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1 of 1977

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Object Type

Lamp, Carbide

Scope & Content

Carbide lamp, also known as an acetylene gas lamp. They are simple lamps that produce and burn acetylene (C2H2) which is created by the reaction of calcium carbide (CaC2) with water. The conventional format of producing acetylene in a lamp is by putting the calcium carbide in the lower chamber (the generator). The upper reservoir is then filled with water. A threaded valve or other mechanism is used to control the rate at which the water is allowed to drip onto the chamber containing the calcium carbide. By controlling the rate of water flow, the production of acetylene gas is controlled. This, in turn, controls the flow rate of the gas and the size of the flame at the burner, (and thus the amount of light it produces).

This type of lamp generally has a reflector behind the flame to help project the light forward. An Acetylene Gas powered lamp produces a surprisingly bright, broad light. This type of unfocused light works well underground as it improves peripheral vision in the complete dark. The reaction of carbide with water produces a fair amount of heat independent of the flame. In a cold mine a carbide lamp can be used by a miner to provide a heat to help prevent hypothermia.

Collection

Sisu Stories

Search Terms

Carbide Lamp
Acetylene Gas Lamp
Mining
Lighting