Twin Process to produce Acetylene in laboratory

07

Dec

Abhishek Varma

Acetylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a vinegar odor. It occurs naturally in certain rocks and in some organisms but cannot be produced artificially. In the laboratory, acetylene is produced by two processes: the decomposition of calcium carbide and the hydro chlorination of methane.

It is prepared by passing hydrogen gas over calcium carbide. At around 85 C (185 F), acetylene decomposes in water to carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide. The sources of acetylene are the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, including wood and oil, and the decomposition of calcium carbide. Acetylene produced by the first method contains impurities of hydrogen and methane, while that obtained by the second process is comparatively free from impurities. Acetylene is purified by passing through chambers containing substances which absorb its impurities and so render it colorless.

Acetylene is a simple compound with the formula C 2 H 2. At room temperature, it is a colorless gas, with a faint odor similar to that of gasoline. It is extremely flammable and has been used as a fuel and an illuminant, as acetylene lamps.

It is primarily used for welding, cutting, and heating. However for industrial purposes use of acetylene is in the production of large scale vinyl chloride, which is used to make polyvinyl chloride (pvc). Acetylene also is used as a fuel gas, as a blowing agent for styrene-butadiene rubber (cr=po), and as a whipping agent in foods.

Further the garlic like smelling gas is used as a fuel for automobile and truck engines. It is also used to make chemicals such as acetic acid, methyl vinyl ketone, acetyl-acetone, ethyl acetate and acetaldehyde.

Acetylene is a chemical compound with the formula C2H2. The name derives from its empirical formula CH which indicates that it is composed of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms. If a benzene molecule is compressed into the small space of a syn gas cylinder, then cooled again to room temperature, then the newly condensed liquid is analytically indistinguishable from acetylene, except for possibly containing a few percent of added water, depending on how good the vacuum was kept.

Bhartiya Cryogas is top manufacturer of hi tech acetylene plants India. It’s fully automatic Acetylene plants are available in capacities from 25m3 (cubic meter) /hr to 200m3/Hr. In a Stationary Carbide to Water type Automatic Acetylene Generator acetylene is produced by reaction of calcium carbide with water. Adequate quantity of water is held in the generator shell to which calcium carbide is fed from top. The following reaction takes place:- CaC2+2H2O = C2H2 + Ca(OH)2 + 27,000 Calories (heat generated).

The design of the entire plant has been made with safety in mind. Flash Back Arrestors, High Pressure Reverse Flow check valves, safety valves and complete gauging help protect both equipment and personnel. Various auto controls, safety valves, auto vent valves, non-return valves and Flash Back Arrestors are also provided to make this plant absolutely safe to operate in all conditions.

The company’s Acetylene Generator can be set to operate at any given temperature, regardless of the size of carbide used or temperature of the cooling water.

Acetylene Generator mainly consists of a twin Hooper that is: Agitator and its drive unit, Carbide Hooper screw feeder and its drive, Flash back arrestor, Safety relief valves drain system, Automatic controls system.