Acidic Wastes Neutralized Economically with Lime
This table lists the approximate cost of using lime relative to that for other popular alkaline neutralizing agents:
Alkaline
relative
cost
Reagent
Calcium
hydroxide (lime)
1
Magnesium
hydroxide (magnesia)
4
Sodium
carbonate (soda ash)
5
Sodium
hydroxide (caustic soda)
7
Potassium Hydroxide 15
Despite its low cost, the use of lime is often avoided because its successful application presents greater engineering challenges.
ERI offers a bulletin discussing the engineering considerations when using lime to neutralize wastewater.
Engineering Resource, Inc., 19 Edgehill Road, Winchester, MA 01890. Tel: 781-938-1074; Fax: 781-938-1075.