Acetylene, C2H2

Acetylene is a highly reactive gas whose unique properties make it an important tool in industry. Its ability to produce an exceptionally hot flame makes it an ideal gas for metal welding, cutting and other heat demanding applications.

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Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

Acetylene is a highly flammable, flammable, colourless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It has the chemical formula C₂H₂ and is made from calcium carbide and water. Although pure acetylene is odourless, small impurities in the industrially produced gas give it a garlic-like odour.

For safety reasons, acetylene is not transported as a free gas but is absorbed into acetone and stored in cylinders filled with a porous mass. The degree of filling can only be determined by weighing the bottle, as the quantity of gas cannot be measured directly by volume. Acetylene is released from the cylinder when the pressure is reduced by opening the valve. In high concentrations it can displace oxygen and cause a suffocating effect.

An important property of acetylene is its ability to reach temperatures of up to 3 000 °C when burnt in pure oxygen. This makes it a particularly effective fuel for welding, cutting and other heat-demanding industrial processes.

Chemical symbol of acetylene: C₂H₂
Acetylene UN No: 1001 Acetylene, dissolved
Valve: DIN 477 No. 12
Density of acetylene: 1,097 kg/m³
Relative density of acetylene: 0,91 (air=1)
Boiling point of acetylene at 0,101 MP: -85 °C
Reactivity of acetylene in welding: Flammable / Reductive

Acetylene is used in industry and research for many purposes. It is used as a fuel gas in flame cutting, tempering, soldering, flame hardening and heating. In addition, acetylene is used as a flame gas in atomic absorption equipment for laboratory measurements where a precise and clean flame is required. Historically, it has also been used in lighting, for example in lighthouses and signal lights, but this use is rare today.

Acetylene as a welding gas
Acetylene is widely used for gas welding with oxygen. Of all industrial fuel gases, it produces the hottest and densest core flame (up to about 3 000 °C), allowing precise and efficient heat treatment. The flame is easily adjustable and its high calorific value makes it versatile for welding a wide range of metals, including thin or delicate workpieces.

Risk of fire and explosion
Acetylene is a highly flammable gas. When discharged, acetylene may ignite without an obvious ignition source, e.g. from static electricity. Leaking acetylene creates an explosion hazard. It is not recommended to extinguish flammable acetylene unless the gas flow into the firebag can be shut off. Leaking acetylene can easily re-ignite and the resulting cloud of gas creates an explosion hazard. To prevent the fire from spreading, cool the area around the burning area with water if you can do so safely.

Valve or hose fire in an acetylene cylinder
Close the valve on the cylinder if it is safe to do so.

Risk of suffocation
An increase in the concentration of acetylene in the breathing air presents a choking hazard. Low concentrations may have a soporific effect. Asphyxiation occurs unnoticed and may result in death.

First aid
The person suffering from oxygen deficiency must be immediately moved to fresh air. If the victim is having difficulty breathing or is not breathing, administer artificial respiration as quickly as possible and call for help. When rescuing a victim, it is important to remember not to enter an oxygen-deprived area without breathing equipment.

Unsuitable materials
Certain materials may not be resistant to acetylene and its solvents. All materials used, including non-metallic parts, must be resistant to acetylene and its solvents. Piping shall be of steel. Acetylene shall not come into contact with silver, copper or alloys containing more than 65 % copper.

Use

When handling the substance, follow the instructions and safe working practices given
The gas handler must be properly trained
Use only carefully checked pressure regulators and other operating equipment suitable for this gas. If in doubt, contact Woikoske.
The valve is opened and closed by hand. The use of auxiliary equipment is prohibited!
When using the gas, the cylinder must be in an upright position.
It takes about one turn to open the cylinder.
The gas cylinder in use must be properly secured.
Keep the valve outlets clean!
Close the cylinder valve after each use and when the cylinder is empty.
Always report damaged valves and cylinders to Woikoski.
No smoking or open fires during use

Transport

The driver must be aware of the potential dangers of the load and know his duties in the event of accidents and incidents.
Where possible, acetylene cylinders should be transported in the upright position
If the acetylene cylinder cannot be carried in the upright position, the acetylene cylinder must be allowed to remain in the upright position until no liquid comes out
The load shall be secured
The protective cap on the bottle valve must ALWAYS be in place during transport or even minor movement
Bottles must not be knocked, thrown or dropped from the truck platform
Attention ADR regulations during transport

Storage

Observe all legal and local requirements for the storage of cylinders
Observe ATEX requirements
Protect from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other sources of ignition
No smoking
Do not store with oxidising substances
Store cylinders in a well ventilated place
Gas cylinders should not be stored in conditions which promote corrosion
Gas cylinders are stored upright and secured so that they cannot fall over
Valve caps of gas cylinders shall be in place during storage
Empty and full cylinders should be kept separate

Acetylene, C2H2

Acetylene, C2H2

Properties of acetylene

What is acetylene used for?

Woikoski acetylene products

Safety data sheet for acetylene

Safe use of acetylene

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