Hydrated Lime Suppliers in UAE

Speciality Industries LLC - Hydrated Lime Supplier in Dubai

Phone: 052-6458495 | Location: Dubai

Speciality Industries LLC is a Dubai-based supplier of industrial chemicals and construction materials including hydrated lime for construction, masonry, water treatment, and industrial applications. As a specialized chemical and building materials supplier, Speciality Industries understands the technical requirements of different hydrated lime applications and can advise on appropriate grades for specific uses.

They supply hydrated lime for construction projects (masonry lime mortar, building lime plaster), water treatment facilities (pH adjustment, clarification), industrial applications (chemical processing, manufacturing), and agricultural uses (soil amendment, pH correction). Their Dubai location provides convenient access to construction contractors, water treatment operators, and industrial facilities across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Q: Where can I buy hydrated lime in Dubai?

You can buy hydrated lime in Dubai from specialized chemical suppliers like Speciality Industries LLC, building materials suppliers in industrial areas (Al Quoz, Ras Al Khor, Jebel Ali), industrial chemical distributors, and some large hardware suppliers serving construction contractors. For bulk hydrated lime purchases for construction or industrial projects, contact suppliers directly with your quantity requirements and specifications. For smaller quantities (hydrated lime 5kg or 25kg hydrated lime bags), some building materials retailers stock packaged hydrated lime, though industrial suppliers typically offer better pricing on larger volumes.

Emirates Lime Factory - Hydrated Lime Manufacturer in Abu Dhabi

Phone: 02-5502049 | Location: Abu Dhabi

Emirates Lime Factory is an Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer of lime products including quicklime (burnt lime), hydrated lime (slaked lime), and lime-based building materials. As an actual lime factory rather than just a distributor, Emirates Lime Factory offers advantages of direct manufacturing ensures consistent product quality, bulk hydrated lime availability for large projects, competitive pricing without distributor markup, technical expertise from lime production experience, and the ability to customize products for specific applications.

Manufacturing facilities like Emirates Lime Factory serve UAE's construction industry with masonry lime for mortar and plaster, building lime for heritage restoration projects, construction lime for soil stabilization, and industrial-grade calcium hydroxide for chemical processes. Their Abu Dhabi location serves the capital's major construction projects, industrial facilities in Mussafah and ICAD, and infrastructure developments across Abu Dhabi emirate.

Q: What is the difference between buying from a lime factory versus a distributor in UAE?

Buying hydrated lime directly from a lime factory like Emirates Lime Factory typically offers lower pricing for bulk quantities (no distributor markup), direct technical support from manufacturers who understand lime production and chemistry, flexibility for custom specifications or packaging, better supply consistency for ongoing projects, and often faster problem resolution if quality issues arise. Distributors offer convenience of smaller quantities, broader product ranges if you need multiple building materials, and sometimes better geographic coverage. For large construction projects or industrial applications requiring regular bulk hydrated lime supply in UAE, direct factory purchasing usually provides better value and support.

Quicklime (Burnt Lime) - The Starting Point

Quicklime, also called burnt lime, calcium oxide, or unslaked lime, is produced by heating limestone (calcium carbonate) in kilns to around 900–1000°C. This drives off carbon dioxide, leaving calcium oxide (CaO). Quicklime is highly reactive it generates significant heat when mixed with water (exothermic reaction) and is caustic and dangerous to handle without proper safety equipment.

Quicklime for sale in UAE is used primarily for chemical manufacturing, steel production, water treatment, and as the raw material for producing hydrated lime. It's rarely used directly in construction due to its reactivity and handling hazards.

Hydrated Lime (Slaked Lime) - The Construction Standard

Hydrated lime, produced by carefully adding water to quicklime in controlled slaking process, is the most common lime type in construction. The chemical reaction (CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂) produces a fine white powder that's much safer to handle than quicklime while retaining lime's beneficial properties for construction applications.

High calcium hydrated lime (Type N per ASTM C207) contains minimum 95% calcium hydroxide and is the standard for most construction applications in UAE. It's used in masonry lime mortar to improve workability and water retention, building lime plaster for traditional and heritage projects, soil stabilization for foundation preparation, and water treatment for pH adjustment and clarification.

Hydrated lime calcium hydroxide is also sold as builders lime, construction lime, masonry lime, or simply building lime - these terms all refer to hydrated lime products suitable for construction applications.

Hydraulic Lime - Self-Hardening Lime for Wet Conditions

Hydraulic lime is produced from limestone containing clay impurities (silicates). When burned, these create compounds that allow the lime to set through hydraulic reaction (chemical reaction with water) in addition to carbonation. This means hydraulic lime can harden underwater or in damp conditions, unlike non-hydraulic lime which requires carbon dioxide from air to carbonate and harden.

In UAE, hydraulic lime is less common than non-hydraulic hydrated lime but is specified for restoration of historical forts and buildings, basements and foundations where dampness is present, marine structures requiring lime-based construction, and applications where faster setting than traditional lime is needed. Hydraulic lime is classified by strength: NHL 2 (feebly hydraulic), NHL 3.5 (moderately hydraulic), and NHL 5 (eminently hydraulic). The higher the number, the stronger and faster-setting the hydraulic lime.

