Acetylene (C2H2)
Acetylene is a colorless and tasteless gas with a garlic-like odor. It also the hottest and most efficient of all fuel gases, providing high levels of productivity due to effective, localized heating with a minimum of thermal waste.
In our industry, acetylene is primarily used for Oxy-Fuel cutting and welding. Keen offers acetylene in bulk and single cylinder units. In order to prevent explosive decomposition, acetylene is supplied in cylinders filled with a porous mass packing material that is saturated with acetone or other suitable solvent in which the acetylene is actually dissolved. The specifications shown are on a solvent free basis.
The specifications for acetylene are found in the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlet G-1.1. Grade D is considered commercial acetylene.
Units in ppm (v/v) unless shown otherwise
| Limiting Characteristics | CGA G-1.1 Grade D | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Acetylene minimum, %9898.8 | 98 | 98.8 |
| Phosphine | 50 | .04% |
| Arsine | 50 | None |
| Hydrogen Sulfide | 50 | None |
| Total Sulfur (calculated as H2S) | - | .006% |
| Chlorine (combined) | - | None |
| Oxygen | - | .01 - .1% |
| Nitrogen | - | .02 - .2% |
| Hydrogen | - | Trace |
| Methane | - | Trace |
| Ammonia | - | None |
| Stibine | - | .0007% |
Certain acetylene plants do not purify the generated acetylene since for most purposes there is no demand for high purity acetylene.