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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

carbide generator O/T

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Nebraska Cowman

03-19-2005 17:34:12




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Cleaning out an old carbide generator, What to do with all the old gunk? is it toxic or can I just flush it out with a garden hose?




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Bus Driver

03-20-2005 08:37:13




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 Re: carbide generator O/T in reply to Nebraska Cowman, 03-19-2005 17:34:12  
Calcium carbide reacts (hydrolyzes) with water to form acetylene gas (C2H2) and calcium hydroxide. If the vessel has been open to air, atmospheric moisture has slowly reacted with the CaC2. Calcium hydroxide is similar to sodium hydroxide- lye. So handle it accordingly. Suitably diluted, it will not hurt most plants.



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T_Bone

03-19-2005 23:06:43




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 Re: carbide generator O/T in reply to Nebraska Cowman, 03-19-2005 17:34:12  
Hi NC,

Carbide and water makes acetylene gas, the same acetylene gas used with a cutting torch.

Be careful here!

You might want to research on what the EPA says of how to dispose of carbide properly.

T_Bone



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NC Wayne

03-19-2005 21:24:25




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 Re: carbide generator O/T in reply to Nebraska Cowman, 03-19-2005 17:34:12  
Never messed with one personally so this is more a question than an answer but....Don't carbide generators work on the principle of when the carbide contacts water it gives off a flammible gas? If that be the case wouldn't washing it out with water from a garden hose be the worst possible way to clean one out on the of chance that thee might be enough residue present to gas things up and create an explosive potential? Like I said I've never personally dealt with one but knowing the principle of operation this was the first thought I had when I read the post. Is this not necessarily the safest, but the only way to clean one out, or is there another way to do it with something besides water? I'm curious here guys.....

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Jerry W

03-19-2005 18:18:25




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 Re: carbide generator O/T in reply to Nebraska Cowman, 03-19-2005 17:34:12  
What could be in there besides carbide, water or possibly rust or maybe some left over impurities from the carbide. I used one all the time when I was a kid for cutting and welding.

Jerry



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John *.?-!.* cub owner

03-19-2005 18:28:41




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 Re: carbide generator O/T in reply to Jerry W, 03-19-2005 18:18:25  
don't know what's in it, but I know it's poisonous to cattle. Many years ago we used to have a problem with people gigging a long the creek and dumping their carbide from lamps along the creek bank. it would kill cattle when they ate it. Don't try to use the generator, they are dangerous. Knew a very careful machinist that got the back of his shop blown out by one.



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