Acetyleen C₂H₂ - Bundel
An Acetylene C₂H₂ Bundle (or cylinder pack) is a coupled battery, usually consisting of 12 pieces of 50-liter (B50) gas cylinders, mounted in a robust steel transport frame. The entire package is internally connected by fixed metal piping leading to one central main valve. Because pure acetylene is extremely unstable under pressure, all cylinders in the bundle are fully filled internally with a porous mass (monolith) and a solvent (such as acetone or DMF) in which the gas is safely dissolved.
This form of supply is used for very large, continuous gas consumers such as major shipyards, automated flame-cutting lines, and heavy construction engineering.
Why use an Acetylene C₂H₂ Bundle? Due to the enormous gas supply (approx. 145 kg of gas) and the stable, very high withdrawal capacity without the risk of solvent leakage, an acetylene bundle is used for heavy, continuous industrial processes:
- Automated flame-cutting lines: For simultaneously controlling multiple computer-controlled (CNC) oxy-fuel cutting heads that cut through thick steel plates for hours on end without interruption.
- Central factory supply: The bundle acts as the central supply station outside the building. Dozens of individual manual welding, brazing, and cutting stations in the factory are supplied with gas simultaneously via a fixed ring-main network.
- Large-scale flame straightening and preheating: In heavy construction and shipyards to thoroughly heat extremely thick steel beams or ship plates, or to heat large workpieces before the welding process.
- Continuous thermal spraying (Powder spraying): In specialized overhaul workshops where wear-resistant layers are sprayed mechanically onto large shafts or turbine components. This process must not be interrupted for a cylinder change.
Product details
Acetylene C₂H₂ Bundle, 12 gas cylinders filled with a total of 600L of C₂H₂, specifically developed for metalworking (designed for long-term and professional use).
Transport
Important safety and transport information (ADR)
- Extremely strict transport rules: Due to the large volume, a bundle falls outside all 1000-point exemptions (144 kg of gas × 3 points per kg = 432 points, but because it is a fixed bundle/large packaging, additional transport document and vehicle obligations often apply). The vehicle must be equipped with orange ADR plates, and the driver must possess an ADR certificate.
- Upright only: Just like individual cylinders, the bundle must at all times remain strictly vertical during transport and use to prevent the internal solvent from flowing into the main valve.
- Central protection: Immediately after the bundle’s main valve, a heavy-duty, industrial flashback arrestor (automatic, fast-reacting gas non-return valve) must be installed to protect the entire installation against potential flashback from the piping network.
Information
Safety
Safety regulations divided into four critical categories:
1. Preventing "Acetone Boiling" and Decomposition
- Strictly upright: The bundle must be 100% vertical at all times and firmly anchored to a flat, stable surface. If the bundle tips over, the liquid solvent (acetone or DMF) flows into the central manifold, leading to an immediate risk of internal explosion or flare-ups at the burners.
- Controlled withdrawal: Although a bundle is designed for high volumes (up to approx. 15 m³/hour), the maximum capacity stated on the bundle must never be exceeded. Withdrawing gas too quickly lowers the pressure locally too rapidly, which can cause the gas to decompose in the pipes.
2. System Protection & Material Restrictions
- Industrial Flashback Arrestor (Central): The installation of a certified, industrial central flashback arrestor immediately after the main valve/pressure regulator of the bundle is mandatory. It must be equipped with a gas non-return valve, a flame trap, and a pressure- or temperature-controlled quick-shutoff valve to stop any flashback from the factory before it reaches the bundle.
- Absolute Copper and Silver Ban: The gas distribution network (pipes, couplings, valves) connected to the bundle must contain absolutely no pure copper (>63% Cu) or silver. Acetylene forms acetylides with these metals: crystals that are extremely sensitive to shock and friction and can spontaneously explode. Use only seamless steel or approved brass.
3. Safe Storage and Environment (Explosion Safety)
- Outdoor storage mandatory: An acetylene bundle is preferably stored outside in a specially designated, covered, and lockable gas cylinder shed with natural ventilation.
- ATEX Zoning: A strict ATEX safety zone (explosion hazard) applies around the bundle. All electrical installations (lighting, switches) within this zone must be explosion-proof (Ex).
- Distance rules: Keep the bundle at least 5 to 10 meters away from flammable materials, drains, and cellars (although acetylene is lighter than air, the solvent can give off vapors) and oxidizing gases such as oxygen bundles. A permanent smoking and fire ban applies within this zone.
4. Emergency Procedure in Case of Fire or Heating
Should a fire break out near the bundle or if the bundle overheats (recognizable by soot formation, hissing sounds, or paint starting to scorch):
- Evacuate the zone immediately: Clear the workshop in a radius of at least 100 to 200 meters.
- Alert the fire department: Report immediately that it concerns an Acetylene bundle (UN 1001).
- Cool from a distance (if safe): Only if this can be done immediately and without danger via a fixed, automatic monitor water spray, the bundle should be cooled with massive amounts of water. NEVER extinguish the gas flame itself as long as the main valve is open; this causes an immediate, gigantic explosive gas cloud.
- After-cooling: After extinguishing the surrounding fire, the fire department must often continue to cool the bundle for 24 hours and monitor it with thermal imaging cameras to ensure no invisible internal decomposition reaction remains active.