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Calcium Carbide Uses

Calcium carbide is a chemical compound whose chemical formula is CaC2. It is composed of calcium and carbide. In its pure form, calcium carbide is colorless. The quality of calcium carbide is decided by its clarity. But it often turns up black and gray because of the industrial manufacturing process. Calcium carbide is used in various activities because of its diversified characteristic features. It finds most of its uses in manufacturing various chemical substances.

  1. Acetylene Production

    • The most common use of calcium carbide is in the production of the flammable gas acetylene. Acetylene gas is produced when calcium carbide reacts with water. This process was discovered by Friedrich Wöhler in 1862. Up to the present, calcium carbide has been the most supportive chemical for the production of acetylene which makes it an important industrial chemical. The acetylene is also used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (a polymer of vinyl chloride).

    Steelmaking

    • Another very important use of calcium carbide is in the manufacturing of steel. Calcium carbide helps in desulfurization of any kind of iron and acts as an important fuel in the process of steelmaking. This procedure can extend to any amount of scrap formulized into liquid iron. This of course very much depends on the estimated budget. Calcium carbide also acts as a powerful deoxidizer during the process of ladle treatment.

    Calcium Cyanamid

    • Calcium carbide is used in the production of calcium cyanamid by means of reacting it with nitrogen in a very high temperature. Calcium cyanamid is further used for production of high quality fertilizers.

    Creation of Carbide Lamps

    • Calcium carbide is used in carbide lamps. For carbide lamps acetylene is added along with water for ignition. Carbide lamps are extensively used in copper, slate and tin mines. They are now being replaced by electric lamps but are still popular for adventures and scientific expeditions in caves. They are widely used in vintage cars for their sophisticated look.

    Use in Festivals

    • In countries like Belgium and Netherlands, calcium carbide is used during festivities to create a chain of explosions. It is combined with water and poured into milk urns. This causes mini explosions inside them. Consecutive explosions add to the festive excitement. People of Belgium and Netherlands believe that these explosions can chase off evil spirits and can add happiness in their lives.

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