Chemical Properties
Soda lime is a white to grayish-white colored crystalline solid, which is a mixture of Calcium oxide and Sodium or Potassium hydroxide (both corrosive substances). Soda lime is noncombustible and miscible in water with a release of heat, i.e., an exothermic reaction takes place. It is corrosive to both tissue and metals. Soda lime is one of the most popular absorbent materials used for eliminating carbon dioxide (CO) from contaminated air.
Uses
Soda lime's ability is to absorb carbon dioxide, makes it valuable in medical and surgical procedures. It is also used as a powerful drying agent, or desiccant, in commercial and industrial usage. It is also useful for the construction of gas masks. It plays an essential role for the measurement of soil carbon dioxide efflux upon absorption. It is also useful for direct measurement of dissolved carbon dioxide.
Uses
To absorb carbon dioxide in basal metabolism tests, in rebreathing anesthesia systems, in submarines, and in carbon determinations.
Definition
A gray solid produced by
adding sodium hydroxide solution to calcium
oxide, to give a mixture of Ca(OH)
2
and NaOH. It is used in the laboratory as
a drying agent and as an absorbent for
dioxide.
Definition
soda lime: A mixed hydroxide ofsodium and calcium made by slakinglime with caustic soda solution (togive NaOH + Ca(OH)
2) and recoveringgreyish white granules by evaporation.The material is produced largelyfor industrial adsorption of carbondioxide and water, but also findssome applications in pollution andeffluent control. It is also used as alaboratory drying agent.
brand name
Sodasorb (Grace).
General Description
Soda lime, solid is generally a white to grayish white colored solid. SODA LIME is the mixture of calcium hydroxide and sodium or potassium hydroxide, both corrosive materials. SODA LIME is noncombustible and soluble in water with release of heat. SODA LIME is corrosive to metals and tissue.
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water with release of heat.
Reactivity Profile
The reaction between hydrogen sulfide and soda lime is attended with incandescence in the presence of air. In oxygen there is an explosion. Mixtures of barium oxide with mercurous or nickel oxide also react vigorously with hydrogen sulfide in air. Explosions may result [Mellor 10:140 1946-47].
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong
irritant to tissue.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
Safety Profile
A corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. See also SODIUM HYDROXIDE and CALCIUM OXIDE
