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| A mining or caving lamp has calcium carbide placed in a 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 into 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. | A mining or caving lamp has calcium carbide placed in a 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 into 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 bright, broad light. Many cavers prefer this type of unfocused light 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 cold caves, carbide lamp users can use this heat to help stave off hypothermia. {{citation needed|date=June 2013}} | This type of lamp generally has a reflector behind the flame to help project the light forward. An acetylene gas powered lamp produces a bright, broad light. Many cavers prefer this type of unfocused light as it improves peripheral vision in the complete dark.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} The reaction of carbide with water produces a fair amount of heat independent of the flame.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} In cold caves, carbide lamp users can use this heat to help stave off hypothermia. {{citation needed|date=June 2013}} | ||
| When all of the carbide in a lamp has been reacted, the carbide chamber contains a wet paste of slaked lime (]). This is emptied into a waste bag and the chamber can be refilled. | When all of the carbide in a lamp has been reacted, the carbide chamber contains a wet paste of slaked lime (]). This is emptied into a waste bag and the chamber can be refilled. | ||
| Small carbide lamps called "carbide candles" are used for blackening rifle sights to reduce glare. These "candles" are used due to the sooty flame produced by acetylene. | Small carbide lamps called "carbide candles" are used for blackening rifle sights to reduce glare.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} These "candles" are used due to the sooty flame produced by acetylene. | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| In 1892, ] discovered an economically efficient process for creating calcium carbide in an ] from a mixture of lime and coke. The arc furnace provides the high temperature required to drive the reaction. Manufacture of calcium carbide was an important part of the industrial revolution in chemistry, and was made possible in the US as a result of massive amounts of inexpensive hydroelectric power produced at ] before the turn of the twentieth century. In 1895, Willson sold his patent to ]. Domestic lighting with acetylene gas was introduced circa 1894 and bicycle lamps from 1896. | In 1892, ] discovered an economically efficient process for creating calcium carbide in an ] from a mixture of lime and coke.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} The arc furnace provides the high temperature required to drive the reaction. Manufacture of calcium carbide was an important part of the industrial revolution in chemistry, and was made possible in the US as a result of massive amounts of inexpensive hydroelectric power produced at ] before the turn of the twentieth century. In 1895, Willson sold his patent to ]. Domestic lighting with acetylene gas was introduced circa 1894 and bicycle lamps from 1896.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} | ||
| The first carbide mining lamp developed in the United States was ]ed in ] on August 28, 1900 by Frederick Baldwin.<ref>{{US patent|656874}}</ref> Another early lamp design is shown in a ] from ] on October 21, 1902.<ref>{{US patent|711871}}</ref> In the early 1900s, ] invented the ]. This combined two of Dalén's previous inventions: the substrate ] and the ]. Inventions and improvements to carbide lamps continued for decades. On March 10, 1925 Andrew Prader of Spokane, Washington was granted a United States Patent, number 1,528,848 for certain new and useful improvements for Acetylene Lamps.<ref></ref> | The first carbide mining lamp developed in the United States was ]ed in ] on August 28, 1900 by Frederick Baldwin.<ref>{{US patent|656874}}</ref> Another early lamp design is shown in a ] from ] on October 21, 1902.<ref>{{US patent|711871}}</ref> In the early 1900s, ] invented the ]. This combined two of Dalén's previous inventions: the substrate ] and the ]. Inventions and improvements to carbide lamps continued for decades. On March 10, 1925 Andrew Prader of Spokane, Washington was granted a United States Patent, number 1,528,848 for certain new and useful improvements for Acetylene Lamps.<ref></ref> | ||
| After carbide lamps were implicated in an Illinois coal-seam methane gas explosion that killed 54 miners, the ], carbide lamps were less used in United States coal mines. They continued to be used in the coal pits of other countries, notably ] and the ]. | After carbide lamps were implicated in an Illinois coal-seam methane gas explosion that killed 54 miners,{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} the ], carbide lamps were less used in United States coal mines.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} They continued to be used in the coal pits of other countries, notably ] and the ].{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} | ||
| In the birth of the ], a carbide lamp was used as light support to ] the first film in the ], in 1900. | In the birth of the ], a carbide lamp was used as light support to ] the first film in the ], in 1900.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} | ||
