Calcium Hydroxide Storage — Ca(OH)2 Slaked Lime Slurry Tank Selection
Storing Calcium Hydroxide? Start Here
Calcium hydroxide, often called slaked lime or hydrated lime, is a versatile chemical used in water treatment, agriculture, and various industrial processes. It typically comes as a dry powder or a slurry, known as milk-of-lime. When storing calcium hydroxide, it's crucial to understand its properties and how they affect storage needs. This chemical is strongly alkaline and can cause skin and eye irritation, so proper handling and storage are essential for safety and efficiency.
Can you store it in a poly tank?
Yes, calcium hydroxide can be stored in polyethylene tanks. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) tanks are commonly used for storing the slurry, as they resist the chemical's caustic nature. However, consider abrasion from suspended solids, which can reduce pump life over time.
Key Issue: Freezing
One of the main concerns with storing calcium hydroxide slurry is freezing. The slurry can freeze at temperatures below 32°F, so in colder climates, it's important to use heat tracing and insulation to prevent this. This ensures the slurry remains in a usable state and avoids potential damage to storage equipment.
The safety that actually matters
- Wear protective gear to prevent skin and eye contact.
- Ensure proper ventilation to avoid respiratory irritation.
- Regularly inspect tanks and equipment for signs of wear or damage.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for gasket material compatibility.
Common questions
- What type of tank is best for bulk storage?
- XLPE tanks are ideal for bulk storage of calcium hydroxide slurry, offering durability and resistance to the chemical's abrasive nature.
- How can I prevent slurry from settling?
- Use mechanical agitation to keep the slurry well-mixed, preventing solids from settling at the bottom of the tank.
- What should I do if the slurry freezes?
- If freezing occurs, carefully thaw the slurry using heat tracing and ensure proper insulation for future prevention.
Calcium Hydroxide storage tanks from OneSource
For calcium hydroxide storage, specify HDLPE_OR_XLPE rated to specific gravity 1.9. Verified, compatibility-matched options:
- Snyder Industries 22 Gallon ASTM XLPE Black Heavy Duty Vertical Storage Tank (1.9 SG)
- Snyder Industries 150 Gallon XLPE Chemical Feed Station Tank (1.9 SG)
- Snyder Industries 500 Gallon ASTM XLPE Black Double Wall Tank (1.9 SG)
- Snyder Industries 1500 Gallon 45 Degree XLPE Cone Bottom Tank in White (1.9 SG)
- Snyder Industries 5000 Gallon XLPE Vertical Liquid Storage Tank with ASTM Certification (1.9 SG)
Confirm chemical compatibility and a ZIP freight quote with our team at 866-418-1777.
Sources & References
All compatibility ratings, hazard classifications, and chemical identifiers on this page are sourced from authoritative third-party publications. Verify against the original references before final specification.
- PubChem Compound Database — entry for Calcium Hydroxide (CID 6093208, CAS 1305-62-0). pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Library of Medicine / NCBI. Canonical chemical-identity reference.
- Snyder Industries Chemical Resistance Recommendations — system-of-construction guidance for polyethylene chemical-storage tanks at industrial ASTM 1.9 SG design rating. SNY-3041 Chemical Resistance Chart. Snyder Industries, current edition. Resin + fitting + gasket + bolt MOC matrix.
- Equistar Technical Tip — Chemical Resistance of Polyethylene — LDPE / MDPE / HDPE rating chart by concentration and temperature, distributed by Enduraplas. enduraplas.com (PDF). Equistar polyethylene resin chemical-resistance data, distributed via Enduraplas.
- NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response. nfpa.org. NFPA 704 'fire diamond' health/flammability/instability/special-hazard rating system (0–4 scale).
- UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), current revision. unece.org/transport/ghs. GHS pictograms, signal words, and H-statement codes referenced in this guide.
- ASTM D1998 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks, current edition. astm.org. Cited as the design-specific-gravity standard (typically 1.9 SG) for industrial chemical-service polyethylene tanks.
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards — occupational exposure limits, PPE, and IDLH data for Calcium Hydroxide. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.