Figure 3.
Oxygen cylinder construction.
(3) When acetylene is used from a cylinder it should not be drawn off at a
continuous rate in volumes greater than 50 cubic feet per hour. This precaution is
necessary to prevent the drawing off of acetone and the consequent impairment of
weld quality. When more than 50 cubic feet per hour is required, the cylinder
should be manifolded.
(4) The acetylene cylinders are equipped with safety plugs having a small
hole through the center. This hole is filled with a metal alloy which melts at
approximately 212F. When a cylinder is overheated the plug will melt and permit
the acetylene to escape before a dangerous pressure can build up. The plug hole is
too small to permit a flame to burn back into the cylinder if the escaping
acetylene should become ignited.
(5) The brass acetylene cylinder valves have squared stainless steel valve
stems which can be fitted with a cylinder wrench and opened or closed when the
cylinder is in use. The outlet of the valve is threaded for connection to an
acetylene pressure regulator by means of a union nut. The regulator inlet
connection gland fits against the face of the threaded cylinder connection and the
union nut draws the two surfaces together. Whenever the threads on the valve
connections are damaged to a degree that will prevent proper assembly to the
regulator, the cylinder should be marked and set aside for return to the
manufacturer.
(6) A protective metal cap screws onto the valve to prevent damage during
shipment or storage (fig 4).
CAUTION:
All acetylene cylinders should be checked with a soap solution for
leakage at the valves and safety fuse plugs, because the acetylene
which would accumulate in the storage room or a confined space is a
fire and explosion hazard.
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