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GAS SUPPLIES AND GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ACETYLENE Product name

Formula

Acetylene

Hazard class

C2H2

Flammable gas

Appearance and odour

IMDG code

Pure acetylene is a colourless gas with an ethereal odour Commercial (carbide)acetylene has a distinctive garlic-like odour Specific gravity (Air=1)

2.1 Substance Identification

0.906 (Lighter than air)

UN-1001

FLammable limits % by volume

Extinguishing media

CO2. Dry chemical

LEL 2.2 UEL 80-85

Unusual fire and explosion hazard

Gaseous Acetylene is spontaneously combustible in air at pressure above 2,0 BAR. It requires a very low ignition energy so that fires which have been extinguished without stopping the flow of gas can easily reignite with possible explosive force. Acetylene has a density very similar to that of air so when leaking it does not readily dissipate. Pure Acetylene can ignite by decomposition above 2.0 BAR, therefore, the UEL is 100% if the ignition source is of sufficient intensity.

Cylinder characteristics

Acetylene (Dissolved in a solvent supported in a porous medium) Colour: Maroon. Cylinder Outlet Size Connection

Nominal Contents (cu. Metres) (See note 1.)

Nominal Wt. Of Gas (kg) (See note 1.)

Approx. Approx.

Dimensions Cylinder Wt.

(mm) (kg) (See note 2.) (See note 3.)

A-5

G 3/4” BSP

0.7

0.8

140 x 620

14

A-40

G 3/4” BSP

5.6

6.2

230 x 1360

67

Note:

1. Actual contents and weight of gas in individual cylinders will vary about the nominal contents and weight of gas indicated. 2. The length includes an allowance of 70mm for a top outlet valve.

5.02

524

3. The approximate cylinder weight includes cylinder, valve and neck-ring. The approximate weight of a full cylinder is obtained by adding the nominal weight of contained gas to this figure. Greater weights may be found among cylinders manufactured to older standards.