Acetylene Industrial Gases
Description
Acetylene is a colorless gas with the chemical composition HC=CH. It is primarily used in welding and flame cutting of metals and in the production of various chemicals. Acetylene is nearly gaseous carbon, containing 92.3% carbon. When pure, it has a sweet odor, but impurities like hydrogen sulfide can give it a disagreeable smell. It is marketed in compressed cylinders, dissolved in acetone to prevent explosiveness.
Working Principle
Acetylene works by burning brightly in air, and when mixed with oxygen, it forms oxyacetylene, which can reach temperatures of 6332°F (3500°C). This high temperature makes it effective for cutting and welding metals. Acetylene is generated through the action of water on calcium carbide or through the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons, mainly methane. It is also recovered from ethylene feedstock before polymerization. Its ability to produce high temperatures and its solubility in water, alcohol, or acetone make it a versatile industrial gas.
Applications
Acetylene is extensively used in the synthesis of industrial chemicals such as vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, polyvinylpyrrolidone, trichloroethylene, and acetic acid. It is also used in the production of acetylenic alcohols and diols, which are utilized in metal pickling and plating, as well as in the manufacture of agricultural chemicals, polyesters, and vinyl esters. In the welding industry, acetylene is used in oxyacetylene torches for cutting steel and welding iron, producing a flame as hot as 6300°F.
Advantages over other Industrial Gases
Acetylene offers the advantage of producing extremely high temperatures when combined with oxygen, which is beneficial for welding and cutting applications. This makes it more effective than other gases that do not reach such high temperatures. Additionally, its solubility in various solvents and its ability to be stored safely in acetone make it a practical choice for industrial use.
Limitations
One of the primary limitations of acetylene is its explosive nature, especially when mixed with air in certain proportions. This requires careful handling and storage to ensure safety. Additionally, acetylene is more expensive than some other industrial gases, which can be a consideration for cost-sensitive applications.
Considerations
When considering the use of acetylene, it is important to account for initial costs, which can be higher due to its explosive nature and the need for specialized storage solutions. Operating expenses may also be higher compared to other gases. Durability and accuracy in applications like welding depend on proper handling and equipment maintenance. Replacement and maintenance costs can be significant, especially if safety protocols are not strictly followed.
from Restek
Our high-quality air monitoring gas calibration standards are provided by Spectra/Linde and Scott/Air Liquide —meeting lab requirements for two separate sources of calibration standards. [See More]
- Industrial Gases: Acetylene; Butane; Ethane; Ethylene; Propane; Propylene; Acetylene , Benzene, n-Butane, 1-Butene, cis-2-Butene, trans-2-Butene, Cyclohexane, Cyclopentane, n-Decane, m-Diethylbenzene, and More
- Composition: Mixture
- Application / Function: Calibration Gas / Gas Standard
- Product Form: Bulk Gaseous
from Linde North America, Inc.
Constant monitoring through various analytical procedures ensures that the pure gases you receive meet the minimum purity levels specified by Linde, and of course your exact specifications. In addition to our standard catalogue products, many gases of higher purity are available on special order. [See More]
- Industrial Gases: Acetylene
- Concentration: 99.8
- Composition: Pure
- Product Form: Bulk Gaseous
from Restek
Each available in three varying concentrations. Mini-regulator designed specially for these standards. Available in three mixes with varying C5 unsaturates or extended C6+ components. Concentration: mole. Volume: 4.9L @ 60psig. DCG Partnership Cylinders: Size: 7.6 x 24cm. CGA-170/110 connection. US... [See More]
- Industrial Gases: Hydrogen; Nitrogen; Carbon dioxide; Carbon Monoxide; Argon; Acetylene; Butane; Ethane; Ethylene; Methane; Propane; Propylene; Propadiene, Cyclopropane, Isobutylene, 1,3 Butadiene, cis-2-Butene, trans-2-Butene, 1-Butene, 2-Methyl-2-butene, and More
- Composition: Mixture
- Application / Function: Calibration Gas / Gas Standard
- Concentration: 0.1000 to 37.2
from Linde North America, Inc.
The hottest and most efficient of all fuel gases, acetylene (C2H2) provides high levels of productivity thanks to good localised heating with a minimum of thermal waste. It also requires the least amount of oxygen to ensure complete combustion. This flammable, colourless gas is lighter than air so... [See More]
- Industrial Gases: Acetylene
- Product Form: Bulk Gaseous
- Application / Function: Specialty Application; Heating, Flame Gouging, Welding, Flame Hardening, Flame Cleaning, Flame Straightening, Thermal Spraying, Spot-heating, Brazing, Texturing and More
- Supply Options: Cylinder Gaseous
from Linde North America, Inc.
Linde has been a quality supplier of Medical Gases, mixtures and equipment for over 50 years. Linde supplies a full line of gases for therapy, calibration, biological culture growth and various diagnostic testing requirements. Our wide range of medical gases and mixtures encompasses both in vivo... [See More]
- Industrial Gases: Nitrogen; Oxygen; Carbon Monoxide; Neon; Acetylene
- Composition: Mixture
- Application / Function: Pharmaceutical / Medical
- Concentration: 0.3900 to 21