What do you know about acetylene?

Acetylene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H2, commonly known as wind coal or calcium carbide gas. It is the smallest member of the alkyne compounds. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure. It is slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, acetone, chloroform, benzene, and miscible in ether. It is one of the important raw materials for organic synthesis and a monomer for synthetic rubber, synthetic fibers and plastics. It can also be used for oxyacetylene welding and cutting.

There is a risk of violent explosion in liquid and solid states, or in gaseous states and under a certain pressure. Heat, vibration, electric sparks and other factors can cause explosions. Therefore, it cannot be stored or transported after being pressurized and liquefied. Therefore, in industry, acetylene is pressed into a steel cylinder filled with porous materials such as asbestos to allow the porous materials to absorb acetone for storage and transportation. To distinguish it from other gases, the color of acetylene steel cylinders is generally milky white, rubber gas pipes are generally black, and the threads of acetylene pipelines are generally left-handed threads (there are radial discontinuous grooves on the nut).

Acetylene is chemically very active, so special care is required when operating it. First, it needs to be operated in a closed environment with full ventilation. Operators must be specially trained and strictly abide by the operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear anti-static work clothes. Secondly, it is necessary to stay away from fire and heat sources, and smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Also, explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment should be used. Prevent gas leakage into the workplace air. Avoid contact with oxidants, acids, and halogens. In addition, during the transportation process, cylinders and containers must be grounded and cross-connected to prevent static electricity. When handling, load and unload gently to prevent damage to cylinders and accessories. Equip with appropriate types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment.

If leakage occurs accidentally, first of all, personnel in the leakage contaminated area should be quickly evacuated to the upwind area, isolated, strictly restricted from entering and leaving, and away from fire sources. It is recommended that emergency response personnel wear self-contained positive pressure respirators and anti-static work clothes. Secondly, the source of leakage should be cut off as much as possible. Reasonable ventilation will accelerate diffusion, and spray water to dilute and dissolve. It is also necessary to build dikes or dig pits to accommodate the large amount of wastewater generated. If possible, the leaked gas should be sent to an open area with an exhaust fan or burned with an appropriate nozzle. Leaking containers should be properly handled and used after repair and inspection.