Acetylene (C2H2)
Acetylene is a highly flammable gaseous hydrocarbon. It is colourless, unstable and highly combustible with a strong garlic odour. Used in welding and the manufacture of chemicals, this gas produces a very hot flame (over 3000°C or 5400°F) when combined with oxygen.
It is a very unstable compound and decomposes with ignition within a wide range of pressures and temperatures, for this reason acetylene is shipped as a stabilized solution under pressure and dissolved in acetone.
Warnings:
- Heating may cause an explosion.
- Explosive with or without contact with air.
- Extremely flammable.
Be safe:
- Do not discharge the acetylene cylinder at pressures above 15 psig (103kpa).
- Do not empty the cylinder below 5 psig.
- Recommended for atomic absorption.
- Keep container in well ventilated place.
- Keep away from source of ignition.
- Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
|
Properties |
U.S. Units |
S.I. Units |
|
Chemical formula |
C2H2 |
C2H2 |
|
Molecular weight |
26.04 |
26.04 |
|
Density of the gas at 70°F(21.1°C) and 1atm. |
0.069 lb/ft3 |
1.107kg/m3 |
|
Specific gravity of the gas 70°F (21.1°C) and 1 atm (air = 1) |
0.91 |
0.91 |
|
Specific volume of the gas 70°F (21.1°C) and 1 atm |
14.7 ft3/lb |
0.918 m3/kg |
|
Density of the liquid saturated at 70°F (21.1°C) |
24.0 lb/ft3 |
384 kg/m3 |
|
Melting point at 10psig (170 kpa abs) |
-116°F |
-82.2°C |
|
Critical temperature |
96.8°F |
36.0°C |
|
Critical pressure |
907 psia |
6254 KPa, abs |
|
Critical density |
14.4 lb/ft3 |
231 kg/m3 |
|
Boiling point at 10psig (170 kpa abs) |
-103°F |
-75.0°C |
|
Vapour pressure at 70°F (21.1°C) |
635 psig |
4378 kPa |
|
Solubility in water vol/vol at 32°F(0°C)& 1 atm. |
1.72 |
1.72 |
|
Industry |
Usage |
|
Metal fabrication |
Oxygen cutting welding and brazing |
|
Glass |
Lubrication of bottle production molds |
|
Chemical |
Industrial and chemical synthesis |
|
Atomic |
Fuel for atomic absorption instruments |
|
Paper |
Paper pulp bleaching |
|
Other applications |
Water purification, odour control, tea, fermentation |
|
Grade |
Cylinder Type |
Pressure (Barg) |
|
2.5 (Purity > 99.5%) |
40L |
17.2 |