Reaction Kinetics Modeling of CaC2 Formation From Coal and Lime

Two new models for predicting the reaction kinetics for the formation of calcium carbide (CaC2) from coal-derived coke and calcium oxide (CaO), or lime, are proposed and compared to four traditional reaction rate models found in literature. The first model follows the progression of the ratio of the current mass fractions of the involved chemical species and their equilibrium mass fractions until chemical equilibrium is reached. The second model instead solves the differential equation representing the change in the moles of the reactants and products over time. Unlike traditional reaction models, these models allow a given reaction to progress in either the forward or reverse direction in order to reach equilibrium. Comparison between the model predictions and experimental data found in literature shows that the second model provides accurate predictions of reactant consumption, CaC2 production and weight loss. The effective reaction rates estimated from this model indicate a reaction regime change around 1750 degrees C.