Acetylene gas

With the hottest flame and highest efficiency of all fuel gases, acetylene is ideal for a variety of industrial applications

Categories Acetylene@2X

What is acetylene gas?

Acetylene gas is a hydrocarbon fuel gas chemically known as C2H2. It is distinct for producing a concentrated flame temperature exceeding 3,000°C when combined with oxygen. This unique thermal property makes it one of the most efficient options for heavy industrial tasks requiring rapid, localised heating and fast piercing times.

Coregas produces both industrial and instrument-grade acetylene gas in Australia, which we manufacture to the highest standards.

Industrial uses of oxy-acetylene

Industrial acetylene is used in a wide variety of applications, including:

  • flame straightening
  • heating
  • hardening and cleaning
  • oxy-acetylene cutting
  • thermal spraying
  • welding
  • gouging
  • brazing

Oxy-acetylene setups remain the preferred choice for manual operations on steel due to their versatility. The process enables operators to switch between cutting and welding by simply changing the torch attachment.

During welding, the flame creates a reducing zone that cleans the metal surface. In some applications, this can reduce the need for additional flux when working with carbon steel. This contributes to cleaner welds and can help minimise distortion in thinner materials. Aluminium welding, however, typically requires specific techniques or flux depending on the process used.

Uses for instrument-grade acetylene gas

Instrument-grade acetylene gas is primarily used in atomic absorption flame spectrometers. This application requires a low background noise level to ensure precise elemental analysis. We rigorously test our instrument-grade products to eliminate impurities that could compromise sensitive laboratory readings.

By choosing our extensive range of gases, laboratories benefit from certified quality assurance that aligns with stringent accreditation requirements.

Choosing the right industrial acetylene solution

Selecting the right industrial acetylene solution depends on the type of work, expected gas usage and the equipment required for safe, efficient operation. To help determine the most suitable option, consider the following factors:

  • Application type — Identify whether the acetylene gas will be used for welding, cutting, brazing, heating or a combination of tasks, as this affects gas demand and setup requirements.

  • Usage volume — Consider how often the gas will be used and at what flow rate. Occasional repair work may require only a smaller cylinder, while continuous industrial processes often require a larger supply.

  • Worksite conditions — Think about whether the gas will be used in a fixed workshop, on a mobile job site or across multiple locations, as portability and accessibility can influence the best supply option.

  • Equipment compatibility — Ensure the cylinder and gas setup are suitable for the torches, regulators and safety devices being used in your operation.

  • Safety requirements — Choose a solution that supports safe storage, handling and withdrawal rates, particularly for high-demand applications where correct usage is critical.

  • Business scale — Larger operations may benefit from a more consistent supply arrangement, while smaller businesses may need a flexible option that suits lower-volume tasks.

How to store acetylene gas safely

Handling acetylene gas requires specialised technical knowledge due to its instability at high pressures. Inside the cylinder, the gas is dissolved in a liquid solvent, usually acetone, within a porous mass to ensure stability during transport.

To maintain safety and performance, strict handling protocols are necessary:

  • Keep cylinders upright — Vessels must always be used and stored in an upright position to prevent the liquid solvent from escaping and damaging equipment.
  • Install safety devices — Flashback arrestors and proper pressure regulation are mandatory components of any setup to prevent backflow.
  • Monitor equipment — Regular checks of hoses and connections are vital to ensure a leak-free environment.

Coregas provides guidance on cylinder handling to help your team operate safely while maximising gas efficiency.

If you have any questions about the acetylene gas we supply in Australia and New Zealand, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email. If you would like to place an order, you can open an account with us online or contact your local Coregas distributor for pricing and delivery information in your area.

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Contact our professional team for questions about products, pricing, creating an account & more.

FAQs



  • Where can I buy acetylene gas?

    Customers with an account can purchase direct delivery from Coregas, or through our national depot network. You can also purchase acetylene gas through our independent distribution partners including Bunnings for our Trade N Go range. Click here for our store locator.

