Calcium hydride is a chemical compound used in industrial applications such as hydrogen production, drying agents, and metal creation. It can be dangerous due to its flammability and slow or violent reactions with solvents. Proper handling and protective equipment are necessary for safe use.
Calcium hydride (CaH2) is a powdered chemical compound with a salt-like crystalline structure. In its pure form it is white, but is more commonly found in a less pure form with a gray tinge. The chemical compound is produced by combining calcium and hydrogen at high temperatures. It sees use in several industrial applications including the production of hydrogen, use as a drying chemical, and in the creation of some metals via the Hydromet process.
The chemical compound CaH2 is sometimes used to produce pure hydrogen in laboratory settings. In the 1940s, calcium hydride was marketed under the name Hydrolith and was promoted as a method of creating hydrogen for inflating weather balloons and airships. Due to the immense amounts of calcium hydride needed to inflate airships, however, it was not considered an economical means of inflating airships and other large airships.
Due to its composition, the chemical is also used as a reducing and drying agent for some solvents. The use of mild desiccants as a pre-drying solution is preferable in some industrial applications to avoid dangerous chemical interactions. Calcium hydride can be used as such a pre-dryer to remove many solvents before using more aggressive desiccants. By using the mildest desiccant to remove solvents before applying harsher chemicals, volatile chemical reactions can be prevented.
Using the Hydromet process, this compound is also used to create certain metals. These include titanium, chromium and zirconium. The metals created in this process are used in a number of industrial and manufacturing applications.
There are several issues that should be addressed when using calcium hydride for industrial applications. The hydrogen produced from calcium hydride is extremely flammable and presents explosion and fire hazards. When used as a desiccant, this chemical reacts slowly with many solvents, resulting in longer drying times. In other cases, the chemical compound reacts violently with solvents, especially chlorocarbons, creating possible dangers.
Apart from these considerations, the chemical compound is also subject to other problems when used as a desiccant in industrial settings. Calcium hydride (CaH2) is visually indistinguishable from Ca(OH)2, making misidentification possible. This compound does not remove dissolved oxygen from solvents.
The use of CaH2 requires special protective equipment for safe handling. As an industrial drying agent, this compound is considered a dehydrating and reducing agent of choice in many applications. When the chemical is used properly, it is considered safe for use.
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