Acetylene
Overview
The hottest and most efficient of all fuel gases, acetylene (C2H2) provides high levels of productivity thanks to good localised heating with a minimum of thermal waste. It also requires the least amount of oxygen to ensure complete combustion. This flammable, colourless gas is lighter than air so does not accumulate at low levels, where it could cause a potential hazard. It is generally supplied dissolved in acetone or DMF (dimethylformamide) in specially designed cylinders to prevent decomposition.
A low flame moisture content makes this fuel gas a good choice for many critical heating processes. Typical applications include flame heating, flame gouging, welding, flame hardening, flame cleaning, flame straightening, thermal spraying, spot-heating, brazing, texturing, profile-cutting, branding wooden pallets, wood-ageing and carbon coating.
Acetylene is the only fuel gas recommended for underground working conditions because it is lighter than air. It is also the only fuel gas, for instance, which can be used to weld steel.
In cutting, oxy-acetylene gives the fastest preheating and piercing times of any fuel gas combination.
combustion. This flammable, colourless gas is lighter than air so does not accumulate at low levels, where it could cause a potential hazard. It is generally supplied dissolved in acetone or DMF (dimethylformamide) in specially designed cylinders to prevent decomposition.
TEchnical Information
Acetylene Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 26.04 |
| Gas density at 21 °C (70 °F) | 1.1 g/l (0.068 lb/ft3 ) |
| Specific Gravity, Gas (Air = 1) @ 20°C (68°F) | 0.899 |
| Specific Volume at 21 °C (70 °F) | 0.92 m3 /kg (14.8 ft3 /lb) |
| Solubility in Acetone @ 20°C (68°F), 1.01 bar (1 atm) | 27.9 g/kg |
| Solubility in Acetone @ 20°C (68°F), 15.2 bar | 472 g/kg |
| Auto ignition Temperature | 305°C (581°F) |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | –18°C (0°F) |
| Flammable Limits in air | 2.4 – 83 % (by volume) |
Acetylene Uses and Applications
Acetylene is used as a raw material for the production of electrically conducting plastics, such as polyacetylene.
Acetylene is used with high purity synthetic air or nitrous oxide as a fuel for the flame in atomic absorption flame spectroscopy. This is used in water, soil, food and biological research laboratories where sensitivity and accuracy of results are important.
Acetylene is most commonly used in combination with oxygen for cutting or welding materials such as mild steel, where the standard industrial grade is sufficient. Acetylene with low phosphine levels is required for lead brazing or welding.
Acetylene is used in organic synthesis (laboratory work) as well as in chemical synthesis.
Acetylene is used as carbon source in the production of molecules like fullerenes; well-known examples are
buckyballs or carbon nanotubes.
Acetylene is used in the cultivation of plants; it improves the formation of new flowers.
Acetylene is used as a component in calibration gases for the gas, oil and chemical industries.
Acetylene is still used in some lighthouses as light fuel source.
Acetylene is one of the components of lung testing gases.
Acetylene Transportation Information
| Proper Shipping Name | ID Number | Hazard Class or Division | Packing Group | Labeling Requirements | Passenger Aircraft or Railcar Quantity Limitations | Cargo Aircraft Only Quantity Limitations | Additional Shipping Description |
| Acetylene, dissolved | UN1001 | 2.1 | Not applicable | 2.1 | Forbidden | 15 kg | N/A |
Acetylene Packaging Options
Low Pressure Cylinders