Calcium carbide (CaC₂) is a grayish solid product obtained from electric furnaces through the reduction of lime (CaO) with carbon (C). When in contact with water, it decomposes into slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and acetylene gas, which has multiple applications in the chemical, metallurgical, and steel industries.

Today, it is widely used in:

• Metal Cutting and Welding: Thanks to its high flame temperature, acetylene produced from calcium carbide is ideal for achieving optimal finishes.

• Soil Moisture Detection: Due to its hygroscopic properties.

• Agricultural Use: As a soil amendment, particularly effective in improving acidic soils.

• Acetylene Black Production: For battery manufacturing.

• Steelmaking and Foundries:
  With its strong desulfurizing power, it is used to remove sulfur from pig iron, steel, cast iron, and ferronickel.
  Calcium carbide is also an excellent deoxidizing agent for steelmaking slag, providing excellent results in secondary metallurgy—both at the ladle exit and in ladle furnaces.
  In cupola furnaces, it partially replaces metallurgical coke, promoting the production of cast irons with lower sulfur content and more efficient alloy usage.

Among its many applications, its most widespread use is the production of acetylene gas for oxy-fuel welding.

For this purpose, the product is placed in a gas generator that slowly adds water. The resulting gas is then mixed with oxygen to produce a thin, high-temperature flame.

QUALITY

The quality of calcium carbide is always defined by the amount of acetylene gas it produces when 1 kg of carbide reacts with water, measured in liters.

HAZARD CHARACTERISTICS

Calcium carbide is considered a hazardous substance due to its tendency to react readily with water, producing acetylene gas.

In case of fire, do not use water as an extinguishing method. Use dry chemical powder, dry sand, or dry sodium carbonate instead.

The greatest hazard is moisture contact, so special care must be taken during storage and transportation. The product is packaged in iron drums that are pre-dried and hermetically sealed.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Keep the container tightly closed, out of reach of children, animals, food, and heat sources.

• Avoid contact with moisture.

• Store in a dry, ventilated place.

• DO NOT SMOKE.

• Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

• Use only in well-ventilated areas.

• Wear a respirator, protective goggles, gloves, and appropriate work clothing during handling.

FIRST AID MEASURES

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air, rest in a semi-upright position. Seek medical attention.

• Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected skin with soap and rinse thoroughly with water until no product remains.

• Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open to ensure all surfaces are flushed. Call a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist.

• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.