Acetylene gas

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

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 the most efficient option 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, often removing the need for flux. This ensures stronger, cleaner welds in carbon steel and aluminium while minimising distortion in thinner materials.

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.

How to store acetylene gas safely

Handling acetylene gas requires specific technical knowledge due to its unstable nature 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.

Have a question about a product?

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

Have a question about a product?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

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