Dissolved Acetylene (C₂H₂)

Features

Distinctive garlic-like smell, which is recognisable above 2% concentrations in air
Non-toxic - may cause dizziness in high concentrations
Low auto-ignition temperature - requires minimal energy to ignite in the air or oxygen
Can react over time with some metals to form explosive acetylides
Highly reactive, acetylene is dissolved in acetone and contained within a porous mass inside the cylinder
Slightly lighter than air and will collect at ceiling level

The hottest and most efficient of all fuel gases
Oxygen and acetylene together produce a flame temperature of approximately 3150°C
The oxy-acetylene flame gives very good localised heating
In cutting, oxy-acetylene gives the fastest preheating and piercing times of any fuel gas combination
In oxy-acetylene cutting processes, improved cut quality, higher cutting speed, faster cut initiation time and reduced oxygen use are achieved
When used with either oxygen or air, acetylene can produce a thin layer of black carbon particles. This can prevent components sticking in their moulds
Acetylene is stored in specially designed cylinders to prevent decomposition
Unused gas will not collect in low-lying areas, ducts and drains causing a potential hazard

The only fuel gas that can be used to weld steel
Flame hardening - an oxy-acetylene flame can be used where the hardened surface of carbon steel components is either in situ as a remedial process or on components too large to fit in a furnace
Flame cleaning - a wide oxy-acetylene flame is held very close to a steel surface to be cleaned
Thermal spraying of various metals and ceramics. The material to be sprayed is fed through the flame
Spot-heating applications
Brazing
Texturing
Profile-cutting
Branding pallets
Wood-ageing
Glass and metal castings
Mould release and other anti-stick applications
The only fuel gas recommended for use in underground working conditions. (In any confined spaces, extraction devices should be used to remove any potentially dangerous by-products)