What is Calcium carbide? | FAQ

What is Calcium carbide?

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Calcium carbide, also referred to as Calcium Acetylide, is an industrial chemical utilized primarily in the synthesis of acetylene and calcium cyanamide.

What is Calcium carbide used for?

Calcium carbide serves multiple purposes in various applications:

• It is predominantly used to produce acetylene gas, which acts as a reducing agent in carbide lamps and aids in the ripening of fruits.
• The compound is also significant in the manufacturing of fertilizers.
• Within the steelmaking industry, it helps enhance the scrap ratio when mixed with liquid iron.
• It functions effectively as a potent deoxidizer in ladle treatment facilities.
• Calcium carbide assists in determining the moisture content of soil.
• It is employed to eliminate sulfur from iron (pig iron, cast iron, and steel).
• In combination with calcium phosphide, it is utilized in floating and self-igniting naval signal flares.
• Additionally, it serves as a repellant against moles.

What is the Chemical Formula of Calcium carbide?

The molecular formula of calcium carbide is CaC2.

Is Calcium carbide harmful to life?

Calcium carbide can irritate and burn the skin upon contact. Eye exposure poses a more severe hazard, leading to serious burns and potential permanent damage. Inhalation of even small quantities may irritate the lungs, while prolonged exposure might result in fluid accumulation, known as pulmonary edema—a medical emergency. Furthermore, it is classified as carcinogenic to humans, necessitating avoidance when possible.

Where is Calcium carbide found? What does Calcium carbide look like?

Industrially, calcium carbide can be synthesized by mixing lime and coke in an electric arc furnace at approximately 2000 °C. It is also a byproduct of smelting calcium-silicon alloys.

It possesses a garlic-like odor and appears as grayish-black hard lumps or crystalline powder; however, in its pure form, it is often colorless.

What are the Hazardous effects of Calcium carbide?

While calcium carbide itself does not ignite, it presents risks of fire and explosion. When exposed to moisture, it generates flammable acetylene gas alongside other toxic fumes. Even in humid conditions, containers holding calcium carbide may burst, releasing harmful gases.

What are precautionary measures necessary to be taken to handle Calcium carbide?

To avoid negative incidents, it is essential for calcium carbide to be stored and handled exclusively by trained professionals. Compliance with hygiene practices and the use of protective gear are mandatory. Personal protective equipment must consist of materials that resist degradation or penetration by this chemical.

What will happen if Calcium carbide is heated?

Heating calcium carbide typically results in an exothermic reaction, releasing substantial heat when reacting with water. Under high temperatures, it reacts with nitrogen to yield cyanamide, utilized as a fertilizer.

Is Calcium carbide soluble compound?

Calcium carbide will decompose when in contact with water, producing acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide.

Where can I buy Calcium carbide?

For purchasing calcium carbide, you can explore options here at Camachem, where it is available for sale. They can arrange shipping in iron drums of various capacities to meet your needs. Camachem has established a robust export network for calcium carbide across the globe.

How much does Calcium carbide cost?

The pricing is typically influenced by raw material costs, logistics, and other industrial expenses, with a rough market rate around $150.00 per tonne.

What is the PH of Calcium carbide?

Calcium carbide is highly basic, exhibiting a pH of approximately 12.4, which allows it to be utilized for neutralizing acids.

Is Calcium carbide an Electrolyte compound?

Although calcium carbide is not classified as an electrolytic compound, it can serve as an anode in certain applications.

Can Calcium carbide go down the drain?

It is strongly discouraged to allow calcium carbide to enter the ecosystem; thus, reuse is recommended whenever possible. In the event of a spill or disposal, it must be sealed and treated following applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

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What is the difference between Calcium carbide and Calcium carbonate?

These two compounds differ significantly in appearance, availability, and production methods. Calcium carbide is a dark crystal powder that reacts aggressively with water, while calcium carbonate is a white solid that remains insoluble in water. Their applications also display stark contrasts.