Acetylene

A large percentage of the acetylene production of the United States is used for chemical synthesis. It is possible to use acetylene for an almost infinite number of organic chemical syntheses.

Nevertheless, acetylene has come into increasing prominence as the raw material for a whole series of organic compounds, among them acetaldehyde, acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and acetone. These compounds may in turn be used to produce a diverse group of products including plastics, synthetic rubber, dyestuffs, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. Acetylene is also utilized to manufacture carbon black.

The remaining acetylene production is principally used for oxy-acetylene welding; cutting, heat-treating, etc. Small amounts are utilized for lighting purposes in buoys, beacons, and similar devices. Acetylene is classified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as a flammable compressed gas, and as such it must be shipped in steel cylinders manufactured to specification DOT-8 or DOT-8AL. In Canada cylinders in which acetylene is shipped must comply with the requirements of the Canadian Transport Commission (CTC).

Acetylene is available in cylinders having capacities from 10 to 1300 cubic feet.

In storing acetylene cylinders the user should comply with all local, state, municipal regulations, and with the Standards of the National Fire Protection Association.