food products, including canned vegetables, tofu, and pickles.

• Pharmaceutical Grade:

Pharmaceutical-grade CaCl2 is produced under strict quality control measures to ensure the highest purity levels. It typically has a purity of 99% or higher, meeting the exacting standards required for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Pharmaceutical-grade calcium chloride is used in intravenous fluids, medications, and treatments for conditions such as hypocalcemia, where precision and purity are paramount.

• Technical Grade:

Technical grade CaCl2 is a versatile form of calcium chloride used in a wide range of industrial applications. It can vary in purity levels, typically ranging from 90% to 98%. Technical-grade calcium chloride is used in deicing, concrete acceleration, water treatment, and as a desiccant. Its purity level is suitable for industrial processes where precise specifications are not required.

• Dust Control Grade:

Dust control grade calcium chloride is formulated specifically for dust suppression applications. It usually has a purity level of 90% or higher, ensuring effectiveness in controlling dust emissions on unpaved roads, construction sites, and industrial areas. The hygroscopic properties of calcium chloride help it attract moisture from the air, reducing airborne dust particles and improving air quality.

• Liquid:

Liquid calcium chloride is a solution of calcium chloride dissolved in water. The concentration of liquid calcium chloride can vary, but it typically has a purity level of around 30% to 35%. Liquid calcium chloride is commonly used for deicing purposes, as well as dust control, concrete acceleration, and other applications where a liquid form is preferred..

• Anhydrous:

Anhydrous CaCl2 refers to calcium chloride without water molecules bound to it. It generally has a purity level of 95% or higher, with the absence of water contributing to its high purity. Anhydrous calcium chloride is used in applications where the presence of water is undesirable, such as drying agents, chemical synthesis, and moisture-sensitive processes.

• Pellet Grade:

Pellet-grade calcium chloride consists of small, uniform pellets of calcium chloride. It typically has a purity level ranging from 90% to 98%. Pellet-grade calcium chloride is convenient for deicing surfaces, as the pellets can be easily spread and provide consistent coverage on icy surfaces.

• Flake Grade:

Flake-grade CaCl2 consists of small, flat flakes of calcium chloride. Its purity levels are similar to pellet grade, typically ranging from 90% to 98%. Flake-grade calcium chloride is commonly used in deicing applications and can also be dissolved in water for use in concrete acceleration, dust control, and other applications.

These different grades of calcium chloride cater to the specific requirements of various industries and applications, ensuring optimal performance and safety in diverse settings.

 

Production Process

The production process of calcium chloride typically involves the chemical reaction between calcium carbonate (limestone) and hydrochloric acid. This reaction yields calcium chloride along with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Here’s a detailed overview of the production process:

• Preparation:

The process begins with the preparation of calcium carbonate, which is the primary raw material used in the production of calcium chloride. Calcium carbonate is commonly sourced from limestone quarries and other naturally occurring deposits. It is then crushed and ground into a fine powder to increase its surface area and reactivity.

• Reaction with Hydrochloric Acid:

The prepared calcium carbonate is then introduced into a reactor vessel, where it is mixed with a hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. The reaction between calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid produces calcium chloride, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O) according to the following chemical equation:

CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. The temperature and concentration of the hydrochloric acid are carefully controlled to optimize the reaction efficiency.

• Separation and Purification:

After the reaction is complete, the resulting mixture contains a calcium chloride solution along with carbon dioxide gas and water. The solution is then subjected to separation and purification processes to isolate the calcium chloride.

• • Carbon Dioxide Removal: The carbon dioxide gas produced during the reaction is typically vented or removed from the solution using a gas-liquid separator or other gas removal methods.
  • Impurity Removal: Any impurities present in the calcium chloride solution, such as unreacted calcium carbonate or other byproducts, may be removed through filtration or precipitation methods to obtain a purer solution.

• Concentration and Drying:

  Once purified, the Calcium dichloride solution is concentrated to increase its calcium chloride content. This may involve evaporation or other concentration techniques to remove excess water from the solution, resulting in a more concentrated Calcium dichloride solution.

  • Drying: One can further dry the concentrated calcium chloride solution to remove residual water and obtain solid Calcium dichloride. This process involves employing methods such as evaporation, crystallization, or other drying techniques, depending on the desired product form (e.g., flakes, pellets, or powder).

Packing

Bags:

Calcium chloride is often packaged in bags made of paper, woven polypropylene, or plastic. Bags come in various sizes, ranging from small bags weighing a few kilograms to large bags weighing several hundred kilograms or even tons. This packaging format is convenient for handling and storage, making it suitable for both industrial and consumer use.

Drums:

For bulk quantities of Calcium dichloride, drums made of steel or plastic are commonly used. These drums typically range in capacity from 50 liters to several hundred liters and are suitable for transportation and storage of liquid calcium dichloride solutions or solid flakes/pellets.

Pails/Buckets:

Smaller quantities of Calcium dichloride, particularly for consumer or household use, may be packaged in pails or buckets made of plastic or metal. These containers usually range in size from 5 to 20 liters and are convenient for applications such as deicing, dust control, and concrete acceleration.

Totes/IBC Containers:

Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or totes are large, reusable containers designed to hold and transport bulk liquids or granular materials. Calcium dichloride solutions are often packaged in IBCs with capacities ranging from 500 to 1,500 liters. These containers are commonly used in industrial settings for applications such as water treatment and chemical processing.

In industrial applications requiring large quantities of Calcium dichloride, companies utilize bulk tankers made of stainless steel and with capacities ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of liters for transportation and delivery. These tankers are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and chemical manufacturing.

Drums:

For bulk quantities of Calcium dichloride, drums made of steel or plastic are commonly used. These drums typically range in capacity from 50 liters to several hundred liters and are suitable for transportation and storage of liquid Calcium dichloride solutions or solid flakes/pellets.

Pails/Buckets:

Smaller quantities of Calcium dichloride, particularly for consumer or household use, may be packaged in pails or buckets made of plastic or metal. These containers usually range in size from 5 to 20 liters and are convenient for applications such as deicing, dust control, and concrete acceleration.

Custom Packaging:

In addition to standard packaging options, CaCl2 suppliers may offer custom packaging solutions tailored to specific customer requirements. This may include specialized bag sizes, labeling, or packaging materials to meet the unique needs of individual applications or industries. Bags: Manufacturers often package CaCl2 in bags crafted from materials like paper or woven polypropylene., or plastic. Bags come in various sizes, ranging from small bags weighing a few kilograms to large bags weighing several hundred kilograms or even tons. This packaging format is convenient for handling and storage, making it suitable for both industrial and consumer use.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

HARD FUSED / SOLID	DOUBLE FUSED	ANHYDROUS
Fused 72-75%Assay	Porous Fused 80-85% Assay	Anhydrous 94-98% Assay
Appearance White Lumps (Powder not offered)	Appearance White Lumps or Powder	Appearance White Lumps or Powder
Magnesium 0.3% max	Magnesium 0.3% max.	Magnesium 0.3% max
Iron 100 ppm max.	Iron 100 ppm max.	Iron 100 ppm max
Dry Basis Assay 98% min	Dry Basis Assay 98% min	Dry Basis Assay 98% min
In 50 Kgs. HDPE bag with HMHDP liner.	In 50 Kgs. HDPE bag with double HMHDP liners	In 50 Kgs. HDPE bag with double HMHDP liners