What is the flammable range of acetylene?

The flammable range of acetylene is 2.5% to 100% in air. This means that acetylene can ignite and sustain combustion when its concentration in the air is between these percentages. The wide flammable range indicates that acetylene is particularly hazardous because it can form explosive mixtures with air in a significant portion of its concentration range, making it critical to handle and store acetylene with strict safety measures to prevent accidental ignition.

Understanding this flammable range is essential for those working with or around acetylene in various applications, such as welding or chemical manufacturing, where the risk of fire or explosion must be managed carefully. In contrast to other gases, acetylene’s broad range means it can be more easily ignited in many situations, underlining the importance of knowing this specific characteristic for safety protocols.