Q: Should I use hydraulic lime or non-hydraulic lime for my project in UAE?

For most UAE construction applications - general masonry mortar, interior plasters, soil stabilization - non-hydraulic lime (standard hydrated lime) is appropriate and more economical. Choose hydraulic lime for heritage restoration projects requiring authentic historical materials, applications in perpetually damp conditions (though rare in UAE's climate), marine or coastal construction where moisture exposure is constant, and projects requiring faster setting than traditional lime mortars.

Masonry Lime and Hydrated Lime Mortar - Improving Workability

Adding hydrated lime to cement-sand mortar (creating cement-lime mortar) provides significant benefits: improved workability makes mortar easier to spread and work with, better water retention prevents rapid drying and improves cement hydration, enhanced bond strength to masonry units, self-healing properties where small cracks can re-seal through carbonation, and reduced shrinkage cracking compared to pure cement mortars.

In UAE construction, typical masonry lime mortar ratios are 1:1:6 (cement:lime:sand) for general purpose mortar or 1:2:9 (cement:lime:sand) for softer, more workable mixes for blockwork. The hydrated lime mortar approach is particularly valuable in UAE's hot, dry climate where pure cement mortars can dry too quickly, leading to weak bonds and cracking.

Building Lime and Hydrated Lime Plaster - Traditional Finishes

Building lime and hydrated lime plaster create traditional wall and ceiling finishes that are breathable, flexible, and aesthetically appealing. Hydrated lime plaster systems typically consist of base coats (coarse lime-sand plaster for leveling), intermediate coats (medium-grade lime plaster for smoothing), and finish coats (fine lime putty or tadelakt for decorative finishes).

In UAE, hydrated lime plaster is specified for heritage restoration projects (Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Dubai, Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi), luxury villas seeking traditional aesthetics, boutique hotels and resorts using traditional architectural styles, and eco-friendly buildings valuing lime's breathability and sustainability. Lime plaster's breathability is particularly valuable in UAE's air-conditioned buildings where moisture management prevents condensation issues that plague impermeable cement plasters.

Hydrated Lime for Soil Stabilization and Drying

Hydrated lime to dry soil is a critical application in UAE construction for site preparation and foundation works. When mixed with clayey or wet soils, hydrated lime for soil stabilization provides immediate moisture reduction through chemical reaction and evaporation, improved soil workability and compaction characteristics, increased soil strength and load-bearing capacity, and reduced soil plasticity and swelling.

The process involves spreading powdered lime over wet soil, mixing with graders or tillers, allowing reaction time (24–72 hours), and then compacting the stabilized soil. Bulk hydrated lime for large earthworks projects is typically delivered in bulk tanker trucks or large bags, with application rates of 2–8% by weight depending on soil type and moisture content.

Hydrated Lime for Water Treatment - pH Control and Clarification

Hydrated lime for water treatment is a major industrial application in UAE's water and wastewater infrastructure. Calcium hydroxide is used for pH adjustment in drinking water treatment, neutralization of acidic industrial wastewater, softening hard water by precipitating calcium and magnesium, coagulation and clarification of turbid water, and removal of heavy metals through precipitation.

UAE's extensive desalination industry, municipal water treatment plants, and industrial wastewater facilities consume significant quantities of high-purity hydrated lime. The material's safety (compared to more hazardous alkalis like sodium hydroxide) and effectiveness in pH control make it the preferred chemical for many water treatment applications.

Hydrated Lime for Sewage Spill and Odor Control

Hydrated lime for sewage spill is an emergency response application where calcium hydroxide's high pH (12.4 in solution) disinfects spilled sewage, neutralizes odors from bacterial decomposition, reduces pathogens and bacteria, and helps solidify liquid wastes for easier cleanup.

In UAE's urban areas, municipalities and emergency response teams maintain stocks of hydrated lime for sewage line breaks, septic system overflows, temporary sewage holding situations, and any scenario where sewage control and disinfection are needed before proper cleanup. The lime's rapid action and relative safety make it preferable to chemical disinfectants for temporary emergency use.

Q: How much hydrated lime do I need for my construction project in UAE?

Hydrated lime quantities depend on application. For masonry mortar, typical usage is 50–100 kg hydrated lime per cubic meter of mortar (roughly 10–20 bags per 100 concrete blocks laid). For soil stabilization, expect 2–8% by weight of soil being treated - roughly 40–160 kg per cubic meter of soil depending on conditions. For lime plaster, approximately 100–150 kg per 100 square meters for base coat. For water treatment, dosing rates vary from 50–500 mg/L depending on pH adjustment needed. Contact hydrated lime suppliers with your project specifications for accurate quantity estimation and pricing.

