Acetylene

Question 1

When acetylene begins to decompose what two constituent elements does it break down into?

Answer 1

Hydrogen and Carbon

Question 2

Why is acetylene a hazard if involved in a fire?

Answer 2

It’s decomposes when exposed to extreme heat. This process itself produces heat (exothermic) meaning it can continue to decompose and produce heat after the fire has been extinguished

Question 3

How can acetylene be identified at an incident?

Answer 3

Maroon coloured cylinders
Labels marking it out as acetylene

Question 4

What are the flammable limits of acetylene?

Answer 4

Between 2.5% and 80%

Question 5

What are the hazards if an acetylene cylinder fails due to decomposition?

Answer 5

Explosion with a fireball up to 25m
Cylinder can be thrown up to 150m
Sharper from the cylinder can be thrown up to 200m

Question 6

Operationally, how long should an acetylene cylinder be cooled for during the cooling phase?

Answer 6

1 hour

Question 7

Operationally - How do you test the acetylene cylinder is cooled sufficiently during the cooling phase?

Answer 7

Interrupt cooling. Apply water and observe if it stays or steams off.

Question 8

Operationally - how long should the monitoring phase last for?

Answer 8

Checks every 15 mins for one hour.

Question 9

Acetylene at realistic fill pressures has to reach what temperature, approx, to initiate decomposition

Answer 9

300 degrees

Question 10

Acetylene cylinders differ from other compressed gas cylinders in that they contain a filler material, known as a porous mass. They also contain a solvent which the acetylene dissolves into and is held by it in a stable condition. What typically is the solvent

Answer 10

Acetone

Question 11

Acetylene is naturally odourless but industrial impurities can lead to a smell of that?

Answer 11

Garlic

Question 12

Acetylene is slightly heavier than air, true or false?

Answer 12

False. It’s lighter

Question 13

Some of the hazards with acetylene are?

Answer 13

It is highly flammable
In low concentrations, it may bring on similar effects to narcotics
In high concentrations, it may lead to asphyxiation

Question 14

If the cylinder is leaking what advice does the flow chart give?

Answer 14

Do not move the cylinder
Allow it to vent safely
Consider protecting the surrounding risks with water

Question 15

Acetylene is slightly heavier than air, true or false?

Answer 15

False

Question 16

Acetylene at realistic fill pressures has to reach what temperature, approx, to initiate decomposition?

Answer 16

300 degrees