Safety Related Properties of Gases

High pressure devices for acetylene

The working group conducts safety assessments of high pressure devices for acetylene such as

• shut-off valves
• quick acting shut-off devices
• non-return valves
• high pressure hoses
• high pressure pipes
• flame arrestors.

These high pressure devices have to be able to withstand a potential acetylene decomposition within the acetylene plant and fulfill their intended function reliably. Since (in pipes for high pressure acetylene) an acetylene decomposition may always lead to a detonation with temporary pressures of more than 100 MPa , the main test for high pressure devices includes subjection to a detonative acetylene decomposition. There are testing facilities available on the BAM Test Site Technical Safety in Horstwalde and in various test bunker rooms.

Testing is carried out according to the standards:

• DIN EN ISO 14113
  Gas welding equipment – Rubber and plastic hoses assembled for compressed or liquefied gases up to a maximum design pressure of 450 bar
• DIN EN ISO 15615
  Gas welding equipment – Acetylene manifold systems for welding cutting and allied processes – Safety requirements in high-pressure devices
• TRAC 204
  Acetylene pipes, Clause 5.3 "High pressure pipes"
• TRAC 207
  Safety devices, Clause 8 "Flame arrestors"

The division is accredited according to EN ISO/IEC 17025 for these tests. In addition, high pressure devices for acetylene may be certified in cooperation with the BAM Certification Body (BZS).

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