Page 9 of 11

March 2014

Protimeter Speedy

9.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance:

Lump-formed or granular, dark gray material

Smell:

Onion-like, due to presence of phosphine or arsine as impurities.

10. Stability and Reactivity

Calcium carbide reacts violently with water with the liberation of flammable acetylene gas and the formation of corrosive

calcium hydroxide solution. Small amounts of phosphine, arsine, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia are also released.

Even very small amounts of water will react with calcium carbide developing sufficient heat to make the acetylene gas

ignite spontaneously.

Acetylene will react with copper, silver and mercury creating explosive compounds (acetylides which are shock and

temperature sensitive.

11. Toxicological Information

Handling of dust - free, lumped-formed Calcium Carbide is not considered to be a health risk when safety precautions are

taken.

Skin:

Dust may irritate moist skin and can cause skin ulceration and eczema.

Eyes:

Dust may damage the cornea and can in serious cases cause blindness.

Inhalation:

Symptoms of acute poisoning are: nausea, vomiting, disorientation, burning sensation in the

nose or throat and breathing difficulties.

12. Ecological Information

The decomposition products of calcium carbide, acetylene and calcium hydroxide are harmful to fish.

Acetylene:

200 mg/l lethal for trout fry

400 mg/l lethal for gold fish within 24 -48 hrs.

20 mg/l harmful to fish.

70 mg/l lethal after 26 minutes

13. Disposal Considerations

Small amounts of Calcium Carbide are collected and mixed with diatomaceous earth at a safe place in the open air. Add

small portions of water in a suitable, open container. Ignite the acetylene gas with a pilot flame. Let burn out, and stay for

24 hours. Decant the fluid part and transfer the solid precipitate to an approved site for deposition or burial.

Equipment etc. can be cleaned with water. Observe the possibility of acetylene gas formation and use protective

equipment.

Calcium Carbide

Calcium Carbide (cont.)

Boiling point:

NA

Relative density

Melting point:

1700 - 1950°C

Bulk density

Flash point:

Does not flash if dry

Acetylene

pH - value

NA

Explosion limit in air

1.5 – 82%

<<1 mbar (in dry air)

Ignition temperature

305°C

Solubility (water)

Reacts heavily

Specific gravity (air =1)

0.91