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 ensures 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 sustainably of processes involving calcium carbide and acetylene.