When I obtain a sample of quicklime from a truck or railcar for testing for the percent of available lime (CaO%) do I need to seal the container?
Yes, it’s very important to place the quicklime sample in a sealed container. Quicklime is highly reactive with water and, when exposed to air that has moisture in it, will undergo air slaking, which means that the quicklime (calcium oxide)is reacting with moisture in the air to form hydrated lime. Any portion of the quicklime sample that has reacted with moisture in the air (water) will be converted to hydrated lime, which has a weight that is 1.32 times as heavy as it was as quicklime. The overall weight of the sample will be increased, which will tend to reduce the available lime percent determination. The degree to which the sample is affected is a result of the moisture in the air. To avoid the possibility of the sample being affected by air slaking, the sample should be sealed until it is to be tested. When obtaining a sample of hydrated lime the sample should also be sealed, primarily to keep the sample clean and free of debris. The hydrated lime does not react with moisture in
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