INTRODUCTION

Population growth results in increase in demand. However, if the supply does not

increase with demand, inflation occurs. Natural gas or any fossil fuel products are always

affected by inflation, such asLiquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). It is a mix of butane (C4H10) and

propane (C3H8) and is a consistent product in the market as it is a reliable source of energy for

households and businesses. Simply put, it is composed of hydrocarbon gases and extremely

flammable. However, it is expensive, and not to mention, short-lived. These types of fossil fuel

products are helpful but not in times of a calamity.

In times of disaster, LPG may explode or cause fire if misused since it has air

concentrations of 2% and 10%. If the LPG cylinder has a leakage, it will be hazardous especially

when the vapor is introduced with ignition becausethe flame can travel back to the LPG cylinder

itself. The escaped vapor may be breathed by the people near the area which might lead to

asphyxiation or suffocation.

According to K.S Rodygin, F. Kucherov, G Werner, V. Ananikov (February 2016)

“Calcium Carbide: A Unique Reagent for Organic Synthesis and Nanotechnology”synthesizing

Calcium Carbide” does not require oil or natural gas as well as the utilization of highly

complicated equipment that is why calcium carbide is more feasible than fossil fuel.

This project aims to provide cheaper and more accessible energy in emergency situations,

reducing the reliance to fossil fuels and to expand knowledge in chemical reactions as source of

energy.
Statement of the problem

1. What kind of storage does calcium carbide need to maintain its effectively?

2. What is the accessibility of calcium carbide- water mixture in case of disaster?

3. What is better pure Calcium carbide water mixture or its solution with compressed air?

Hypothesis

1. Calcium carbide – water mixture can be more accessible in case of great disaster.

Scope and Limitation

The scope of the study is the exploration of new possible energy sources that is accessible

in times of disaster. The materials used are the following; metal tank, chemical tubes, three-way

Y valve, and old blow torch. The limitation of this project is to provide an alternative for LPG

specifically in times of disaster because of its inaccessibility.

 Methodology

Research Design
The research design used in the study is experimental with qualitative approach. It is

suitable for the study as it does not require statistical treatments to analyze the collected data.

The researchers made use of observation in order to generate data according to the

behavior and performance of the materials used. The study was conducted in Km. 38 Pulong

Buhangin, Santa Maria, Bulacan during the month of November up to March 2019.

For Preparation:

Gathering of needed materials: chemical tubes, sealed container, calcium carbide, 3 way

Y valve, metal tanks, and blow torch. After gathering, put water in a sealed container mixed then

add the calcium carbide to produce gas that can be used as an alternative for LPG.The is

connected to the tanks via chemical tubes. Next, assemble the pathway of these gasses from the

chemical tube, 3 way Y valve, and used blow torch. The two end of the Y valve with its own ball

valve are directly connected to the tanks and the one without the ball valve is connected to the

modified blow torch that will serve as burner. Lastly, test the output and make some

modifications to get its full efficiency.

Result

The evaluations of the output have three stages. The following scenarios below were the

actual observation of the researchers;

The first trial of the output had flaws. The researchers used the pure product of the

reaction of Calcium carbide and water that resulted in very bright yellow flame but the

researchers observed the buildup of silk-like thread of accumulated carbon because of

incomplete combustion. This result is unfavorable condition for the project output so the

researchers tried to find other ways to improve the outcome.

The second trial of the output showed improvement through modifications. The product

of calcium carbide and water reaction in the tanks were introduced with compressed air to form a

solution. The introduction of the compressed air helps the flammable gas to perform complete

combustion indicated by the blue to white flame and clear appearance of smoke but the modified

blow torch has wide nozzle that the researchers need to fix.

The third trial was the most effective. It showcased the best handling of flame and

prolonged the use of the fuel by having a solution of gasses instead of utilizing a pure flammable

gas and narrowing the nozzle of the burner. All modification done by the researchers resulted in

good performance of the project giving its full potential as substitute for LPG.
Discussion

The vigorous reaction of Calcium carbide with water to be utilized as emergency fuel is

unknown for common people. Unlike LPG, this project does not require a huge metal tank or

regulator to protect the user or to be utilized. Calcium carbide is cheap that is available in the

market. In the case of a disaster, mainly in low lying areas, their cooking tools like stove and

LPG tanks are located in their kitchen which can be flooded by water. The weight of the LPG

tank is heavy to retrieve in case of disaster unlike calcium carbide that you can put in a plastic

container to preserve its effectively then pitch water then mix generate fire for cooking, lighting,

and etc.

