Acetylene is a colorless, non-toxic, mildly anaesthetic gas. It is odourless in its pure state, but ordinary commercial grades contain traces of impurities that give the gas a garlic-like odour.
Acetylene is manufactured through a reaction between calcium carbide and water.
Benefits
Oxygen and acetylene together produce a flame temperature of approximately 3150°C
The oxy-acetylene flame gives very good localised heating with a minimum of wasted heat
In cutting, oxy-acetylene gives the fastest preheating and piercing times of any fuel gas combination
In oxy-acetylene cutting processes, improved cut quality, higher cutting speed, faster cut initiation time and reduced oxygen use are achieved
When used with either oxygen or air, acetylene can produce a thin layer of black carbon particles. This can prevent components sticking in their moulds.
Unused gas will not collect in low-lying areas, ducts and drains causing a potential hazard.
The flame has a low moisture content making it a good choice for many critical heating applications.
Acetylene is widely used in oxyfuel applications. Examples of applications are; welding, cutting, soldering/brazing, flame heating, flame straightening, flame spraying, flame cleaning.
