Among it's many metallurgical uses, calcium carbide has found increased usage by steelmakers for the removal of unwanted iron oxides from furnace slag carried into the steel making ladle during tapping. Left untreated, these oxides can interfere with the downstream steel refining operation. Although aluminum, usually in the form of flux mixtures containing granular aluminum or as rod for ladle injection, can also be used for this purpose, calcium carbide has proven to be more economical, more efficient, an dmore reproducible in it's effects.

For this application, Carbide Industries can provide the grade size of calcium carbide that best meets the requirements of a particular application. Standard sizes range from .5"x.25" (13mmx6.5mm) to 10x40 US-mesh (2mmx.4mm). For increased ease of application, these grades are available in smaller 2 1/2 and 5 gallon containers, in addition to the conventional 55 gallon drums and 2.5 ton bulk flowbin containers.

In every case, carbide purity and sizing are of special importance, especially with respect to oversize and fines. Typical purities range from 75% to 82% CaC2.