Introducing more air to the burner will result in solution of gasses that can prolong the

usage of the project and at the same time production of hotter flames in color of blue and white.

This gas has distinct odorbut it is non-toxic and harmless to the health of the user or

maker. The storage and accessibility of emergency kit is greater than finding seller of LPG in the

midstof calamity.

Overall, the performance observed surpassed the expectation of the researchers to the

project. The researches can provide more feasible design for this emergency kit in the future. The

positive effects of this project are greater than its negative effects.

Data Analysis

Calcium-Carbide - Water mixture reacts violently and emits gasses that the researchers

collected in a secure metal tank and tested if it could provide fuel. The researchers discovered

that the emitted gas is flammable and is capable of supplying emergency fuel for cooking,
lighting, and etc. Later on, it was identified that the gas is named acetylene gas which is highly

flammable, non-toxic, and can perform complete combustion when introduced with compressed

air.

Risk and Precaution

Perform chemical reactions in well-ventilated areas and provide proper knowledge to

store the needed chemicals and also, the byproduct of the reaction should be properly disposed or

recycled. Check valves and gates that can control pressurized gases. It should be provided and

installed in the project. Lastly, keep it away from unattended ignition.

Calcium carbide should be stored on a tightly-sealed container. Inhibit the use if there are

plenty of dust-like particles and recover the chunks of Calcium carbide in the dust before using

it.

Waste Disposal

Reaction between Calcium-Carbide and Water produces acetylene gas that is needed for

the project. However, Calcium cyanamide is also a byproduct of this reaction that should be

contained and properly recovered for agricultural use.

 Flow Chart of the Study

Gathering of needed
Assemble the pathway Connect the two ends
materials (chemical
of the gasses from the of the Y valve to the
tubes, sealed container,
calcium carbide, 3 way tank.
chemical tube, 3 way Y
Y valve, metal tanks, valve, and blow torch
and use blow torch).

Put water in a sealed Connect the other end

Put calcium carbide in container. of the Y valve to the
the water.
blow torch.

Test the output.

 ABSTRACT

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is convenient and is used on a daily basis. However, it

may not it may not be available or safe to use as per usual in case of a disaster due to hazard and

risk factors. Hurricanes, earthquake, floods, these phenomena take hundreds or even thousands

of lives, not to mention the disruption of power and energy supplies especially when it drops

very little warning but massive destruction wherein preparation has not been made. The

survivors will need fuel for cooking and for warmth but LPG may not be accessible and safe for

the mean time. Unlike Calcium carbide which is easy to store, safe to transport, and convenient

to use at any moment as long as there is a presence of water.

The complication encountered in this study is the equipment needed to complete the

experiment because the study requires tanks or containment area for acetylene gas. In order to

maximize the project’s full potential as a substitute for LPG the nozzle of the burner should be

narrowed down and the researchers analyzed the gathered data using experimental qualitative

research design and the results were objectively described based on the observation of the

researchers. This study aims to utilize acetylene gas from Calcium carbide-water mixture as a

substitute for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in case of disaster.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The successful and final outcome of this study required guidance and assistance from

many people. First and foremost, we would like to thank our adviser, Mrs. Halili for giving us

the opportunity to have this study and for supporting and guiding us until the completion of our

project. We would also like to extend our sincere esteems to our friends, classmates, and family,

who did not stop providing constant encouragement and necessary information needed to finish

this study duly. We also owe deep gratitude to our Almighty God to guide us all along and made

the completion of our study possible. Hence, to God be the glory!

References

“Chemical characteristics of calcium carbide and its reaction with water” (n.d.) Retrieved from
https://melscience.com/en/articles/chemical-characteristics-calcium-carbide-and-its-
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“Acetylene” (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/-

entry/Acetylene?fbclid=IwAR39gHC9uMAKdzmVU996SM0A9z2tsPudHs3o_7WJk7sgWOlvI
1xoGiynBW4

American Chemical Society National Historic Chemical Landmarks.Discovery of the

Commercial Processes for Making Calcium Carbide and
Acetylene.http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/calciumcarbi
deacetylene.html (accessed Month Day, Year).