Benefit from the Hottest and Most Efficient Fuel Gas of All
Enjoy high levels of productivity with acetylene - the fuel gas that combines good localized heating with exceedingly low levels of thermal waste.
Properties of Acetylene Fuel Gas
Of all the fuel gases, acetylene (C2H2) is the hottest and most efficient. It also requires the least amount of oxygen to ensure complete combustion. This flammable, colorless gas is lighter than air so does not accumulate at low levels, where fuel gases can pose a potential hazard.
Adding pure oxygen to an acetylene combustion reaction causes the flame to burn hotter - up from roughly 2,000°C (4,000°F) to over 3,300°C (6,000°F) - and consume the fuel faster.
In its pure state, acetylene gas is highly unstable and flammable. This fuel gas can decompose instantaneously at pressures higher than 1 bar. Hence, it is generally supplied dissolved in acetone or DMF (dimethylformamide) in specially designed cylinders to prevent decomposition. However, it can be delivered as a non-dissolved gas for specific R&D applications.
Benefits of Acetylene Fuel Gas at a Glance
Improved cut quality
Higher cutting and welding speeds
Faster cut initiation time
Reduced oxygen use
What is Acetylene Fuel Gas Used for and How is it Made?
A low flame moisture content makes this fuel gas a good choice for many critical heating processes. Typical applications include
flame treatment processes such as flame heating, flame gouging, flame hardening, flame cleaning and flame straightening
welding and cutting
thermal spraying
heat treatment
spot heating
brazing
and a host of more niche use cases such as texturing, profile-cutting, branding wooden pallets, wood-ageing and carbon coating.
The benefits of acetylene for welding and cutting are well documented, with highlights including the fastest heating and piercing times of any fuel gas combination. Excellent thermal properties make it much more effective at thermal cutting than other fuel gases, offering productivity gains of around 33 percent relative to propane, for instance.
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, that can be used to weld steel. In atomic absorption flame spectroscopy, acetylene is combined with high-purity synthetic air or nitrous oxide as a fuel for the flame.
Acetylene is manufactured commercially by reacting calcium carbide and water. It is also a by-product of ethylene production. We supply acetylene in cylinders of different sizes and in cylinder bundles at a purity grade of 2.6 (i.e. purity ≥99.6%).
Secure it. Ventilate it. Respect it.
Like all fuel gases, acetylene can present a safety hazard due to its high flammability. So cylinders containing acetylene, like all gas cylinders, should always be transported, stored and handled properly to avoid any unnecessary safety risks.
Our estimates indicate that up to one third of acetylene cylinders bought from all retail outlets are not transported responsibly. This results in serious accidents and - in some cases - fatalities. Reflecting our strong sense of product stewardship, we have teamed up with various industry associations such as the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA) to take positive action. Our aim is to raise awareness of the risks associated with handling and transporting acetylene, help put good practices in place, and support our customers with dedicated training and practical assistance.
Below you can read about the many ways we support our customers by promoting best practices in the transport and handling of acetylene through our "Secure it. Ventilate it. Respect it." campaign.
Best Practices in the Handling of Acetylene
Promoting a Duty of Care with Concrete Safety Guidelines
There are a number of practical tips and guidelines that users can follow to mitigate or - even better - eliminate the risk of injury to themselves or others when transporting and handling acetylene. These are outlined in the following:
Make sure the cylinder shut-off valve is closed before transport and during storage.
Never rely on gas equipment such as torches or regulators to shut off the gas.
Transport cylinders in a suitably ventilated vehicle, ideally an open or flatbed truck or a ventilated gas compartment in an enclosed truck.
Make sure the cylinders are properly restrained and valves are protected during transport.
Unload the cylinders immediately when you have reached your destination, and if stored in a horizontal position, allow them to stand vertically for at least 30 minutes before use.
Never store flammable gas cylinders overnight in an unventilated vehicle.
Always comply with all local regulations governing the transport of cylinders in vehicles and the safe unloading and storage of acetylene cylinders. This can include concrete measures such as signs on the vehicle, a fire extinguisher, safety information in the vehicle and safety training for the driver.
Remember: Secure it. Ventilate it. Respect it.
Understanding Acetylene Hazards
Transported and used correctly, acetylene is a very safe gas. However, our research shows that many users fail to follow good practice guidelines, resulting in the following potential risks:
Secure It.
Many customer vehicles are not fitted with appropriate restraints to prevent cylinders from toppling over or moving around in the vehicle. This can result in fires and injuries. There are two sources of hazard here. During transport, the cylinder handwheel valve can knock against something which opens the valve. This allows gas to escape, and can result in a fire or explosion. Also, cylinders are very heavy and will be travelling at the same speed as the vehicle. If the driver brakes and the cylinders are not adequately secured, they will be propelled forward and can cause severe damage or injury.
Ventilate It.
Many acetylene cylinders are collected and transported in unventilated vehicles. In the event of a leak - no matter how minor - gas can build up in the vehicle and result in a fire or explosion. This risk is magnified over prolonged storage periods. For instance, many users - once they have finished their day's work - leave their cylinders in an unventilated vehicle overnight. This gives gas leaks a chance to build up over time. This risk is compounded by inappropriate use of the regulator to shut off the gas supply. The regulator can easily leak, so it is essential that the shut-off valve is used for this purpose.
Respect It.
Acetylene cylinders contain a porous mass and liquid acetone that dissolves the gas. If a cylinder has been transported, it must be left to settle in an upright position on arrival. This gives the liquid acetone time to return to its correct place in the porous mass. Failure to do so can cause quality problems with acetone liquid getting into the gas. In extreme situations, this might make the cylinder less safe to use.
Positive Action for Safety-first Mindset
At Linde, safety is our number one priority - both within and beyond company walls. So we strive for a leadership role in promoting acetylene safety and encouraging best practices in the transport, handling and use of all gas cylinders. We support this safety-first mindset in a number of ways:
Education: This starts with educating our customers on the potential risks of acetylene. Our awareness and education efforts focus on mitigating injuries and fatalities through communication campaigns such as our joint initiative with the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA). We deliver this information directly to our customers through our worldwide distribution and retail network, backing up these efforts with direct communication and training opportunities.
Training: Complementing our education activities, we offer further gas safety training to all customer-facing gas retailers and continue to work closely with trade associations and industry bodies to encourage the best possible observance of the new safety guidelines.
Practical support: We also offer a range of practical services to help customers with their concrete transport needs. If, for instance, you do not have a suitable vehicle, your local Linde retailer can deliver for you. We can also help if your valve is not protected. Your Linde retail outlet or gas agent will fit a disposable plastic cap to the handwheel to prevent it being knocked open during transport. You can dispose of these after your journey or keep them for re-use.
