Improvements in methods for the production of acetylene from calcium carbide

摘要

PICT:0587567/IV/1 The temperature in the drum of an apparatus for the production of acetylene from calcium carbide is reduced by cooling a portion of the quantity of the acetylene gas leaving the drum (e.g. in the ratio of 3 c. ft. to 17 c. ft.) and returning it to the drum. Advantageously, the apparatus comprises a horizontal drum rotated within a casing and containing the calcium carbide on which water is sprayed. Preferably, the gas is conveyed back to the drum only when the drum is rotating and the same motor may be used to effect the conveyance of the gas and to rotate the drum. In one example, the cooling means adapted is based on the counter-current principle. In the Figure, a perforated drum a rotating in the casing d contains lumps of carbide b which are sprayed with water through nozzle c, the acetylene so generated leaving by pipe e. Part of the acetylene generated leaves by pipe e1, by the action of the blower o, and is cooled by passage through coil h and water trap k1 before being returned to the drum to cool the acetylene being generated therein.