I am having difficulties with my acetylene. I have had it for about 2
months, and already the tips are virtually impossible to change
because of a thick, dark brown gooey substance on on the base and in
the hose connector. Is this normal? Is there a safe way to clean this
off, and is it usually done daily? In all the metalsmithing classes I
took, I never observed this problem, nor did we ever address it.
Jill
This is not a usual normal thing but it can be. Acetylene is not A
very clean gas to begin with. You may have an old cylinder with lots
of polymerized junk in it. Your local area may have really only one
supplier plant for acetylene. Complain loudly and get the cylinder
exchanged hopefully for free.
jesse
Not normal at all. Be sure the tank is always upright as the gas is
in solution with (???) can’t remember the liquid, but it is a
liquid that is in a “matrix” within the bottle and if the bottle is
on it’s side when being used, this “storage liquid” enters the system
and can mess up the regulator etc. I would take the tank, torch,
hose, regulator and tips to the welding supply you got the tank from
and show them what is going on. Acetylene should NOT have anything
showing up like you are describing. The tank may very well be
contaminated and I bet the supplier will replace the tank. The goo is
going to be VERY hard on your regulator so get the tank replaced
before using it!!! If the regulator is messed up, the gas
supplier should repair/replace it as nothing like this should be in
the gas and the regulator is not made to deal with fluids
John Dach
That doesn’t sound right at all. Could you have been storing/handling
you fuel tanks on their sides? That will allow the acetone to get
pulled into the fuel path. Also are you sure your hoses and gauges
are listed for use with this fuel?
The final possibility is a contaminated fuel or O2 tank.
Ron Charlotte – Gainesville, FL
I am having difficulties with my acetylene. I have had it for about 2
months, and already the tips are virtually impossible to change
because of a thick, dark brown gooey substance on on the base and in
the hose connector. Is this normal? Is there a safe way to clean this
off, and is it usually done daily? In all the metalsmithing classes I
took, I never observed this problem, nor did we ever address it.
You should stop using the cylinder at once, as what you are
describing is old acetone/DMF that the gas is dissolved. It generally
only happens when the cylinder is laid down for long periods on it’s
side. Or the regulator connection is low.
YOU MUST ALWAYS USE AN ACETYLENE CYLINDER IN THE UP RIGHT POSITION.
It must also be secured so it can’t fall over.
You should take your cylinder back to the local welding stop and
show them they should replace the cylinder.
The only other times I have heard something like this happening is
when a cylinder is over filled with the solvent by accident. Or when
the cylinder is being used below 50 to 25 psig when the pressure gets
to low the gas carries over some solvent and you start to have
problems with the flame.
If the cylinder is laid down, It should be stored in the up right
position for a minimum time that it was on it side. Or 30 minutes
upright per each 15 on it’s side depending on which training book
you read.
The solvents and other impurities that collect inside the cylinders
over the years turns the solvent brown or off clear and thickens.
Some of the cylinders can be from WWII or before, If they didn’t
contain the asbestos cement filler. And those where only in use for
3/5 years, and have been removed from service for years. The CGA
Compressed Gas Association has very good records, almost all have
been accounted for.
DO NOT USE ANY OIL based solvents/cleaning products on or in the
torch/hoses. You can try acetone but make sure all of it is
evaporated before using the torch. It sounds like your regulator and
hose, is filled with the goo and you may have to have the regulator
rebuilt and cleaned along with the torch and replace the hose.
You didn’t say what type torch you have.
glen
You have a very small leak, be sure that your tank valve is turned
off.
If you are not sure if it is turned off, disconnect your regulator
and use soap and water to test for leakage.
Lloyd.