What is a safe level of pressure for storing acetylene gas in a cylinder?

Acetylene gas must be stored at specific pressures to ensure safety and stability. The industry standard for safe storage pressure of acetylene in cylinders is generally recognized to be around 15 psi. At this pressure, the gas remains stable and minimizes the risk of hazardous conditions, such as explosive reactions which can occur if acetylene levels exceed the safe storage pressure.

Storing acetylene below this pressure can lead to issues with the gas being effectively used in oxyfuel cutting applications, as lower pressure may not provide the necessary flow rate needed for efficient cutting. Conversely, exceeding this pressure significantly increases the risks associated with storage, including potential cylinder rupture or explosion, especially since acetylene has a tendency to decompose explosively under high pressure. Therefore, maintaining around 15 psi is considered a safe practice for handling and storing acetylene gas.