1. Medical Anesthesia and Respiratory Therapy

Core Use: In general anesthesia machines and respiratory therapy equipment, it is used to absorb carbon dioxide from the patient’s exhaled air, ensuring the purity of the gas in the breathing circuit.

Working Indicator: Medical-grade soda lime usually contains an indicator (such as ethyl violet). It changes color when its absorption capacity is saturated, indicating that it needs to be replaced.

2. Diving and Confined Environment Life Support

Underwater Operations: Used in the carbon dioxide scrubbing canisters of diving respirators (circulators) to purify the diver’s exhaled air for rebreathing.

Confined Spaces: Used in air purification systems in confined environments such as submarines and pressurized chambers to continuously remove carbon dioxide from the cabin air.

3. Laboratory Analysis and Preparation

Gas Drying and Purification: Used as an alkaline desiccant to dry neutral (such as oxygen, hydrogen) or alkaline (such as ammonia) gases. It can also absorb acidic gases (such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide) generated during experiments for exhaust gas treatment or gas purification.

Specific Synthesis: Heating with sodium acetate is a common method for the laboratory preparation of small amounts of methane gas.

Analytical Testing: Used for analytical experiments such as determining carbon content and basal metabolic rate testing.

4. Industrial and Gas Handling

General Absorbent: Used as an absorbent or neutralizer for acidic gases in industrial processes requiring carbon dioxide removal or pH adjustment.

Special Protection: Formerly used in gas masks to absorb toxic acidic gases.