How to Store Calcium Carbide

Calcium carbide (CaC2) is a crystalline compound that releases acetylene gas in the presence of water. Acetylene gas is essential for a variety of industrial productions, including metal construction and chemicals used in cosmetics, medication tablets and some toothpastes. Calcium carbide also removes iron, manganese and sulfur impurities during steel production. Since acetylene gas is extremely flammable, calcium carbide must be stored away from moisture, heat and ignition sources. Additionally, it is incompatible with acid and acidic fumes, unalloyed copper, silver, mercury and oxidizers. All workers must learn proper use and safety of calcium carbide due to its hazardous properties.

Things You'll Need

• Non-reactive metal cans or drums
• Class D fire extinguisher

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Instructions

• 1

  Check with local authorities about any regulations regarding calcium carbide. Laws on transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals may vary depending on where you live.

• 2

  Store calcium carbide in non-reactive metal cans and drums appropriate for hazardous material. Calcium carbide must be stored dry in sealed containers. Under these conditions, calcium carbide can be stored indefinitely.

• 3

  Place the calcium carbide cans in an area marked for flammable storage -- or "Red Yellow Storage." Keep calcium carbide away from strong oxidizers. Oxidizers are chemicals that react with other materials.

• 4

  Monitor the storage area. Calcium carbide must be kept in a dry, well-ventilated and heat-regulated storage space.

• 5

  Keep the storage area locked to prevent any cross-contamination with other chemicals or tampering or removal of this volatile chemical.