Abstract: A method for generating acetylene from calcium carbide and recovering acetylene that would normally be lost during the process. The method includes putting calcium carbide into the purge bin of an acetylene generator; purging the purge bin with purge gas; transferring the calcium carbide to a hot aqueous bath in an acetylene generation chamber to generate acetylene; allowing a portion of the acetylene to move back into the purge bin where it mixes with the purge gas; passing the acetylene and purge gases through cold absorption water and allowing the absorption water to absorb some of the acetylene gas; transferring the absorption water back to the aqueous bath and allowing at least some of the acetylene to be released from the water as the temperature increases; recovering released acetylene; and using the aqueous bath to hydrolyze a subsequent batch of calcium carbide.

Abstract: A process for tapping a steel furnace with a reduced amount of entrained slag is disclosed. During tapping, particles of a slag foaming agent are added. The foaming agent may include calcium carbide and/or other chemicals. The agent foams the slag to decrease its density during tapping and/or to disrupt initial vortex formation at the tap.