What is calcium nitrate ?

Calcium nitrate with the chemical formula Ca(NO₃)₂ is an inorganic compound and one of the rare water-soluble calcium salt. Because of this feature, this chemical is the most widely used calcium compounds in the industries, and it is used as fertilizer in agriculture.

Calcium nitrate is sold in the form of white crystals and tetrahydrate form. Ca(NO₃)₂ tetrahydrate  melts at 42.7 °C. Therefore, it is difficult to dry it by heating. Also, the presence of nitrate ions in this compound causes corrosion in steel and iron and makes it very difficult to use dryers due to corrosion.

The melting point of calcium nitrate hydrate (or monohydrate) is 561 °C and at higher temperatures, it decomposes and produces dinitrogen  pentoxide, and calcium oxide.

The element of calcium naturally occurs in the form of various minerals of calcium carbonate such as calcite, travertine and marble, and is a source of calcium for the production of Ca(NO₃)₂. Mineral gypsum, which is calcium sulfate ore, is converted to plaster after being baked in a kiln.

Calcium nitrate production method

Calcium nitrate is produced by the reaction of nitric acid with calcium carbonate. The reaction of these materials is associated with the production of carbon dioxide and H₂O:

CaCO₃+2HNO₃ → Ca(NO₃)₂+CO₂+H₂O

In this reaction, the solution contains Ca(NO₃)₂, which is filtered after and separated of insoluble substances by the filter press. After reaching the desired concentration, the solution is transferred to crystallization ponds or crystallizer. The resulting crystals are then transferred to a centrifuge and ready to be packaged and sold after dehydration.

In order to produce higher quality Ca(NO₃)₂, sedimentary calcium carbonate or hydrated lime with the chemical formula Ca(OH)₂ can be used as a raw material.

The reaction of nitric acid with calcium oxide is highly exothermic. Therefore, it is not a recommended method for Ca(NO₃)₂ production.

Indications and applications of calcium nitrate

• Used in Calcium nitrate fertilizer to provide calcium and nitrogen for plants and help them grow faster
• Plating
• Initial water treatment to remove sulfates
• Latex production and processing
• Production of cooling packs
• Solar power plant
• Cooling systems and condensers

Hamun Industrial Group, manufacturer of tetrahydrate calcium nitrate with good industrial and agricultural quality and with the least amount of impurities, is ready to produce, supply and sell this chemical to farmers and artisans in the country.

• Calcium grade : 16%
• Seeding: Sugar Crystal
• Packaging: 25Kg