Calcium Carbide (CaC₂) – Desulfurizer
Calcium Carbide (CaC2) is a chemical compound produced in an electric arc furnace from a mixture of lime (CaO) and carbon (coke). It is highly reactive and primarily used in the steel industry as a powerful desulfurizing agent for molten iron and steel.5 Its effectiveness stems from the high reactivity of the calcium component toward sulfur.
Main Composition and Reaction
The material’s desulfurizing action is based on a strong chemical reaction between calcium and sulfur, forming a stable, solid, non-metallic compound.
| COMPONENT | FORMULA | FUNCTION |
| Active Desulfurizer | Ca (from CaC2) | Reacts with sulfur (S) in the metal. |
| Reaction Byproduct | CaS (Calcium Sulfide) | Stable solid compound that forms part of the slag. |
| CLASSIFICATION | MELTING POINT | PRIMARY APPLICATION FOCUS |
| Metallurgical Grade | 2300°C (CaC2) | Desulfurization of hot metal (pig iron) and ladle refining of steel. |
Key Desulfurizing Reaction
When CaC2 is injected into molten iron (hot metal), the reaction removes the dissolved sulfur (S) from the metal and transfers it to the slag:
- The desired byproduct, CaS, is insoluble in iron/steel and becomes part of the final slag.
- The carbon (C) produced is beneficial as it helps maintain the carbon content of the hot metal or acts as a heating agent (exothermic reaction).
Advantages and Key Characteristics
CaC2 is a preferred desulfurizer due to its high efficacy, low cost relative to pure calcium, and its contribution to the slag’s basicity.
- High Efficiency: CaC2 is extremely effective at reaching ultra-low sulfur levels (down to 0.001%), which is critical for producing high-quality steels (e.g., pipeline, automotive, and high-strength low-alloy steels).
- Cost-Effective: It is often more economical than using pure calcium metal or other high-grade desulfurizing agents.
- Controllability: CaC2 is typically used in a fine powdered form, often blended with other fluxes (CaO andCaF2) and injected using specialized equipment (lance injection), allowing for precise control of the dosage and reaction kinetics.
- Exothermic Reaction: The desulfurization process can generate heat, which helps maintain the temperature of the molten metal, minimizing temperature drop during ladle treatment.
Typical Industries and Applications
- Steel Industry:
- Hot Metal Desulfurization: Used to treat molten iron (hot metal) before it enters the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) to minimize the sulfur load on the steelmaking process.
- Ladle Metallurgy: Used during secondary steel refining (in the steel ladle) to achieve final sulfur specifications.
- Other Metal Refining: Used in various non-ferrous refining operations to remove sulfur impurities.
Technical Guidance and Handling
CaC2 is highly reactive and requires careful handling, primarily due to its reaction with moisture:
- Moisture Sensitivity: CaC2 reacts vigorously with water (H2O) to produce highly flammable acetylene gas (C2H2) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
CaC2 + 2H2O → C2H2 + Ca(OH)2
- Storage: CaC2 must be stored in airtight, sealed containers in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent accidental reaction and acetylene gas buildup, which poses an explosion risk.
- Slag Management: Effective desulfurization requires a fluid, basic slag layer (often achieved by adding lime/flux) to facilitate the transfer of sulfur from the metal into the slag phase.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
