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CREATING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN INDUSTRIES

The versatility of calcium carbide is fully realized when the rock-like substance reacts with water to produce acetylene and calcium hydroxide.

Acetylene, a highly versatile hydrocarbon, is valued for the energy stored in the triple bond between its carbon atoms. This energy can be used to power a wide range of industrial applications. One of the many Carbide Industries solutions we are most proud of is harnessing its production from calcium carbide—ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply chain, with high-yield reactions that reduce costs in large-scale manufacturing.

Calcium hydroxide is a co-product of the acetylene generation process. As water reacts with calcium carbide to break the carbide bonds and release the acetylene gas, calcium hydroxide is left behind as a solid or slurry, depending on the amount of water used. Repurposing this byproduct reduces waste and enhances the sustainability of processes involving calcium carbide and acetylene.

Acetylene Derivatives

Acetylene is a highly reactive hydrocarbon, making it a versatile starting material for synthesizing a wide range of compounds, such as polymers, solvents, and intermediates for consumer products. It is used to produce vinyl polymers, acetic acid, and other derivatives found in products like hairspray, cosmetics, and adhesives.

When acetylene-derived polymers act as film-forming agents, they create fine, flexible coatings that enhance product performance. Materials such as vinyl-based polymers add strength and flexibility, improving the longevity and effectiveness of everyday goods.

Acetylene-based chemicals are crucial in the production of industrial solvents and enable the smooth application and uniform distribution of sprays, lotions, and cosmetics. These solvents ensure rapid evaporation, leaving minimal residue and enhancing the usability of aerosols.

Furthermore, Carbide Industries solutions for incorporating acetylene intermediates play a critical role in manufacturing materials for textiles, synthetic rubbers, and sealants, which are often foundational components in consumer goods.

To learn more about Carbide Industries’ vital role in consumer products, visit our
consumer products information page.

Acetylene Gas

The largest and most familiar use of acetylene gas is in the form of cylinder gas for metal fabrication and construction. When combined with oxygen in an oxyacetylene torch, acetylene produces an extremely hot flame, reaching temperatures exceeding 6,000 ºF (3,315 ºC). This high-temperature flame is ideal for welding, cutting, brazing and soldering metals.

Lighter than air, acetylene is one of the safest fuel gases for confined spaces, making it an excellent choice for use below ground, in tunnels, or aboard ships. Its clean-burning properties, high energy efficiency, and versatility make acetylene indispensable across industrial and specialized applications.

Beyond welding and cutting, acetylene gas is used in heat-treating processes and flame-spraying for applying coatings to surfaces. It is also widely used in specialized applications, such as carburization (hardening of steel) and laboratory experiments requiring a precise and high-energy fuel source.

Calcium Hydroxide

From mitigating air pollution to enhancing road construction, calcium hydroxide provides innovative Carbide Industries solutions and exemplifies the intersection of chemistry and sustainability.

Due to its high reactivity, calcium hydroxide is a key reagent in flue gas treatment, efficiently capturing and neutralizing pollutants before they are emitted into the atmosphere. This process is commonly referred to as “scrubbing.”

As flue gases pass through a scrubber, calcium hydroxide (usually in slurry or powdered form) reacts with sulfur dioxide, transforming it into calcium sulfate, a stable compound. In addition to sulfur dioxide, calcium hydroxide also neutralizes other harmful acidic gases like hydrogen chloride, ensuring a comprehensive reduction of pollutants.

Using calcium hydroxide to scrub stack gases significantly reduces air pollution, preventing harmful effects such as acid rain, respiratory issues, and environmental degradation. By integrating this critical technology, fossil fuel-based energy generation can significantly mitigate its impact on the environment.

When calcium carbide reacts with soil, it triggers chemical reactions like those in concrete formation, creating a durable, strong, and stable sub-roadbed. This process significantly enhances the soil’s load-bearing properties, making it ideal for roads and highways.