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System Maintenance
Maintaining the acetylene supply
Warning: Acetylene – Explosion Hazard
Acetylene can decompose explosively at pressures higher than
103 kPa / 1.03 bar / 15 psig.
Always make sure that the acetylene outlet gauge pressure is below this
value.
You should depressurize both the fuel and oxidant gas hoses at the end of the
working day or if you are not going to use the instrument for an extended
period. Close the cylinder valves to avoid the possibility of gas hoses being
subjected to the full cylinder pressure in the event that a pressure regulator
should fail.
Acetylene is supplied dissolved in a solvent such as acetone, and a small
amount of solvent carryover with the acetylene is normal. However, as tank
pressure falls, the relative amount of solvent entering the gas stream increases
and can give erratic results, particularly for elements such as calcium, tin,
chromium, molybdenum and others whose sensitivity is highly dependent on
the fuel:oxidant ratio.The pressure drop is not linear with gas removal since
the acetylene is dissolved in a solvent, and a pressure of 600 kPa (6 bar;
85 psig) at ambient temperature indicates that the cylinder is nearly empty.
For this reason, replace acetylene cylinders when the cylinder pressure drops
to about 600 kPa (6 bar; 85 psig).
Always store and use acetylene cylinders vertically, rather than horizontally,
to prevent liquid acetone from reaching the cylinder valve.
The practice of 'cracking the valve' of an acetylene tank (that is, opening the
valve slightly for a very short period previous to attaching the regulator) is not
recommended. While such an action will clear the valve opening of dust or
dirt particles and may remove acetone from the cylinder valve, it is a
potentially hazardous practice and one which should never be attempted in the
presence of an open flame, sparks or other possible sources of ignition.
4-14
W5.7
0993-5255
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