laked Lime And Caustic Soda In Wastewater Treatment

Both slaked lime also named (calcium hydroxide) and caustic soda are strong alkaline chemicals. They are often used as neutralizing agents in wastewater treatment, and are interchangeable with little difference in neutralization effect. Slaked lime has an alkalinity no lower than NaOH, but it requires more acid than NaOH. Below, SInowin Team will explain their differences in detail. 

1. Economically speaking, caustic soda is more than three times the price of slaked lime, produces more waste residue, and has lower solubility. 

2. In acidic wastewater treatment, besides acting as an alkaline neutralizing agent, slaked lime's calcium ions can react with related ions in the wastewater to produce redox reactions, forming precipitates and thus removing these substances.

3. While both slaked lime and caustic soda have similar alkalinity, slaked lime also has a coagulant-aiding effect.

4. In wastewater applications, slaked lime has a fine particle size, good solubility, and the advantage of not clogging pipes. It is also a coagulant aid for wastewater coagulants such as aluminum sulfate and ferrous sulfate. The hydroxide ions in slaked lime have a high settling rate for heavy metal ions in wastewater, except for mercury. In other words, slaked lime is a multi-functional agent in wastewater treatment.

5. Caustic soda is suitable for relatively simple acidic wastewater conditioning, while slaked lime is more effective in treating wastewater from circuit boards, electroplating, and other processes, resulting in clearer and more hygienic water.

Now that you understand the differences between slaked lime and caustic soda in wastewater treatment, you can choose the appropriate neutralizing agent based on your specific needs and requirements to achieve the best results.