What is Calcium Bromide?

Calcium Bromide

Calcium Bromide, calcium Dibromide or calcium bromate is a versatile chemical compound. It is widely used in diverse applications like drilling fluids, pharmaceuticals, water treatment and others. In this blog, we explore what calcium bromide is, its properties, and its applications, which shed light on its importance in different industries.

Calcium Bromide is a chemical compound with the formula CaBr2. It is also known as Calcium Bromatum or Calcium Dibomide. It is chemically and thermally stable. Calcium Bromide is produced by reacting calcium metal with elemental bromine. It has a pungent taste, is soluble in water and alcohol, and is hygroscopic in nature.

What is CaBr2 Formula Structure?

It is a hydrated salt with two atoms of water and be found with hexahydrate salt. The chemical formula of calcium Bromide is CaBr2. It comprises one cation, Ca2+, two anions and Br-. The structure is an octahedron with Ca centres bound to a total of six anion Br- through ionic bonds.

Calcium Bromide Properties

  • It is a white hygroscopic powder that is available in anhydrous form.
  • Its density is 3.35 grams per litre.
  • Its melting point is 730oC, and its boiling point is 1930C.
  • It is soluble in water, ethanol, methane, acetone and insoluble in organic solvents.
  • It exhibits excellent anti-corrosive properties and heat stability.

Applications of Calcium Bromide

Calcium Bromide is widely used in different industries for its unique properties and versatility. Here are some of the uses of calcium bromide in various sectors:

  • Oil & Gas Industry: It is used in fluid drilling operations, reducing oil viscosity and interfacial tension for ease of transportation. It is also used for the mobility of heavy oils and waterflooding.
  • Water Treatment Systems: Calcium bromide is used as a flocculant in water treatment processes, removing impurities and purifying water by allowing the suspended solids and contaminants to aggregate and settle.
  • Paper & Pulp Industry: It serves as a pulp refining agent and generates chlorine and hypochlorite ions to bleach the pulp and enhance its properties.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry: It is a catalyst in formulating various sedatives and anticonvulsant medicines.
  • Mining Industry: Calcium bromide is used to extract gold and other precious metals. Additionally, it is incorporated into the ore to form a complex with metal ions, which allows an easier way to extract metal from ores.
  • Agriculture Industry: It is used as a crop protectant against pests and diseases. This results in lesser usage of pesticides and insecticides, as well as water and fertilizer, for optimal crop growth.

Conclusion

The calcium bromide uses are seen in different industries. The uses are endless, from oil and gas extraction, drilling agents, water treatment, and controlling wellbore density to pharmaceutical medicine production. Stellar Exports is a leading calcium bromide manufacturer in India. We offer calcium bromide in liquid and powdered forms. Our range of calcium bromide formulations can be adjusted for specific applications. To inquire about our products, contact us today.