Calcium Chloride Anhydrous
CAS #:
10043-52-4
Calcium chloride is a versatile inorganic compound widely used across multiple industries for its exceptional moisture-absorbing properties, ice-melting capabilities, and diverse chemical applications.
Calcium Chloride is a highly hygroscopic salt commonly used for moisture control, de-icing, and industrial processing. Known for its strong ability to absorb water and generate heat when dissolved, it is widely applied in roadway de-icing, dust control, concrete acceleration, and brine production. In chemical and industrial operations, it serves roles in drying, desiccation, refrigeration brines, and water treatment. Its versatility and reliability make it a core material across multiple industries.
General Info & Properties
Chemical Formula: CaCl₂
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid or pellets
Melting Point: 772°C (1,422°F) for anhydrous form
Applications
De-icing and Snow Removal
Calcium chloride is one of the most effective ice-melting agents available, working at temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C). It generates heat significantly faster than sodium chloride.
Concrete Acceleration
Calcium chloride serves as a concrete admixture that accelerates the setting and hardening process. This is valuable in cold weather where normal curing would be delayed.
Dust Control and Road Stabilization
Applied to unpaved roads and work sites, calcium chloride attracts moisture from the air, keeping surfaces damp and binding fine particles together.
Oil and Gas Industry
Calcium chloride is used as a drilling fluid additive to increase density, control shale hydration, and stabilize wellbores.
Water Treatment
Municipal and industrial water treatment facilities use calcium chloride to increase water hardness, adjust pH levels, and remove fluoride.
Chemical Manufacturing
Serves as a raw material or reactant in producing other calcium compounds, fire extinguishers, dyes, inks, and various organic chemicals.
Markets
Construction, Intermediates, Oil & Gas, Water Treatment
Advantages
Superior Ice-Melting Performance: Calcium chloride outperforms traditional rock salt by working at much lower temperatures and acts faster due to its exothermic reaction.
Multiple Form Factors: The availability of flakes, pellets, powder, and liquid forms allows users to select the most appropriate format for their specific application method and equipment.
Cost-Effective Solution: While calcium chloride may have a higher initial cost per pound than some alternatives, it delivers better value through superior performance, lower application rates, and longer-lasting effects.
Rapid Action: The exothermic nature of calcium chloride dissolution means it begins working immediately upon contact.
Environmentally Preferable: When used properly, calcium chloride has less environmental impact than some de-icing alternatives.
Safety & Handling
Calcium chloride is not classified as a hazardous substance under most regulatory frameworks, but it can cause irritation and requires proper handling procedures.