What is the maximum safe working pressure for acetylene?

The maximum safe working pressure for acetylene is 100 kPa (14 psi). Acetylene is a fuel gas that is highly flammable and has specific safety guidelines to prevent explosions and other hazardous situations during use. When acetylene is stored in cylinders, it is dissolved in acetone or another solvent under pressure, which stabilizes it and allows for safer handling.

Operating acetylene at pressures higher than 100 kPa can lead to instability and an increased risk of combustion or explosion. This threshold is established to ensure users can work safely without risking the integrity of the gas cylinder or the equipment being used. Therefore, adhering to the maximum safe working pressure for acetylene is essential for maintaining safety in welding and cutting operations where this gas is commonly used.

Other pressures mentioned, while they may seem to represent viable options, exceed the established safety limits for acetylene usage. Hence, the correct identification of the maximum safe working pressure as 100 kPa (14 psi) is critical for safe practices in any context where acetylene is employed.