Which statement about acetylene cylinders is accurate?

• A. They are constructed differently from alternate fuel cylinders
• B. They are constructed the same as alternate fuel cylinders
• C. They require no regulators
• D. They are not used in welding

Answer: (A)

Acetylene has to be stored safely at very low pressure because it can decompose violently if pressed too hard. To make this possible, acetylene is dissolved in acetone inside a porous filling inside the cylinder. This design stabilizes the gas and keeps it at a low pressure, so the cylinder itself is built differently from other fuel-gas cylinders that store gases under higher pressure. Because of this special storage method, you also use a regulator that’s designed for acetylene to control the gas flowing to the torch. Acetylene is a common welding fuel, so it is indeed used in welding.