| ==Lighting systems == | ==Lighting systems == | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| Carbide lighting was used in rural and urban areas of the United States which were not served by ]. Its use began shortly after 1900 and continued past 1950. ] pellets were placed in a container outside the home, with water piped to the container and allowed to drip on the pellets releasing acetylene. This gas was piped to ]s inside the house, where it was burned, creating a very bright flame. Carbide lighting was inexpensive but was prone to ]s and explosions. | Carbide lighting was used in rural and urban areas of the United States which were not served by ].{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} Its use began shortly after 1900 and continued past 1950.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} ] pellets were placed in a container outside the home, with water piped to the container and allowed to drip on the pellets releasing acetylene. This gas was piped to ]s inside the house, where it was burned, creating a very bright flame. Carbide lighting was inexpensive but was prone to ]s and explosions.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} | ||
| Early models of the ] automobile used carbide lamps as ]s. Acetylene lamps were also used on riverboats for night navigation. The ] has a lamp made in about 1910 that was used on board ''PS Enterprise'', a ] which has been restored to working order and also in the museum's collection.<ref></ref> | Early models of the ] automobile used carbide lamps as ]s.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} Acetylene lamps were also used on riverboats for night navigation. The ] has a lamp made in about 1910 that was used on board ''PS Enterprise'', a ] which has been restored to working order and also in the museum's collection.<ref></ref> | ||
| They are also used for ] in some African countries. | They are also used for ] in some African countries.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} | ||
| ==Use in caving== | ==Use in caving== | ||
| Line 37: | Line 37: | ||
| Early ] enthusiasts, not yet having the advantage of light-weight electrical illumination, introduced the carbide lamp to their hobby.<ref> (from ])</ref> While increasingly replaced by more modern choices, a substantial percentage of cavers still use this method. | Early ] enthusiasts, not yet having the advantage of light-weight electrical illumination, introduced the carbide lamp to their hobby.<ref> (from ])</ref> While increasingly replaced by more modern choices, a substantial percentage of cavers still use this method. | ||
| In cave surveys, carbide lamps are favoured for the lead or "point" surveyor, who must identify suitable points in the cave to designate as survey stations. The sooty carbide flame may be used to harmlessly mark cave walls with a nontoxic and removable station label. Especially favoured for this purpose are all-brass lamps or lamps made with no ] metals, as these lamps do not deflect the needles of a ], which is typically read while brightly illuminated from above using the caver's lamp. | In cave surveys, carbide lamps are favoured for the lead or "point" surveyor, who must identify suitable points in the cave to designate as survey stations.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} The sooty carbide flame may be used to harmlessly mark cave walls with a nontoxic and removable station label. Especially favoured for this purpose are all-brass lamps or lamps made with no ] metals, as these lamps do not deflect the needles of a ], which is typically read while brightly illuminated from above using the caver's lamp.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} | ||
| Apart from their use as cave surveying tools, many cavers favour carbide lamps for their durability and quality of illumination. They were once favoured for their relative illumination per mass of fuel compared to battery powered devices, but this advantage was largely negated with the advent of high-intensity ] illumination. | Apart from their use as cave surveying tools, many cavers favour carbide lamps for their durability and quality of illumination.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} They were once favoured for their relative illumination per mass of fuel compared to battery powered devices, but this advantage was largely negated with the advent of high-intensity ] illumination.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} | ||
| The acetylene producing reaction is ], which means that the lamp's reactor vessel will become quite warm to the touch; this can be used to warm the hands. The heat from the flame can also be used to warm the body by allowing the exhaust gases to flow under a shirt pulled out from the body: such a configuration is referred to as a "Palmer furnace", after geologist ]. | The acetylene producing reaction is ], which means that the lamp's reactor vessel will become quite warm to the touch; this can be used to warm the hands. The heat from the flame can also be used to warm the body by allowing the exhaust gases to flow under a shirt pulled out from the body: such a configuration is referred to as a "Palmer furnace", after geologist ].{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 20:08, 24 April 2015
See also: Headlamp (outdoor)
Carbide lamps, or acetylene gas lamps, are simple lamps that produce and burn acetylene (C2H2) which is created by the reaction of calcium carbide (CaC2) with water.
Acetylene gas lamps were used to illuminate buildings, as lighthouse beacons, and as headlights on motor-cars and bicycles. Portable acetylene gas lamps, worn on the hat or carried by hand, were widely used in mining in the early twentieth century. They are still employed by cavers, hunters, and cataphiles.
Mechanism
A mining or caving lamp has calcium carbide placed in a 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 into 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 bright, broad light. Many cavers prefer this type of unfocused light 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 cold caves, carbide lamp users can use this heat to help stave off hypothermia.
When all of the carbide in a lamp has been reacted, the carbide chamber contains a wet paste of slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). This is emptied into a waste bag and the chamber can be refilled.
Small carbide lamps called "carbide candles" are used for blackening rifle sights to reduce glare. These "candles" are used due to the sooty flame produced by acetylene.
