Calcium carbide for acetylene production

Calcium Carbide is best known as a source of acetylene gas for metal fabrication and construction and is a precursor to many specialty chemicals; it is the premier desulfurizing reagent for iron and steel, and is crucial in cleaning pollutants from our environment.

Calcium Carbide Description
It is grey, brown or black solid, purple when its purity is higher, the specific gravity is 2.22(18°C), melting point is 2300°C, the product can absorb water in the air and conduct electricity. They higher its purity is, the easier it conducts, it dissolves in water, turns into acetylene and calcium hydroxide and releases heat.

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:

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.

Condenser: It helps cool down the acetylene gas produced in the generator.
Ammonia Scrubber: This vessel removes ammonia from the acetylene stream before purification.
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.
Purifier: It mainly comprises of a purifying material, which helps separate phosphine and hydrogen sulphide created during the acetylene generation.
Purifier Scrubber: This component keeps any purifying material from entering the compressor.
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.

Leading suppliers & exporters of technical gases rely on the holistic offer of DSW chemminerals. Besides high and stable product quality, DSW chemminerals organizes logistics with their own carbide containers and sea shipping and offers qualified support for technical questions.