How To Make Calcium Carbide

Calcium carbide is a chemical compound with numerous industrial applications. When combined with water, it produces acetylene gas, which is used in welding and cutting torches. According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, calcium carbide also constitutes a key component of most polyvinyl chloride (PVC) produced in China. The compound has been produced since the late 1800s by reacting lime and coal in a furnace. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that particulate matter and other byproducts enter the environment as a result of calcium carbide production, but hydrocarbon emissions from the production of calcium carbide are minimal. Making calcium carbide involves a difficult process.

Step 1

Insert lime and coal into an electric arc furnace.

Step 2

Heat the electric arc furnace to a temperature of at least 3,632 degrees F. Do not allow the temperature to exceed 3,812 degrees F.

Step 3

Place electrode paste near the electric arc furnace to bake.

Step 4

Feed the baked electrode paste to the furnace. It will act as a catalyst for the lime and coal.

Step 5

Move the resulting molten calcium carbide into cooling equipment (chilling mechanism). This will allow it to solidify.

Step 6

Process the solidified calcium carbide in a crushing mechanism.until it reaches the desired size.