High Calcium Hydrated Lime - Type N

High calcium hydrated lime (ASTM C207 Type N) contains minimum 95% calcium hydroxide with low impurities. This is the standard grade for construction applications in UAE - masonry mortar, plasters, soil stabilization. Its high purity ensures consistent performance and maximum reactivity.

Dolomitic Hydrated Lime - Type S

Dolomitic hydrated lime (Type S) is produced from dolomitic limestone containing both calcium and magnesium carbonates. After slaking, it contains calcium hydroxide and magnesium oxide or hydroxide. Type S hydrated lime has different properties than Type N - slower setting time, improved water retention, and pressure-hydrating characteristics that can enhance plastering applications. In UAE markets, Type N high calcium hydrated lime is more commonly available and specified than Type S.

Industrial vs. Construction Grade

Industrial-grade hydrated lime for water treatment or chemical manufacturing often has higher purity requirements than construction-grade material. Food-grade calcium hydroxide exists for specific applications. When purchasing hydrated lime for sale in UAE, specify your application to ensure appropriate grade.

Type N - Best for construction mortar, plaster, and soil stabilization

Type S (Dolomitic) - Improved water retention; preferred for plastering applications

Industrial Grade - Higher purity required for water treatment and chemical processing

Food Grade (E526) - Ultra-pure; required for food processing applications only

Hydrated Lime vs. Powdered Lime for Lawns

Powdered lime for lawns typically refers to ground agricultural limestone (calcium carbonate), not hydrated lime. While hydrated lime for garden can be used for rapid pH adjustment, agricultural limestone is preferred for lawns and gardens because it's slower-acting and safer (non-caustic), provides calcium without excessive pH spike, and is less likely to burn plants if over-applied.

In UAE's alkaline soils (most UAE soils are naturally high pH), lime addition is rarely needed for gardens and lawns. Soil testing should determine if pH adjustment is necessary before applying any lime product.

Quicklime vs. Hydrated Lime

Quicklime (burnt lime/calcium oxide) is more reactive and caustic than hydrated lime, requires careful handling due to heat generation and caustic nature, is used primarily in industrial processes rather than construction, and costs less per unit of calcium oxide but requires slaking for most applications. For construction applications in UAE, hydrated lime is safer and more practical than quicklime. For industrial uses requiring maximum reactivity, quicklime may be specified.

Speciality Industries LLC specializes in hydrated lime for construction, water treatment, and industrial applications in Dubai. Contact: 052-6458495

Emirates Lime Factory, Abu Dhabi manufactures and supplies quicklime and hydrated lime products direct from the factory. Contact: 02-5502049

Can I use hydrated lime instead of cement in mortar?

No - hydrated lime should not fully replace cement in modern mortar. While historical lime mortars used only lime, sand, and water, modern construction typically uses cement-lime mortars combining cement's strength with lime's workability and flexibility. Typical UAE masonry mortar contains both cement and hydrated lime in ratios like 1:1:6 (cement:lime:sand). Pure lime mortar sets very slowly through carbonation and lacks the strength required by modern building codes for load-bearing applications.

How long does hydrated lime last in storage in UAE climate?

Properly stored hydrated lime in sealed, moisture-proof packaging can last 6–12 months in UAE's dry climate. However, hydrated lime gradually absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from air, converting back to calcium carbonate over time. This reduces effectiveness. Store hydrated lime in original sealed packaging, in dry conditions away from moisture, and use oldest stock first. Once bags are opened, use contents within weeks for best results. Bulk storage in silos with air-tight conditions extends storage life.

Is hydrated lime safe for use around swimming pools in UAE?

Hydrated lime itself is not used in swimming pool water treatment - pool pH adjustment uses sodium carbonate (soda ash) or sodium hydroxide, not calcium hydroxide. However, hydrated lime is used in pool construction as part of masonry lime mortar for pool decks, coping, and surrounding structures. Once fully cured and carbonated, lime mortar is completely safe and stable around pools.

Can I buy hydrated lime from hardware stores in Dubai?

Large building materials retailers and some hardware stores in Dubai stock small quantities of hydrated lime (typically 25kg bags) for construction and DIY use. However, for bulk quantities or industrial-grade material, contacting specialized suppliers like Speciality Industries LLC or manufacturers like Emirates Lime Factory provides better availability, pricing, and technical support. Agricultural suppliers occasionally stock lime for pH adjustment, though this is less common in UAE than in countries with acidic soils.

Industrial Chemical Processing

Calcium hydroxide is widely used in industrial chemistry for neutralizing acids in chemical manufacturing, producing calcium-based chemicals, flue gas desulfurization in power plants, and pH control in various industrial processes.

Leather Tanning

Traditional leather tanning uses hydrated lime to remove hair and open up hide structure before tanning agents are applied. While modern tanning often uses other chemicals, traditional leather craft still employs lime in dehairing processes.

Food Industry Applications

Food-grade calcium hydroxide (E526) is used in food processing for corn nixtamalization (making masa for tortillas and tamales), pickling lime for crisp pickles, and processing various traditional foods. This requires ultra-pure hydrated lime meeting food safety standards.