BAM Test Site Technical Safety

The majority of acetylene is used in organic syntheses. However, most acetylene devices tested by BAM are used in equipment for autogenous welding and cutting. Acetylene, together with oxygen, produces a very hot flame. It is highly flammable and can also decompose without air or oxygen in a violent reaction. For this reason a safe handling method must be ensured.

Test facility for acetylene decomposition (at the back: ignition device, at the front: exhaust valve)

The acetylene decomposition test stand consists of a pipe section into which the reactive gas - acetylene - can be filled and ignited. Safety devices, hoses and pipes for fuel gases (acetylene), which are used in gas supply systems, can be tested for their safe use in this way. Test specimens are used for the tests. The safety devices must fulfil their function reliably when the gas is ignited inside the pipe. Stopping a flame front or the fast automatic shut-off of the gas supply are part to these functions. The pipes and hose lines must be able to resist the high pressure and temperature in the event of a possible gas ignition.

The equipment consists of a filling assembly with pressure measuring instruments from which the experimental rig can be emptied and filled with gas at different pressures using attached equipment (vacuum pump, compressor). Using an ignition chamber arranged upstream of the pipe section, acetylene is ignited and the test specimen is tested. Piping with different diameters are available for testing different test specimens. In the event of a possible failure or bursting of the test specimen the surroundings will be protected from flying fragments by an earth wall, concrete side panels and a strong grid roof.

Test procedure

The test section is emptied through a valve and then filled with acetylene to the required pressure (max. 25 bar). After closing the valve, the gas in the system is ignited by a spark plug in the ignition chamber. During and after the ignition, the test specimen is observed and/or tested for its function. After the test the excess pressure in the system is discharged through an exhaust valve.

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