Calcium Carbide - Definition and How to Make it?, Uses of ...

Calcium Carbide

Calcium carbide is a chemical compound salt. Also, we can refer it to as calcium acetylide. Besides, it is a compound that we use in industries for production. The calcium is harmful for human consumption.

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Structure of Calcium Carbide

The other name of Calcium Carbide is Calcium Acetylide. Furthermore, its chemical formula is CaC2 (One atom of calcium and two-atom of carbon).

Mainly, we use it in industries in the production of acetylene and calcium cyanamide. Besides, in the presence of a trace of moisture, technical grade calcium carbide emits an unpleasant odour like garlic.

Moreover, in the presence of water, it produces acetylene gas. Furthermore, we use this gas in cutting torches and for welding.

In addition, according to HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) calcium carbide constitute a key component of most PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) produced in China.

For a long time, we use lime and coal to produce calcium carbide in a furnace. Besides, the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) found the particulate matter and other byproducts enter the environment as a result of the production of it.

But, the hydrocarbon emission is minimal in its production. Also, its pure form is colourless, crystalline solid like rock salt. Furthermore, it produces high flames means flames that are hotter than normal flames.

How to Make Calcium Carbide?

Making calcium carbide is a difficult process. Also, it involves a complex method. Furthermore, you need a furnace, lime, and coal for making it.

Moreover, this process requires a high temperature that cannot be achieved with traditional furnaces and we need an electrical arc furnace for it.

Furthermore, the high temperature that we need can&#;t be achieved with traditional combustion method. Moreover, the finished product is 80 per cent calcium carbide.

• First Step- Insert lime and coal into an arc furnace.
• Second Step- After that heat the furnace to at least a temperature of 3,632 degrees Fahrenheit (2,000-degrees Centigrade). Also, make sure that the temperature does not exceed 3,812 degrees Fahrenheit (2,100-degrees Centigrade).
• Third Step- Next place the electrode paste near the electric arc of the furnace to bake.
• Fourth Step- After that, feed the baked electrode to the furnace as it will act as a catalyst for the lime and coal.
• Fifth Step- After the baking is complete move the molten calcium carbide into a piece of cooling equipment (A chilling mechanism). Furthermore, it will allow it to solidify.
• Sixth Step- Put the solidified calcium carbide into a crushing mechanism or use some tool to break it into the desired size.

Uses of Calcium Carbide

There are various uses of it. Also, the main use of it is in the manufacturing of acetylene gas, and fro generation of acetylene in carbide lamps.

Furthermore, we use it in the manufacturing of chemicals for fertilizers and in steel making and hardening of steel. Moreover, in the past, they use a solution of acetylene in the street light.

Also, when it reacts with nitrogen it produces calcium cyanamide commonly known as nitro lime which we use as fertilizers.

Furthermore, it is a ripening agent of food, In addition, industries use it in toy cannons as well as bamboo cannons.

It is also used with calcium phosphide in floating, self-igniting solar flares.

Solved Question for You

Question. Which of the following we do not use in the production of calcium carbide?

A. Calcium
B. Limestone
C. Coal
D. Carbon

Answer. The correct answer is option A. As calcium is not directly used calcium in the production of calcium carbide. Besides, calcium is required in the process which is fulfilled by limestone.

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Acetylene is a combustible gas with a distinctive odor. It is used as a raw material for the production of several organic chemicals, as well as a fuel component in metal cutting, and oxy-acetylene welding. Today, acetylene is also used in the production of several plastics. Typically acetylene is produced by either one of the following methods:

1. 1. Initiating reaction of calcium carbide with water in the acetylene generator

1. Utilizing various types of hydrocarbons

With each method having its own advantages, the choice will entirely depend on the user. In this post, we will discuss the production of acetylene using calcium carbide in the acetylene generator.

Introduction to Acetylene Generation Process Using Calcium Carbide

In various industrial environments, acetylene generation is initiated in acetylene producing generators. These equipment are sold in various capacities from 8 m3 to over 200 m3 per hour. Calcium carbide is introduced from the top of the generator shell into the water. The chemical formula of this reaction can be expressed as:

CAC2 + 2 H2O &#; C2H2 + CA(OH)2

This reaction should only be conducted under controlled conditions. The process unit should be equipped with pressure and temperature sensors, as well as non-return valves for safety purposes.

Acetylene Generator and Acetylene Production Using Calcium Carbide

Components of acetylene generation plant and their individual contribution is described here:

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1. 1. Generator: Here, calcium carbide is mixed with a large quantity of water to produce acetylene gas. The generator is fitted with the following accessories:

a. Automatic control sensors

b. Feeder

c. Hopper(s)

d. Agitator

e. Arrestor

1. Condenser: It helps cool down the acetylene gas produced in the generator.

2. Ammonia Scrubber: This vessel removes ammonia from the acetylene stream before purification.

3. Medium Pressure Drier: As the name suggests, the medium pressure drier helps dry the acetylene gas. It is also used to control the moisture content of the acetylene stream into the purifier. Anhydrous calcium chloride is used for the purpose.

4. Purifier: It mainly comprises of a purifying material, which helps separate phosphine and hydrogen sulphide created during the acetylene generation.

5. Purifier Scrubber: This component keeps any purifying material from entering the compressor.

6. Compressor: Acetylene is a flammable gas. It uses a compressor for acetylene that is surrounded by water, which cools the heat of compression after each stage.

Safety Guidelines for Handling Calcium Carbide during Acetylene Generation

The following are some guidelines that should be adopted while handling calcium carbide during acetylene generation.

1. The maximum permissible size and weight of the carbide for a single charge should be matched with the equipment manufacturer&#;s specification.

2. Calcium carbide should be kept in air and water tight metal packages, and labelled &#;Calcium Carbide &#; Dangerous If Not Dry&#;.

3. Calcium carbide in drums should not exceed 250 kg. It should be stored where water cannot enter. Containers should be regularly checked to see that water has not entered.

4. Calcium carbide drums shall only be opened at the time of filling carbide to hoppers.

5. Carbide with more than 15% dust concentration shouldn&#;t be charged in the generator.

6. The carbide-water residue should not be discharged into the environment directly.

Best Sizes for Gas Yield of Calcium Carbide

The size of the calcium carbide is an important consideration during the production of gas. The following information will give you an idea of the best grades.

Grade Size

The above mentioned information regarding best sizes for gas yield is compiled from several industrial studies. You can always approach an industry expert like Rexarc to understand the best sizes for your application requirement. The company produces industry-grade acetylene plants in various specifications and dimensions. Yield could be different between various manufacturers.

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