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May,
2001 -- Acetylene Cylinder Safety
Acetylene
is a highly flammable and unstable gas, even at low pressure. Increased
pressure and temperature increases the hazards. To stabilize acetylene
for safe storage, cylinders are filled with a porous material in
which a solvent, usually acetone, is absorbed. The purpose of the
porous filling material is to absorb and dissipate heat which may
otherwise lead to a chain-reaction of acetylene gas decomposition.
Acetylene gas is absorbed by the solvent and released when the cylinder
valve is opened.
Owing
to the unique construction of acetylene cylinders and the physical
properties of acetylene gas, the following precautions (many of
which apply to all cylinder gases) should always be observed:
-
Do not attempt to transfill acetylene from one container to another.
- Do
not attempt to repair a leaking cylinder.
-
Do not attempt to modify a cylinder or its components.
-
Do not adapt a cylinder valve outlet to fit dispensing equipment
without first obtaining the advice of your supplier.
-
Do not subject cylinders to rough handling or excessive heat or
store or use cylinders where they are likely to be struck by moving
objects, hot slag, etc.
- Do
not attempt to increase downstream gas pressure above 15 psig.
-
Do read and thoroughly understand your suppliers' Material Safety
Data Sheet, equipment operating instructions, cylinder decal precautions,
and similar literature prior to handling cylinders or using acetylene.
-
Do notify your supplier of any unusual conditions observed (leaks,
arc burns on cylinders, etc).
-
Do use only equipment designed and approved for acetylene gas
service.
-
Do properly secure cylinders against falling.
-
Do use and store acetylene cylinders with adequate ventilation.
Important:
This
information is offered by the National Welding Supply Association
and your local distributor as general guidance only and may
not explain all relevant safety precautions or hazards
Mike
Lopez, NWSA Safety
Consultant
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© 2000 Prest-O-Sales & Service, Inc.
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