(stop the madness) As James said water was used in the generation of
Acetylene gas (miners lamps, old style caving lamps as The PC lamps
now are electric) Today acetylene is mainly manufactured by the
partial combustion of methane or appears as a side product in the
ethelyne stream from cracking of hydrocarbons. Other than in
locations were the transport and re filling of the cylinders isn’t
cost effective. Undeveloped countries, way off the grid.
The filler in the cylinders is Agamassan (aga) is a porous substrate
used to safely absorb acetylene/solvent and thus allow the
transport, storage and commercial exploitation of an otherwise
unstable gas. At one time they tried asbestos for only a couple
years, by only one or two cylinder makers. It didn’t work out all
most all of those have been accounted for and removed from service.
( the compressed gas association keeps very good records) The porous
filler fills the cylinder almost to the top, there is only a couple
of inches of free space for the acetylene to come out of the
dissolved state.
The two liquids that are used to dissolve acetylene for compressed
transport and use are Acetone and Dimethylformamide DMF a polar
(hydrophilic) Aprotic solvent.
OHSA has adjusted the rule for filling and withdrawing acetylene,
While the old standard recommended a flow rate of 1/7 of the
cylinder capacity regardless of the duration of use, the revision
has advises a flow rate of 1/10 per hour for intermittent use and
1/15 for continuous use. Unless you are a volume user this probably
will not apply.
Although the new revision only advises against transporting in
automobiles, it specifically prohibits storing acetylene cylinders
in confined spaces, such as unventilated cabinets, closets, and
drawers.
Gas Pressure(acetylene in this case)will remain almost constant at a
given temperature. As you withdraw the acetylene from the solution
in the cylinder till very little remains. If you are taking the
gauge pressure down on the acetylene cylinder to below 25psig it can
cause acetone to be withdrawn with the gas.
Following the gas laws: The combined gas law is a combination of
Boyle’s Law and Charles’s Law; hence its name. In the combined gas
law, the volume of gas is directly proportional to the absolute
temperature and inversely proportional to the pressure. Simply put
the colder the temp the lower the gas pressure, as the temp climbs
the pressure increases. So you may have more gas in the cylinder
than appears, on the gauge.
The single stage regulators can cause problems as they are
constantly adjusting to the cylinder pressure with will vary a light
bit at the tip as the regulator reacts. The two stage regulators will
maintain a very constant pressure at the torch tip. They are
recommended for use with rosebuds and very large torch tips. Along
with possible manifold system.
Most acetylene cylinders are filled to 225 pisg @70’F. PSIG is
Pounds per square inch gauge which means the pressure registered on
the gauge plus the atmospheric pressure 14.7 psi
Here are some facts about Acetylene: The explosive limits in air are
2.5-80% This is why it isn’t a good idea to transport in a closed
vehicle let alone smoke in the same vehicle.
It is lighter than air so it collets near the ceiling, if there is a
leak. It has a garlic like odorant added to it for leaks.
The MC cylinders are 10 cu ft. in capacity and weighs 7.4 pounds
full The MC stands for Motorcycle that is why the angled valve. At
one time it was the source for gas to operate the lights on
Motorcycles.
The B cylinder is 40 cu ft. in capacity and weighs 23.2 pounds full.
They are called Bus cylinders as they were used on buses and truck
back in the day.
If you transport the cylinder on its side, you must let the
acetylene gas/acetone/DMF flow back into the filler (upright)to
avoid carry over. It can cause a greenish flame, burning liquid
drips, spurting flame and other problems. The suggested times are a
minimum of the time it was on its side or 15 minutes, 30 minutes
minimum is better. Or the length of time it was on its side plus 15
minutes.
The acetone/DMF can cause damage to the regulators and hoses.
And finally Do not pipe acetylene into your house or shop using
copper tubing, pipe or fittings. Search “Copper Acetylide” it will
explain a some little mentioned Which today seem more
people are considering doing just that. After listening to the
genius down the street.