Acetylene gas is known as one of the most efficient of fuel gases. It is used in steel industry for oxy-acetylene gas cutting, welding and flame cutting. The fuel gas is generated in an acetylene gas plant for meeting the requirements of industries. It is very efficient in heating with little thermal waste. The efficiency of the gas comes from the fact that it requires least amount of oxygen for combustion. Acetylene is colorless and flammable which is lighter than air and is not known to accumulate at low levels, where it could potentially cause explosions. The gas is mixed with acetone or DMF (dimethylformamide) for prevention of decomposition.
Process of acetylene production
Acetylene gas is generated by reacting calcium carbide with water. The following reaction takes place during hydrolysis:
CaC2 + 2H2O = Ca (OH) 2 + C2H2 Delta H = – 32.5 kcal
On account of reaction between calcium carbide and water, there is generation of lot of heat that must be moderated to avoid explosions. Calcium carbide is first powdered in a pulverizer before it reacts with water. After being powdered calcium carbide is added through a gas tight hopper valve arrangement to the acetylene gas generator in there is sufficient water to discharge lime slurry comprising of 85 % to 90 % water. Temperature in the generator is kept below 90 deg C and the pressure is maintained at 2 atm.
Uses of acetylene gas
Acetylene is a colorless, harmless and odorless gas. However, the industrially produced acetylene gas contains impurities that give off garlic-like odor. It has ignition temperature of 325 degree Celsius with a flammability range of 2.5%–81% of volume. Acetylene has specific gravity of 0.9 making it lighter than air (specific gravity of air is 1). Acetylene is dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) or acetone and supplied through maroon-colored cylinders. It is considered as one of the hottest fuel gases, which generate a flame temperature of about 3150°C when combined with oxygen. Some of the benefits include:
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