Quicklime and hydrated lime for chemical industries — IS 1540: Part 2 (1990) Testing

IS 1540 Part 2:1990 covers the requirements, sampling procedures and test methods for hydrated lime intended for chemical industries. It is the third revision of the Indian Standard and specifically excludes hydrated lime meant for agricultural applications.

The standard specifies three grades of hydrated lime. The applicable grade is determined according to the requirements prescribed in the standard's specification table and the intended industrial use of the material.

Testing includes parameters such as moisture, available lime expressed as Ca(OH)₂, acid-insoluble matter as SiO₂, iron as Fe₂O₃, alumina as Al₂O₃, magnesia as MgO and manganese as Mn₂O₃.

Available lime represents the chemically available calcium hydroxide content in hydrated lime. IS 1540 Part 2 specifies its determination as Ca(OH)₂, making it an important quality parameter for evaluating the material against the applicable requirements.

Yes. Current BIS laboratory scope records list IS 1540 Part 2:1990 for hydrated lime testing. BIS also issued an All India First Licence for the standard in November 2025, demonstrating its continuing use.

BIS laboratory records show testing facilities covering parameters including moisture, available lime, acid-insoluble matter, iron, alumina, magnesia and manganese under IS 1540 Part 2:1990, subject to the individual laboratory's scope.

Yes. The standard prescribes requirements along with methods for sampling and testing hydrated lime for chemical industries. IS 1514:1990 is also referenced as an associated standard for sampling and testing quicklime and hydrated lime.

Yes, hydrated lime used for applications such as water treatment can be specified to meet IS 1540 Part 2 requirements when the applicable procurement or product specification calls for it. For example, a Kerala Water Authority specification references IS 1540 Part 2:1990 and requires a minimum Ca(OH)₂ content for its specified hydrated lime.