Which substance absorbs acetylene to allow safe storage?

• A. Acetone
• B. Water
• C. Lubricant
• D. Oxygen

Answer: (A)

Acetylene is stored safely by dissolving it in a solvent inside the cylinder. Acetone is used because it can absorb a large amount of acetylene, allowing the gas to be held as a saturated solution within a porous filler. This keeps the acetylene from forming unstable gas pockets at cylinder pressure, which reduces the risk of decomposition and explosion. Water wouldn’t dissolve acetylene effectively and wouldn’t provide the same stabilization, a lubricant would contaminate the gas, and oxygen does not absorb acetylene at all and would create an unsafe environment. So, acetone is the substance that absorbs acetylene for safe storage.