Calcium Carbide Lumps 50g

Description

Calcium Carbide is a gray or black solid substance that is commonly used in a variety of industrial applications. Upon contact with water, it reacts vigorously to produce acetylene gas (C₂H₂) and calcium hydroxide, making it an essential compound in welding, metal cutting, and various chemical processes. Calcium Carbide is also known for its role in producing acetylene gas for lighting and as a precursor in the production of chemicals and plastics.

 Applications:

Acetylene Gas Production

• Welding and Metal Cutting: The primary application of calcium carbide is the production of acetylene gas (C₂H₂) when reacted with water. Acetylene is widely used as a fuel in oxyacetylene welding and cutting processes due to its high flame temperature.
• Chemical Industry: Acetylene gas produced from calcium carbide is also used as a building block in the chemical industry to manufacture a wide variety of organic chemicals, including vinyl chloride (for PVC), acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and synthetic rubber.

Steelmaking and Metallurgy

• Desulfurization of Steel: In the steelmaking industry, calcium carbide is used as a desulfurizing agent. It reacts with sulfur impurities in molten steel to form calcium sulfide (CaS), which can then be removed, improving the quality and properties of the steel.
• Slag Conditioning: In certain metallurgical processes, calcium carbide helps in slag conditioning to improve the removal of impurities and control the chemical composition of the molten metal.

Fertilizer Industry

• Calcium Cyanamide Production: Used in the production of calcium cyanamide (CaCN₂), an important nitrogen fertilizer and herbicide. Calcium cyanamide releases nitrogen into the soil, promoting plant growth while also serving as a weed inhibitor.
• Artificial Ripening of Fruits: In some countries, calcium carbide is used as a source of acetylene gas to speed up the ripening of fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. However, this application is often discouraged or regulated due to health concerns over the potential contaminants present in calcium carbide.

Chemical Synthesis

• Vinyl Chloride Production: Precursor to vinyl chloride, which is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a versatile plastic used in construction, packaging, and automotive industries.
• Other Organic Compounds: Plays a role in the synthesis of other organic chemicals such as acrylonitrile, which is used to make synthetic fibers and plastics.

Calcium Carbide Lamps (Carbide Lamps)

• Portable Lighting: Historically used in carbide lamps for portable lighting in mining, caving, and even automobile headlights. In these lamps, calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, which is then ignited to create a bright flame. Although largely replaced by modern lighting technologies, carbide lamps are still used by hobbyists and in some specialized fields.

Waste Treatment

• Wastewater Treatment: Can be used to treat certain types of industrial wastewater by precipitating out impurities and reducing the presence of toxic substances.

Petroleum Industry

• Carburization: Occasionally used in the petroleum industry for carburization, a process where carbon is introduced into molten iron or steel to improve hardness and strength.

Pyrotechnics and Explosives

• Explosives and Fireworks: When combined with other chemicals, is used in some pyrotechnic applications to create loud bangs or flashes in fireworks and theatrical special effects.

Environmental and Chemical Remediation

• Gas Generation for Experiments and Demonstrations: Calcium carbide is used in laboratories and educational demonstrations to generate acetylene gas for experiments or to study chemical reactions involving gases.
• Chemical Neutralization: In certain remediation processes, calcium carbide may be used to neutralize specific chemical wastes.

Storage and Handling:

• Store in dry, airtight containers to prevent contact with moisture, as it reacts with water to release flammable acetylene gas.
• Keep in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, moisture, and incompatible materials like acids or oxidizers.
• Follow proper fire safety precautions, as acetylene gas is highly flammable.

Safety Information:

• Hazard Class: Dangerous when wet (4.3)
• UN Number: 1402
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, goggles, and protective clothing are recommended when handling calcium carbide.