Acetylene (C2H2)

Learn all about acetylene (C2H2) and find the right gas detection system for acetylene monitoring.

Acetylene (C2H2) and its properties

Acetylene (C2H2)aAs a colourless, flammable gas, acetylene (C₂H₂) is an important component in many industrial applications. Due to its very high flame temperature, it is often used for cutting and welding. It is also an essential raw material for the production of plastics, dyes and other chemical compounds. Acetylene must be handled with care because, in certain concentrations, it forms explosive mixtures with air.

Gasmessfühler

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limit values

Lower explosion limit (LEL) 2.3 vol. – %

Pre-alarm 20% LEL (0.23 vol. – %)
Main alarm 40% LEL (0.46 vol. – %)

EU workplace exposure limits (BOELV)

Relative gas density 0.899
ceiling installation

Gasmerkmale

Farbe: Acetylen kann nicht gesehen werden; es ist ein unsichtbares Gas.
Geruch: Unbemerkt; lediglich in grossen Mengen kann es einen Hauch von Süsse verströmen.
Flammable: Acetylene is highly flammable and burns with an extremely high flame temperature of up to 3,200°C.
Density: The gas is lighter than air; it rises upwards as soon as it escapes.
Solubility: To facilitate handling, acetylene is often dissolved in acetone.
Reactivity: Acetylene reacts with numerous substances, making it a useful but also dangerous material.
Explosion hazard: May form explosive mixtures with air, especially at elevated pressure.
Application: Primarily for welding, cutting and in the chemical industry.

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DANGERS

Explosion hazard: Acetylene combines with air to form explosive mixtures, especially when the pressure exceeds 1 bar.
High calorific value: The combustion of acetylene generates extremely high temperatures (up to 3,200°C), which poses a fire hazard.
Reactivity: Acetylene reacts quickly with many substances, especially oxidising agents, which can result in dangerous reactions.
Pressure hazard: When enclosed in cylinders and in a gaseous state, high pressure can cause an explosion if not handled or stored correctly.
Acetylene gas dissolved in acetone: If it is not stored correctly or if it is damaged, dissolved gases can escape and cause an explosion.
Toxicity at high concentrations: Acetylene can cause suffocation at high concentrations by displacing oxygen.
Risk of cold injury: Rapid gas leakage from acetylene cylinders can cause their temperature to drop significantly and result in frostbite.

HIGH-RISK SCENARIOS

Fire hazard due to high flame temperature: The combustion of acetylene, whose flame temperature reaches up to 3,200°C, can cause serious fires. During welding and cutting processes in particular, there is a risk of sparks flying onto combustible materials.
Reactive explosion upon contact with oxidising agents: Acetylene reacts extremely violently with oxidising substances such as chlorine or bromine. Contact can trigger an exothermic reaction, leading to an explosion.
Risk of suffocation due to oxygen displacement: In rooms with inadequate ventilation, acetylene can displace oxygen, which is particularly dangerous in higher concentrations.
Risk of suffocation due to oxygen displacement: In rooms with inadequate ventilation, there is a risk of liquid gas or gas leakage: Acetylene can escape quickly in the event of a leak and accumulate in poorly ventilated rooms. An ignition source could then trigger an explosion. Acetylene can displace oxygen, which is particularly dangerous in higher concentrations.
Risk of cold and frostbite: When gas escapes rapidly, acetylene cylinders can cool down significantly and cause frostbite on skin contact.

Health risks and handling of acetylene

Konzentration

Konzentration	Symptome/folgen
Less than 2.5% acetylene	Secure area
2.5% – 100% acetylene in air	Explosive concentrations in air
> 10% acetylene in air	risk of suffocation

Konzentrationstabelle nur im Querformat sichtbar.

Erste Hilfe

1. Let air in:

Immediately remove the affected person from the danger zone to a well-ventilated area, ideally in the fresh air.

2. Control your breathing:

Check whether the person is still breathing. If not, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately.

3. Artificial respiration:

If the person can breathe but not independently, artificial respiration is required.

4. Call a doctor:

Regardless of how severe the poisoning is, call the emergency services immediately or take the person to hospital.

5. Keep calm:

To avoid additional strain from stress or physical activity, the affected person should remain calm.

6. Warmth and protection:

If the person shows signs of shock (such as pale skin or cold sweat), it is important to keep them warm and calm.

Bei Unbeabsichtigter Freisetzung

1. Secure the danger zone and carry out evacuation

Evacuate the affected area immediately and ensure that there are no sources of ignition nearby.

2. Ensure air supply

Ventilate the area well to dilute the gas. Opening windows or switching on ventilation systems is ideal, but do not use mechanical devices that could generate sparks.

3. Stop the gas supply

If it is safe to do so, shut off the gas supply by closing the valve or isolating the system.

4. Avoid sparking

Switch off all electrical devices that could generate sparks immediately. Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited.

5. Preventing the risk of explosion

Acetylene is explosive at concentrations of 2.5 to 100 vol.% in air; therefore, it is important to avoid the area until the gas concentration has been reduced to a safe level.