Introduction
Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CaCO3. It is found in rocks (limestone) and is the primary component of shells of eggshells, marine organisms, pearls and snails. It causes hardness of water and is the active element in agricultural lime. Calcium carbonate is used as an antacid as well as a calcium supplement. Its mainly used in the construction industry.
Preparation
Calcium oxide and carbon dioxide are obtained from limestone through calcination at temperatures more than 900°C. Calcination process is carried out with natural gas to ensure higher purity. Calcinated lime is slaked with water, which gives the milk of lime. It is then subjected to purification followed by carbonation with carbon dioxide that was obtained during the calcination process.
- Burning of limestone:CaCO3 --> CaO+CO2
- Slacking of quicklime:CaO + H2O -->Ca(OH)2
- Precipitation:Ca(OH)2 + CO2 --> CaCO3 + H20
A suspension of CaCO3is formed after carbonation. Filtration of the suspension results in 60% solid matter and 40% cake. Deagglomeration is carried out in grinders for the filter cake after drying. This gives precipitated calcium carbonate.
Applications
Industries such as the paper industry buy calcium carbonate, since it reduces the costs of papermaking and enhances the productivity of the paper machine as the print features of the paper products. Calcium carbonate is the widely used mineral in industries such as plastics, paints and coatings as fillers and coating pigments. It is used as an acid neutralizer in calcium-based antacid liquids and tablets in its precipitated form. Calcium carbonate is an important constituent of the construction industry, where it is used both as an ingredient of cement and building material such as marble.
Toxicity
The dust of calcium carbonate is a physical irritant to skin, mucous membrane, nose and eyes. Contact with skin causes local irritation. Contact with eyes causes inflammation of the eyelids, redness and pain. Exposure to higher proportions of dust causes nasal irritation, sneezing and coughing. Overdose of calcium carbonate in the form of dietary supplement or antacid may lead to bone pain, depression, coma, abdominal pain, constipation, confusion, diarrhoea, muscle twitching, irregular heartbeat, headache, vomiting and nausea. Calcium carbonate suppliers, distributors and personnel must ensure that the toxic effects are controlled.
Safety Tips for Handling
Calcium carbonate must be used with proper ventilation with minimized dust generation and accumulation. Contact with skin, eyes, clothing and inhalation of dust must be avoided. Calcium carbonate must be stored in a tightly closed container at a cool and dry place. Calcium carbonate suppliers, sellers and distributors must be careful while handling this chemical. This is the reason why manufacturers and end users must buy calcium carbonate from good suppliers.
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