So I go to the shop to have my acetylene and oxygen tank filled. The place is big, has giant tanks of various gases, lots of cylinders, etc. and the guy is smoking while filling the acetylene tank. I mean I understand oxygen may not be flammable (but will make a smouldering ember burst into flame) but acetylene gas is seriously explosive stuff…
I guess guys working in gas shop (as in LPG, natural gas, etc.) smokes while working there too? Do any of these places ever go boom?
Not in Taiwan. This is a very safe country!
This is true. I often see “Safety First” signs at construction sites.
they want boom the economy
I was watching a group of guys working/standing/sitting/smoking on top of the Taipei Done earlier. If one of them slipped there was nothing to stop their slide downwards.
ying gai bu hui
They always say that until this happens:
What’s that exactly?
appears to be a factory explosion in China…
While it might not be best practice there isn’t that much of an issue with smoking around an acetylene tank. I’d be far less comfortable to be around when the guy is striking a match or lighter to light his cigarette though. Bear in mind what you intend to do with that tank, stick a hose on it, mix the gas with oxygen and then set it alight!
Its likely safer being around acetylene than oxygen as you can easily detect an acetylene leak, oxygen could leak and enable everything around you, even you, to go up in flames,
Price in developed Europe =__________?
Price in Taiwan (Asian generally) =__________?
Answer as to how it is so cheap = obvious.
Acetylene is a colorless, highly flammable gas composed of carbon and hydrogen. When acetylene is of ordinary commercial purity it has a garlic-like smell, however acetylene of 100% purity has no smell. Acetylene is an asphyxiant. These effects are due to lack of oxygen. Its explosive range in air is 2.5% - 100% and is slightly lighter than air. Although the hot tip of a cigarette may or may not ignite a leak, the match or lighter used to light the cigarette definitely would. Steps I would take …large ones in the opposite direction.
As @rooftopclown mentioned, and every expat expert knows, gas explosions are rare in Taiwan, because Taiwan is a very safe country, with friendly people and great food.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFhTlgPuqVo
If you know the famous skin doctor on Shida Rd., the old guy, his family was killed in this incident.
I found this video video the correct ratio of reality:creepy for taiwan
