SEDL / STP / STP1557-EB / STP104437

Developing a New Test Method for Determining Free Moisture in Hydrated Lime by Thermogravimetric Analysis (Moisture Balance)

Thomson, Margaret L.
Director Technical Services, Business Development, Lhoist, Fort Worth, TX

Vernaci, Joe
Laboratory Supervisor, Lhoist, Henderson, NV

Houghton, Melanie
Corporate Chemist, Carmeuse, Pittsburgh, PA

Pages: 12    Published: Oct 2012

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Abstract

Experimental studies were conducted in order to establish a technique for determining the free moisture content of hydrated lime using a thermogravimetric balance (moisture meter) method. The first step was to develop a calibration curve for different moisture levels using sodium tartrate dihydrate, first with dried limestone and then with calibrated weights. Sodium tartrate dihydrate has a moisture content of 15.65 ± 0.05 wt. % at 120°C. Testing was completed at 120°C, 150°C, and 180°C in order to determine whether there was a significant difference in results at the different temperatures. There was a 0.2 % discrepancy in the value of the free moisture between the lowest and the highest temperature, providing a good base from which to recommend further development of the test method.