Acetylene is a fuel gas that brings numerous benefits to the long-term user. Among other notable advantages, acetylene has the lowest oxygen-volume ratio when compared to propylene and propane. Acetylene produces the highest flame temperature of any fuel gas and is generally more flexible and easier to use in welding and cutting than alternative fuels.
Supply Options
Bulk Acetylene
Western International is the premier supplier of high purity bulk acetylene. Bulk acetylene is a safe, environmentally friendly solution for your important cutting and welding supply needs and chemical feedstock applications. Bulk acetylene customers enjoy numerous benefits, including increased labor efficiency and reduced labor costs involved in handling and changing cylinders. Our customized, expanded capacity trailers carry more than 100,000 cubic feet of acetylene, enabling us to deliver between 250,000 to 100 million cubic feet of acetylene each month.
Acetylene Micro Bulk Packs
Pallet-ready Micro Bulk Packs are a convenient and
cost-effective source of high-purity acetylene for
cutting, welding and more.
benefits of bulk acetylene in an easy-to-transport,
easy-to-store, easy-to-use pre-packaged system.
- Increased Capacity
Each pack contains approximately 4500 ft3 of acetylene. They can deliver 300 ft3/hour of acetylene on a continuous basis, providing increased capacity for applications that historically required the use of other fuel gases. - Reduced Labor
Each pack can be moved by forklift or a lifting eye. Customers no longer have to “roll” cylinders to their applications. By using Micro Bulk Packs, customers have been able to reduce labor and handling of cylinders by 80%. - Ease of Transport
Each pack can be transported on a standard cylinder trailer thereby reducing distribution expenses. - Ease of Use
Because the cylinders are in a manifold, users only have one connection to “make and break.” - Safety
These cylinders are fully approved by the DOT and meet all safety requirements and regulations of the CGA.
Click here for more information on Micro Bulk
Acetylene Cylinders
Western fills gas cylinders for welding industry majors and distributors providing a cost-effective acetylene solution that enables customers to focus on sales and service.
| Notes: |
| – Standard tapping is 3/4″-14 NGT except MC and B, which are tapped for 3/8″ valve. |
| – All Models except MC and B are equipped for valve protection cap. |
| – Tare weight includes the shell, filler, solvent, paint, saturation gas, valve and fuse plugs. Does not include the cap weight of 2 lb (0.91 kg) |
| – Cylinder Capacities are based on commercially pure acetylene gas at 250 psi (17.24bar) and 70 degrees F (21 degrees C). |
Acetylene Shipping Data
| Chemical Symbol C2H2 Synonyms Ethine, Ethyne CAS Registry Number 74-86-2 DOT Proper Shipping Name Acetylene, Dissolved DOT Classification 2.1 (Flammable Gas) DOT Label FLAMMABLE GAS | TC Shipping Name Acetylene, Dissolved TC Classification 2.1 TC Label FLAMMABLE GAS UN Number UN 1001 |
Physical Properties
| US Units | SI Units | |
| Chemical formula | C2H2 | C2H2 |
| Molecular weight | 26.04 | 26.04 |
| Vapor pressure at 70°F (21.1°C) | 635 psig | 4378 kPa |
| Density of the gas at 32°F (0°C) and 1 atm | 0.07314 lb/ft3 | 1.1716 kg/m3 |
| Specific gravity of the gas at 32°F and 1 atm (air=1) | 0.906 | 0.906 |
| Specific volume of the gasa at 70°F (21.1°C) and 1 atm | 14.7 ft3/lb | 0.918 m3/kg |
| Specific gravity of the liquid at -112°F (-80.0°C) | 0.613 | 0.613 |
| Density of the liquid at 70°F (21.1°C) | 24.0 lb/ft3 | 384 kg/m3 |
| Boiling point at 10 psigb (69 kPa) | -103.4°F | -75.2°C |
| Melting point at 10 psigb (69 kPa) | -116°F | -82.2° |
| Critical temperature | 96.8°F | 36.0°C |
| Critical pressure | 907 psia | 6254 kPa, abs |
| Critical density | 14.4 lb/ft3 | 231 kg/m3 |
| Triple point | -116°F at 17.7 psig | -82.2°C at 122 kPa,abs |
| Latent heat of vaporization at triple point | 264 Btu/lb | 614 kJ/kg |
| Latent heat of fusion at -114.7°F (-81.5°C) | 41.56 Btu/lb | 96.67 kJ/kg |
| Specific heat of the gas at 60°F (15.6°C) and 1 atm | ||
| Cp | 0.383 Btu/(lb)(°F) | 1.60 kJ/(kg)(°C) |
| Cv | 0.304 Btu/(lb)(°F) | 1.27 kJ/(kg)(°C) |
| Ratio of specific heats | 1.26 | 1.26 |
| Solubility in water vol/vol at 60°F (15.6°C) | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| Specific volume of the gas at 60°F (15.6°C) and 1 atm | 14.5 ft3/lb | 0.905 m3/kg |
| Solubility in water, vol/vol at 32°F (0°C) and 1 atm | 1.7 | 1.7 |
a Based on 1.171 g/liter at 32°F (0°C) and 1 atm
b Reported at 10 psig (69 kPa) instead of at 1 atm because at 1 atm, acetylene sublimes directly from the solid to the gaseous state without entering the liquid state. Its sublimation point at 1 atm is -118°F (-83.3°C).
Acetylene Fill Technology
Western International’s patented acetylene fill and supply systems are dramatically different from conventional ones. Specially designed by our development team, Western’s acetylene technology allows for the highest practical reliability and fill efficiency at the lowest possible production costs. Read more