Calcium carbide

Description

Calcium carbide,is a binary salt. It is a grayish-black hard solid that reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, a solid corrosive that is calcium hydroxide, and release heat.

The Uses of Calcium carbide

Calcium carbide is used as a desulfurizer, dehydrant of steel, fuel in steel making, powerful deoxidizer and as a source of acetylene gas. It is used as a starting material for the preparation of calcium cyanamide, ethylene, chloroprene rubber, acetic acid, dicyandiamide and cyanide acetate. Further, it is involved in the reduction of copper sulfide to metallic copper.

Potential Exposure

Those involved in the manufacture andhandling of carbide and the generation of acetylene.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Medical observation is recommended for 24-48 h afterbreathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may bedelayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor orauthorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroid spray.

Source

Calcium carbide is an intermediate product in the smelting of calcium–silicon alloy.

Storage

Color Code—Red Stripe: Flammability Hazard:Do not store in the same area as other flammable materials.Color Code—Green: General storage may be used. Prior toworking with calcium carbide you should be trained on itsproper handling and storage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from moisture andwithout sprinkler protection and avoid contact with incompatible materials. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment especially when opening and closing containers ofcalcium carbide. Metal containers involving the transfer ofthis chemical should be grounded and bonded. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in the carbide-handlingarea. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames,are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, orstored in a manner that could create a potential fireor explosion hazard.

Shipping

The four-digit UN identification number for calcium carbide is 1402. The NFPA 704 designation is health 3, flammability 3, and reactivity 2. The white section at the bottom of the diamond contains a W with a slash through it, indicating water reactivity. It is shipped in metal cans, drums, and specially designed covered bins on railcars and trucks. When shipped and stored, it should be kept in a cool, dry place.

Incompatibilities

Water contact or moist air forms calciumhydroxide and explosive acetylene gas with risk of fire andexplosion. Keep away from acids, oxidizers, hydrogenchloride, methanol, copper salt solutions, lead fluoride,magnesium, selenium, silver nitrate, iron trichloride, tindichloride, sodium peroxide, stannous chloride, sulfur.