Storage of Dissolved Acetylene in Cylinders

Acetylene can only be stored in a gaseous state. The supply as liquefied gas, as with air gases (argon, nitrogen, oxygen and the like), is ruled out due to the very high risk of explosion. 

The solvent plays the main role in the safety system acetylene cylinder , in which acetylene can be dissolved under pressure. Two solvents, which are comparable regarding their protective properties in acetylene cylinders, are used world wide - acetone and Dimethyl Formamide (DMF). 

Due to the differences in vapor pressure and dissolving power for acetylene, acetone can be favorably applied in climate zones with summer and winter. DMF should be used in warmer climate zones, where temperatures remain considerably above freezing all the year round. The reason for this lies in the higher dissolving power of DMF for acetylene at lower temperatures. 

DMF is detrimental to health and as a liquid can be absorbed through the skin. When handling these two solvents, the respective rules of conduct contained in the safety specihcations, laws and rules and regulations must be observed. 

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