Significant improvements have been seen when wires made with solid metallic calcium rod (as opposed to powdered calcium blends) are used.

These solid core pure calcium products eliminate the inconsistencies described above in powdered calcium blends resulting in more consistent treatment parameters with lower calcium additions and higher calcium recovery.

In addition to higher Ca to higher calcium recovery and lower consumption, improved consistency and higher degree of process control are achieved with this solid core technology - i.e. lower coefficient of variation.

These advantages are realized, at least partially, due to the much lower surface to volume ratio of the solid calcium rod compared with the powdered calcium powder.

This improvement results in much lower rates of oxidation and hydration. Shelf life of the calcium is extended beyond that of powder fill wires and much lower calcium addition rates are possible.