Calcium carbide for acetylene production

Acetylene (C₂H₂) is the world's most efficient and hottest burning standard welding gas. For producing acetylene, the reaction of calcium carbide (CaC₂) with water (H₂O) is used, whereas acetylene and lime milk (Ca(OH)₂) is generated.

CaC₂ + 2 H₂O --> C₂H₂ + Ca(OH)₂

For this simple and proven process, AlzChem's calcium carbide is used for more than a century. Calcium carbide is of strategic value for AlzChem, as it is the basis of the NCN-chain. Originating from calcium carbide, AlzChem produces a variety of products from fertilizer to specialty chemical at five production sites. 

In order to ensure the availability of calcium carbide at any time, AlzChem produces it with three electric arc furnaces at two sites. With this redundant production of calcium carbide, we can guarantee our customers the highest level of supply security and reliability. 

Leading producers of technical gases rely on the holistic offer of AlzChem. Besides high and stable product quality, AlzChem organizes logistics with their own carbide containers and rail wagons and offers qualified support for technical questions.