Acetylene is a colourless, highly flammable gas with a distinctive garlic-like odour. It is commonly used for various applications because it is a strong, safe, and easy to use gas with unique heating qualities. Acetylene is used in thermal spraying, brazing, gouging, and welding as an air gas blend, as well as being used for atomic absorption flame spectrometers. Acetylene cylinders store the gas as liquid acetone absorbed into a porous mass, and are claret (deep red) in colour.
- Oxy-acetylene welding uses a mixture of oxygen and acetylene to produce a flame that can heat up to 3200 °C. It is the only gas welding option used for steel, as its melting point starts at 1500 °C. It is also the fastest gas combination for preheating and piercing times in localised cutting. Oxy-acetylene is commonly used for hardening as it is cost effective, produces high heat levels, and minimises distortion of material. Acetylene is commonly used in air-gas mixtures for atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), as it works well with most elements including those that form oxides.
Acetylene is an extremely flammable asphyxiant that must be handled and stored safely. Cylinders must be stored and transported upright in a well-ventilated area away from sunlight, hot surfaces, open flames and sparks. Should a gas fire occur, do not attempt to extinguish unless any leaks can be stopped safely.
How is acetylene stored?
Acetylene cylinders are filled with a porous mass that the dissolved acetylene is absorbed into. These cylinders should be stored in an upright position at all times, in a well-ventilated area.
How long does an acetylene cylinder last?
Your Supagas acetylene cylinder will deliver enough usable acetylene for most basic tasks and typically will last twice as long as your oxygen cylinder.
Can acetylene burn without oxygen?
Yes, acetylene can ignite under high pressures or temperatures without air or oxygen. Acetylene is a very unstable gas that can decompose if not properly stored, transported, or handled.
Why is acetylene used in gas welding?
When combined with oxygen, acetylene is essential for gas welding. Because of the hot flame it produces, oxy-fuel (or oxyacetylene) is used for welding steel—which has a higher melting point than other metals. When used for cutting or gouging, acetylene combines with oxygen to reduce distortion on the surface of materials. When used with oxygen in gas welding, acetylene is cost effective, easy to use and safe.
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