Exemplary Production of Acetylene with Calcium Carbide

Calcium carbide aka calcium acetylide is utilized for the production of acetylene, calcium cyanamide, toy cannons, carbide lamps. Today, acetylene is extensively used as raw material for the manufacturing of numerous organic chemicals. Due to its combustible gas constituent, it is used as a fuel component in oxy-acetylene welding and metal cutting. Acetylene also has its application in the production of several plastics.

Below mentioned are some of the prevalent methods:

• Employing innumerable kinds of hydrocarbons


• Instigating reaction of calcium carbide with water in the acetylene generator


• Nevertheless, it completely depends on the user’s requirement as each method is propitious.

As calcium carbide reaction can only be conducted under strict regulations. The processing unit must be equipped with pressure and temperature sensors for safety reasons.

Below mentioned are some of the obligatory protocols for Handling Calcium Carbide during Acetylene Generation.

• Air and watertight metal packages with a label stating” Calcium Carbide – Dangerous If Not Dry”


• Calcium carbide to be stored in the packed container with no water penetration. Its quantity must not exceed 250 kg.


• The lid of the containers to be only opened at the time of filling carbide to hoppers.


• If the dust concentration is above 15%, it shouldn’t be put down in the generator.

Calcium Carbide Sways Water-Leaping Robots to Collect Data

Robots can reach places where humans can’t easily get access. Robots are capable of circumnavigating in different topographies. Scientists have proposed new concepts for the implementation of robots to collect data. For instance, researchers at Imperial College London, with their inventiveness designed a robot that can thrust itself through the air from an aquatic starting point. Previously water-leaping robots relied on external power sources or heavy compressed gas canisters to achieve propulsion, the new glider uses a lightweight solid fuel-calcium carbide.

The operation involves a water reaction to calcium carbide to produce acetylene gas. When the gas is kindled, the robot launches into the air via a jet of water and combustion products. The robot can also glide through the air, extending its maximum range to 26 meters. It can carry enough fuel for 10 consecutive launches; when it lands, the chamber begins to refill until it reaches its optimal launch angle, at which point it takes off again. The launch of the robot will spur demand among environmentalists and conservationists in the coming years. For instance, Raphael Zufferey revealed about the study that the robot is expected to be utilized to collect data around icebergs, during floods, or in polluted waters.

Calcium Carbide: Procured Treasury For Science and Industry

calcium carbide was first discovered in 1862 by Friedrich Wohler. The discovery transformed the lighting. With the growing years, the production of carbide reached thousands of tons by the middle of the period. A new era emanated with carbide lamps, it was the advent of safer electric light sources. As the researchers in chemistry progressed, the utilization of carbide-based technologies bloomed. The new method paved the path for organic chemistry. Undoubtedly, calcium carbide has now found its place in modern chemistry owing to its propitious aspects.

Now, the increasing production of steel has created lucrative business opportunities for the calcium carbide industry. The desulfurizing and reducing agent of calcium carbide in the steel industry has fuelled the demand. Nevertheless, its extensive use as a modulizing agent in the production of spheroidal graphite in iron, and as a finishing slag component in ferrous and non-ferrous refining has also paved the way for expansion. According to the World Steel Association, the global steel demand was expected to reach 1,681.0 million tons in 2018 to 1,681 million tons in 2019. The robustness of steel demand, improving investments, and infrastructure programs will further contribute positively to the calcium carbide market.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global calcium carbide market size was at USD 13.39 Billion in 2018 is projected to reach USD 20.55 Billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period.