What is the maximum pressure to withdraw acetylene gas from a cylinder?

The maximum pressure to safely withdraw acetylene gas from a cylinder is typically around 15 psi. This limit is crucial because acetylene is a highly volatile and flammable gas that can become unstable at higher pressures. Specifically, acetylene should not be withdrawn from the cylinder at pressures exceeding this amount to prevent the risk of decomposition, which can lead to dangerous situations such as explosions or cylinder rupture.

Maintaining the withdrawal pressure around 15 psi ensures that the gas remains safely contained within its acetylene cylinder, which is filled with a solvent to stabilize the gas. This design is meant to keep acetylene in a dissolved state, reducing the likelihood of it reaching an unsafe and unstable condition. Understanding this pressure limit is essential for safe handling and operational practices in the use of oxyfuel cutting equipment.