History
In 1892, Thomas Willson discovered an economically efficient process for creating calcium carbide in an electric arc furnace from a mixture of lime and coke. The arc furnace provides the high temperature required to drive the reaction. Manufacture of calcium carbide was an important part of the industrial revolution in chemistry, and was made possible in the US as a result of massive amounts of inexpensive hydroelectric power produced at Niagara Falls before the turn of the twentieth century. In 1895, Willson sold his patent to Union Carbide. Domestic lighting with acetylene gas was introduced circa 1894 and bicycle lamps from 1896.
The first carbide mining lamp developed in the United States was patented in New York on August 28, 1900 by Frederick Baldwin. Another early lamp design is shown in a patent from Duluth, Minnesota on October 21, 1902. In the early 1900s, Gustaf Dalén invented the Dalén light. This combined two of Dalén's previous inventions: the substrate Agamassan and the Sun valve. Inventions and improvements to carbide lamps continued for decades. On March 10, 1925 Andrew Prader of Spokane, Washington was granted a United States Patent, number 1,528,848 for certain new and useful improvements for Acetylene Lamps.
After carbide lamps were implicated in an Illinois coal-seam methane gas explosion that killed 54 miners, the 1932 Moweaqua Coal Mine disaster, carbide lamps were less used in United States coal mines. They continued to be used in the coal pits of other countries, notably Russia and the Ukraine.
In the birth of the cinema of Iquitos, a carbide lamp was used as light support to project the first film in the Casa de Fierro, in 1900.
Lighting systems
Carbide lighting was used in rural and urban areas of the United States which were not served by electrification. Its use began shortly after 1900 and continued past 1950. Calcium carbide pellets were placed in a container outside the home, with water piped to the container and allowed to drip on the pellets releasing acetylene. This gas was piped to lighting fixtures inside the house, where it was burned, creating a very bright flame. Carbide lighting was inexpensive but was prone to gas leaks and explosions.
Early models of the Ford Model T automobile used carbide lamps as headlamps. Acetylene lamps were also used on riverboats for night navigation. The National Museum of Australia has a lamp made in about 1910 that was used on board PS Enterprise, a paddle steamer which has been restored to working order and also in the museum's collection.
They are also used for night hunting in some African countries.
Use in caving
Early caving enthusiasts, not yet having the advantage of light-weight electrical illumination, introduced the carbide lamp to their hobby. While increasingly replaced by more modern choices, a substantial percentage of cavers still use this method.
In cave surveys, carbide lamps are favoured for the lead or "point" surveyor, who must identify suitable points in the cave to designate as survey stations. The sooty carbide flame may be used to harmlessly mark cave walls with a nontoxic and removable station label. Especially favoured for this purpose are all-brass lamps or lamps made with no ferromagnetic metals, as these lamps do not deflect the needles of a magnetic compass, which is typically read while brightly illuminated from above using the caver's lamp.
Apart from their use as cave surveying tools, many cavers favour carbide lamps for their durability and quality of illumination. They were once favoured for their relative illumination per mass of fuel compared to battery powered devices, but this advantage was largely negated with the advent of high-intensity LED illumination.
The acetylene producing reaction is exothermic, which means that the lamp's reactor vessel will become quite warm to the touch; this can be used to warm the hands. The heat from the flame can also be used to warm the body by allowing the exhaust gases to flow under a shirt pulled out from the body: such a configuration is referred to as a "Palmer furnace", after geologist Arthur Palmer.
See also
Notes
- U.S. patent 656,874
- U.S. patent 711,871
- Patent number 1528848
- Paddle Steamer Enterprise, National Museum of Australia
- Caving equipment and culture (from Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand)
References
 | This article lacks ISBNs for the books listed. Please help add the ISBNs or run the citation bot. (April 2015) |
- Clemmer, Gregg. American Miners' Carbide Lamps: A Collectors Guide to American Carbide Mine Lighting. Westernlore Publications, 1987.
- Pohs, Henry. "The Miners Flame Light Book" Flame Publishing, 1995. ISBN 0-9641165-0-2
- Card, Peter W. (October 2004). Early Vehicle Lighting. Shire Publications. ISBN 978-0-7478-0585-4.
- Thorpe, Dave. "Carbide Light: The Last Flame in American Mines". Bergamot Publishing, 2005. ISBN 097609052X
External links
- acethylene.com A comprehensive guide to the care and maintenance of acetylene gas lamps
- A User's Guide to Carbide Cap Lamps. Has many good pictures & videos.
- Carbide lamp Demonstration experiment: Instruction and video
- The Carbide Caver A website on the history, restoration, and use of carbide lamps for caving.
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