I recently picked up an old acetylene tank from someone on a marketplace. I'm planning to use it for a pass-through forge in my metalworking setup. I already know how to safely purge and cut propane tanks, but I'm wondering if the procedure for acetylene is similar. My plan was to unscrew the top, circulate pressurized air through it for a couple of hours, then fill it with water and cut it open with a bandsaw. Is that a safe approach?
3 Answers
It’s definitely not safe to cut open an acetylene tank thinking it's just empty. Acetylene tanks are filled with a material like calcium silicate that absorbs acetone, which keeps the gas stable. Even if it's been used, there can be traces of acetylene and acetone inside. Better to stick to safer projects than end up in a risky situation.
Glad you asked before going through with it! Most used acetylene tanks aren’t just empty. They're designed with material to absorb the gas and are shock-sensitive. There really isn't a safe method for removing any residual substances, so it's just better to skip this one.
Honestly, you should really avoid trying to cut open an acetylene tank. They contain acetone and other fillers that make it dangerous, even if it seems empty. The tank design is meant to stabilize the gas, and there could still be residual chemicals inside. Cutting it open can lead to a violent reaction, so just don't risk it.