Many people do not know that acetylene cylinders are constructed differently than regular compressed gas cylinders. They contain a porous material and acetone, in which the gas dissolves and becomes practically stable. The porous filler absorbs the acetone and eliminates large voids in which decomposition might occur. Store and use these cylinders in an upright position to prevent the loss of acetone. Do NOT withdraw acetylene from a cylinder or manifold at a rate in excess of one-seventh of the total cylinder capacity per hour. Provide additional cylinders or portable manifolds if needed to supply higher demand without exceeding this rate.
Information obtained from FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 7-50, COMPRESSED GASES IN CYLINDERS, which can be downloaded for FREE at www.fmglobal.com