    Coregas account customers can choose their preferred method to place an order. Coregas offers online ordering via our website or app, our Australian call centre as well as through fax or email.

  • How is acetylene stored?

    An acetylene tank should always be stored upright and secured in place with chains or other suitable restraints. This is because acetylene gas is mixed with a solvent (usually acetone) to prevent decomposition, which can lead to explosions. Storing the cylinder tanks upright ensures the gas does not separate from the solvent. Additionally, the distance between acetylene cylinder tanks and other cylinders, goods and features should be to Australian Standard 4332-2004 in order to ensure safe storage.

  • How much is acetylene gas?

    Whether you wish to purchase a single acetylene cylinder tank or a large volume of gas, you can obtain a firm quotation by contacting us or one of our distributors in Australia.

  • How long does a cylinder tank of acetylene last?

    Your acetylene usage will depend on the specific application but for safety reasons, it is not advisable to use flow rates greater than one tenth of the cylinder tank’s capacity. For example: with a single cylinder tank that holds 9.3 cubic metres, your flow rate should not exceed 0.93 cubic metres per hour. Please contact us if you need more help with your calculations.

  • Can acetylene burn without oxygen?

    Acetylene gas can burn in normal air without a supply of pure oxygen but for heavy duty heating applications, an oxy-acetylene mix is needed to reach the required flame temperature.

  • Why should oxygen and acetylene cylinders be stored separately?

    Due to the potential for dangerous reactions when mixed, oxygen and acetylene cylinder tanks should never be stored together. Please refer to Australian Standard AS 4332-2004 for additional information on storage for acetylene.

  • Why is acetylene used in gas welding?

    An oxy-acetylene gas mixture is capable of producing a flame with a temperature of around 3,100 degrees Celsius, which makes it an excellent choice for industrial steel welding applications in Australia, New Zealand and across the globe. Unlike propane, acetylene gas produces a reducing zone when burned in oxygen, cleaning the metal surfaces being welded.

  • What size oxy-acetylene cylinder tanks should I get?

    This depends on the required flow rate and usage requirements. Multiply your required hourly flow rate by 10 and this is the minimum acetylene cylinder tank size you will need. For flow rates that exceed our largest cylinder tank size, manifolding several cylinder tanks together may be the best solution.

  • What are the primary industrial uses of acetylene gas?

    Acetylene gas is a versatile fuel utilised for a range of metalworking processes. Primary applications include oxy-acetylene welding, flame cutting, heating, brazing and flame straightening. Because it produces an intense, localised heat, it remains the preferred choice for industrial tasks that require precision and high speed.

  • How does industrial acetylene compare to other fuel gases for cutting and welding?

    Industrial acetylene reaches temperatures of approximately 3,160°C, significantly higher than propane or LPG. This thermal intensity allows for faster piercing times and a more concentrated heat source compared to other fuel gases. And unlike propane, it is suitable for welding steel because it creates a protective reducing atmosphere that prevents oxidation of the metal.

  • What safety precautions should be taken when handling acetylene gas cylinders?

    Safety is critical when handling this acetylene gas. Cylinders must remain in an upright position at all times to ensure the liquid solvent stays within the vessel. Operators should always install flashback arrestors and regularly test hoses and connections for leaks.

  • Can industrial acetylene be used for both welding and flame cutting applications?

    Yes, one of the primary advantages of using industrial acetylene is its versatility. By simply changing the torch nozzle or attachment, an operator can switch between welding, cutting and heating tasks.

  • What factors determine the correct acetylene gas cylinder size for different industrial tasks?

    The appropriate cylinder size depends on the required gas flow rate and task duration. Each cylinder has a specific maximum hourly draw-off rate to prevent solvent withdrawal. High-volume tasks require larger cylinders or manifolded packs to maintain a steady, safe gas supply.

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