Acetylene Requalification In Calgary

---

 When recertifying acetylene cylinders, thorough inspections of both the cylinder shell and the porous mass inside are conducted. These inspections are critical to ensuring the continued safety and integrity of the cylinders. Cylinders that pass these inspections are stamped, indicating that they meet the necessary standards for another 10 years of service.  

Unlike many other industrial gases, acetylene is unique in that it is dissolved into a solvent, typically acetone or dimethyl formamide, within the porous mass of the cylinder. This process increases safety and stability during storage and transportation.  Overall, the use of a solvent to dissolve acetylene gas in cylinders is a critical safety measure that enhances stability and ensures the safe handling of this highly reactive compound in industrial applications. 

Acetylene (C2H2) is a compound of hydrogen and carbon with various properties and safety considerations:

1. Production: Acetylene is produced when calcium carbide is mixed with water.
2. Ignition and Decomposition: It only needs a 10% mix of oxygen to ignite, and when in a pure state above 15 psi, it can violently decompose. This makes it highly volatile, with an auto-ignition temperature ranging from 406°C to 440°C.
3. Burning Temperature: Acetylene burns at a high temperature, reaching 2538°C on its own and 3150°C when burned with oxygen. This high temperature makes it suitable for various industrial applications.
4. Storage: Free acetylene is never stored under high pressure. Instead, cylinders are packed with a porous material, typically crushed fire brick, and saturated with acetone. This setup allows acetone to absorb many times its volume in acetylene without changing its state. The composition of the cylinder contents usually includes porous filler (8-10%), acetone (42%), acetylene gas (36%), and a reserve volume at 70°F (10-12%).
5. Safety Considerations: Proper storage of acetylene cylinders is crucial for safety. They must always be stored upright to prevent acetone and acetylene from separating. If transported horizontally, they should be allowed to sit upright for at least two hours before use to ensure proper mixing. The valve should never be opened more than one and one-half turns. Additionally, cylinders should not be stored below freezing temperatures, as this may cause acetone to come out instead of acetylene, potentially clogging the regulator.
6. Refilling: Acetylene cylinders must be refilled only by authorized gas distributors and should never be transfilled. This ensures that proper safety protocols are followed during the refilling process.

In summary, acetylene is a highly volatile gas used in various industrial applications, and strict safety measures must be followed during its production, storage, and use to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety.