Calcium Chloride Manufacturer
Introduction
Calcium chloride is a compound with the chemical formula CaCl2.
Chemical Properties:
Calcium chloride is a salt composed of calcium and chlorine ions. It is highly soluble in water and has a white appearance.
Reaction: CaCO3 + 2HCl => CaCl2 Calcium chloride + H2O + CO2
Calcium chloride is highly hygroscopic, highly deliquescent, and can easily be dissolved in water.
When dissolved into water, it creates a large amount of solution heat and greatly lowers the freezing point of water, with strong anti-freezing and de-icing effects.
Industrial Applications
Deicing and Anti-Icing:
One of the most common applications of calcium chloride is in deicing and anti-icing solutions. Its hygroscopic nature allows it to attract moisture from the air, lowering the freezing point of water and preventing the formation of ice on roads, sidewalks, and runways. Calcium chloride is preferred for deicing due to its effectiveness even at lower temperatures compared to other deicing agents.
Dust Control:
Calcium chloride is widely utilized for dust suppression on roads, construction sites, and mining operations. When applied to unpaved surfaces, it absorbs moisture from the air and the ground, preventing the formation of dust clouds. This not only improves visibility and air quality but also reduces maintenance costs associated with dust control.
Concrete Acceleration:
In the construction industry, calcium chloride is employed as a concrete accelerator, speeding up the setting and hardening process of concrete. By increasing the rate of hydration, it allows for faster construction timelines and enables work to proceed even in colder temperatures, where traditional concrete settings may be delayed.
Food Processing:
In food processing, calcium chloride finds use as a firming agent, preservative, and additive. It enhances the texture and firmness of various food products such as canned fruits and vegetables, tofu, and pickles. Additionally, calcium chloride is employed in cheese-making to promote coagulation and improve yield.
Desiccation:
Calcium chloride serves as a desiccant in various industrial processes where moisture control is critical. It is used in gas drying applications to remove water vapor from gases and maintain the efficiency of equipment such as refrigeration systems, air conditioning units, and compressed air systems.
Oil and Gas Extraction:
In the oil and gas industry, calcium chloride plays a vital role in well drilling and completion operations. It is utilized as a drilling fluid additive to control viscosity, inhibit clay swelling, and maintain wellbore stability. Calcium chloride brines are also employed in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to enhance fluid recovery and prevent formation damage.
Heat Storage:
In addition to its hygroscopic nature, calcium chloride exhibits exothermic properties when dissolved in water, so hydrated salt CaCl2 is a promising material for low-grade thermochemical heat storage.
