Acetylene Gas

Acetylene is a non-toxic, colorless, and odorless gas. Commercial grades contain impurities that lend a garlic-like odor to the gas.

Reaction: Commercially manufactured through a reaction of water and calcium carbide

Ignition Temperature: 325 °C

Specific gravity: 0.9 (air = 1 making it lighter than air)

Storage: Maroon-colored cylinders with left handed connections

Stabilizing Solvent: dimethylformamide (DMF) or acetone.

The Most Efficient Fuel Gas in the World

• The hottest fuel gas: Oxy-Acetylene produces a flame temperature of 3150°C
• Cutting Applications: It is the fastest pre-heating and piercing times of any of the other fuel gas combinations
• The low Moisture Content: Perfect for various industrial processes that demand critical heating
• Oxygen Level: Uses less oxygen than propane & propylene, requiring fewer cylinders – less handling and downtime
• Weight: Being lighter than air, it is widely preferred for underground work

What is Acetylene gas Uses for? 

⇒ Only fuel gas used that can be used for welding

•  Ideal for brazing, cutting, spot heating, hardening, flame gouging, cleaning, texturing and thermal spraying many materials

•  Used in glass and materials processing industries for carbon coating to create a lubrication between the material surfaces

As discussed, acetylene gas offers several benefits, which makes it one of the most popular industrial gases. However, the following hazards of the gas also make it least safe and dangerous:

1. The gas may explode, if it is compressed, liquefied, heated or mixed with air
2. Acetylene becomes unstable above the pressure of 25 psi, which makes it explosive, too
3. The method of acetylene production, storage, charging, or use may be dangerous if not handled properly. This is why cylinder production and charging plants are regulated by standards, rules, and codes.

Addressing the dangers of the gas, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 51A requires acetylene charging facilities to use optical flame detection. These detect fire faster than any other heat detectors or smoke detectors. The specified alarm levels of this system should be 25% LEL and 50% LEL. Also, it mandates the first alarm to be audible, visible, and activate the ventilation. The gas generation system should shut down at the highest alarm.