Acetylene Gas | Metro Welding Supply Corp.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Acetylene gas is a highly versatile hydrocarbon compound composed of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms (C2H2). It is colorless, odorless, and highly flammable when in its pure form.

10 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

1. Chemical Formula: (C2H2A) Acetylene is composed of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms.
2. Odorless and Colorless: Pure acetylene is odorless and colorless, which makes it difficult to detect leaks without the addition of an odorant.
3. Highly Flammable: Acetylene is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures in air when its concentration exceeds a certain level.
4. Stoichiometric Ratio: The stoichiometric ratio for the combustion of acetylene in oxygen is 2:5 (2 parts acetylene to 5 parts oxygen) which results in complete combustion to form carbon dioxide and water.
5. Triple Bond: Acetylene contains a triple bond between the two carbon atoms, making it a highly reactive compound.
6. Unstable and Sensitive to Pressure: Acetylene is an unstable compound, and it can decompose explosively if subjected to high pressures (>15 psi) in its pure form.
7. Used in Welding and Cutting: Acetylene is commonly used in oxy-acetylene welding and cutting processes due to the high temperature produced by its combustion with oxygen.
8. Stored in Acetone: To stabilize it, acetylene is typically stored in cylinders filled with a porous material soaked in acetone, which absorbs and stabilizes the gas.
9. Low Boiling Point: Acetylene has a very low boiling point of -84°C (-119°F), which means it can exist as a gas at relatively low temperatures.
10. Applications in Chemical Synthesis: Acetylene serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various organic compounds and is used in the production of chemicals like vinyl chloride and acrylonitrile.

10 COMMON USES

1. Welding and Cutting: Acetylene is widely used in oxy-acetylene welding and cutting processes. When mixed with oxygen and ignited, it produces a high-temperature flame that can melt and cut through metals.
2. Metal Fabrication: Acetylene is a crucial component in metal fabrication processes, including brazing, soldering, and flame-hardening.
3. Chemical Synthesis: Acetylene serves as a feedstock for the production of various chemicals, including vinyl chloride (used in PVC production), acrylonitrile (used in synthetic fibers), and other organic compounds.
4. Carbide Lamps: Before electric lighting became widespread, acetylene gas was used in carbide lamps for illumination in mining, caving, and outdoor activities.
5. Heating and Hardening: Acetylene can be used in heating and hardening processes in industries like metallurgy and blacksmithing.
6. Thermal Spraying: Acetylene is used in thermal spray applications, where it is mixed with oxygen and sprayed onto a surface to create a protective or decorative coating.
7. Portable Lighting: In some situations where electrical lighting is not available or feasible, portable acetylene lamps are used for temporary lighting.
8. Medical and Dental Industry: Acetylene has been used in the past in medical and dental procedures, particularly in dental surgery, though it has largely been replaced by more modern technologies.
9. Environmental Monitoring: Acetylene is sometimes used in environmental monitoring, particularly in flame ionization detectors (FIDs) which are used to measure hydrocarbon concentrations.
10. Laboratory Applications: Acetylene can find applications in laboratories for purposes like gas chromatography or as a fuel in certain experimental setups.