Milk of lime is an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) that is produced by dissolving quicklime (CaO) or slaked lime in water. It typically has a concentration of 5 to 15 % Ca(OH)₂. Milk of lime is used in industrial water and wastewater treatment, particularly for neutralizing wastewater and precipitating heavy metals.

Technical background

  1. Production
    Milk of lime is produced by hydration of calcium oxide.
    The reaction is exothermic and requires precise control of the water addition to ensure a homogeneous suspension.

  2. Chemical properties

    • pH value: Milk of lime has a high pH value of around 12.5, which means it effectively neutralizes acids.
    • Reactivity: It reacts with dissolved metal ions to form sparingly soluble hydroxides.
Dosing station and preparation station for lime milk, Lime Dosing Station

Photo: ALMA LIME lime milk dosing and preparation station

Areas of application

  1. Neutralization of acidic wastewater
    In wastewater treatment, milk of lime is used to neutralize wastewater and adjust the pH value.

  2. Precipitation of heavy metals
    Milk of lime is used to remove heavy metals such as zinc, lead and copper. These metals form poorly soluble hydroxides in alkaline environments, which are precipitated as sludge.

Application in practice

A typical milk of lime preparation station includes the following components:

  • Mixing tank: Equipped with agitators for homogenization.
  • Dosing pumps: Enable precise addition of milk of lime to the process.
  • Measuring and control technology: For monitoring the pH value and the milk of lime concentration.

Product solution: ALMA LIME

Developed by ALMAWATECH, the ALMA LIME milk of lime preparation station offers an automated and efficient solution for the production and dosing of milk of lime. Thanks to its robust design and flexible adaptation to customer-specific requirements, the system is ideal for industrial applications.

Dosing station for flocculants, precipitants and neutralizing agents for wastewater treatment

Photo: ALMA LIME lime milk dosing and preparation station and other IBC dosing stations from ALMAWATECH

Conclusion

Milk of lime is a versatile reagent in water and wastewater treatment. Its simple production, high reactivity and wide range of applications make it an indispensable component in industrial processes. The use of modern milk of lime preparation stations such as ALMA LIME significantly increases efficiency and operational safety.

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