ACETYLENE PLANT

[gasoxsrl]

Hello everyone,

I have been recently been given the task to re-commission an old acetylene plant that has been shut down for many years. I am a chemical engineer but have no experience with acetylene so i am struggling a bit. I would very much appreciate it if you could help me out with the following questions:

The method which will be used to get acetylene is the reaction of calcium carbide with water in a "wet" process or "carbide to water"

1) I have read different things as to what the maximum filling pressure for the cylinders is. Most sources say 250 PSI but I have also come across some that indicate 350 PSI and some even went up to 500 PSI. Does anyone know what the correct pressure would be from experience?

2) The generator I am working with has a capacity of 530 Gallons. I have worked out the theoretical yield of acetylene but have not found any literature on what the actual yield is. Does anyone know from experience what this ratio is?

3) The compressor that came with the plant was no longer usable and has been discarded. What is my best option to replace it? What are the suction and discharge pressures? Is it ABSOLUTELY necessary that the compressor be submerged under water?

I would really appreciate any information you guys might have regarding my questions.

Thanks a lot!

 

[LittleInch]

Hmmm,

"but have no experience with acetylene "

I don't know very much about acetylene other than it is extremely hazardous -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1LwYJ8pDhc

From the information given I don't think anyone can offer any reasonable advise other than don't do it and employ competent engineers who know and understand the reactions, dangers and issues with this substance.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[chicopee]

OSHA 1910 has safety regulations on acetylene generators so read it carefully.

 

[Gator]

What LittleInch said. Of course, you could always drop by your local welding supply store / industrial gas supplier and ask them some questions about acetylene.

 

[btrueblood]

Worse than exploding when mixed with oxygen, it can also decompose rather energetically/explosively if pressurized above about 29 psi and subjected to certain conditions of heat, shock, and/or catalysts. Read

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetylene#Safety_and_handling

After reading that, I would be damn cautious about purchasing a compressor for use with acetylene.

 

[Gator]

I think BT is referring to possible "extremely rapid, unplanned, disorganized, unwanted, audio-intensive disassembly of man-made and natural objects".

 

[gasoxsrl]

I appreciate the input. Thank you!