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Why is acetylene gas cylinder for gas welding to be erected in
upright position?
Acetylene gas is commonly used for gas welding because of its simplicity in production and transportation and its
ability to achieve high temperature in combustion (e.g. around 5,000
o
F).
Acetylene is highly unstable and flammable and would explode in elevated pressure when reacting with oxygen in
air. Storing acetylene gas in cylinders under pressure is very dangerous. Gas acetylene used for welding
purposes is stored in cylinders of liquid acetone contained in porous material (like firebrick). This is for cooling
purpose in the event of thermal decomposition and to ensure that there is no free space left for acetylene gas. It
also prevents the formation of high-pressure air pockets inside the cylinder. Dissolved acetylene in acetone will no
longer be in contact with oxygen and is not subject to decomposition. Acetone is used because it is capable of
dissolving large amount of acetylene gas under pressure without changing the nature of the gas.
The cylinders for gas welding i.e. oxygen cylinders and acetylene cylinders, when not in use should be stored
separately because any mixture of these gases resulting from accidental leakage can be highly explosive. When
in use, acetylene cylinders should always be kept in upright position. Otherwise, acetone liquid will be drawn from
the cylinders with the gas if they are kept horizontally, resulting in significant leakage of acetone liquid will result.
Note: Oxygen and acetylene gas cylinders are commonly used in construction sites for gas welding.
This question is taken from book named A Self Learning Manual Mastering Different Fields of Civil
Engineering Works (VC-Q-A-Method) by Vincent T. H. CHU.