This document summarizes the benefits of using propylene over acetylene for industrial gas applications. Propylene provides improved safety, efficiency, and cost savings compared to acetylene. It cuts and welds materials faster than acetylene and other fuels. Switching to propylene only requires different tips, hoses, and regulators, and it does not require any changes to techniques. Propylene is also easier and safer to transport and use than acetylene.

1. QuickView
QuickView
Propylene
A Fuel Gas Alternative to Acetylene
Improved Safety and Efficiency
MATHESON QuickView
Application Review and Summary
© 2012
MATHESON

2. QuickView
QuickView
Propylene is Versatile
• Flame Hardening *
In most cases,
• Flame Cutting Propylene is
• Metalizing faster than any
• Soldering other fuel gas.
• Brazing
• Pre-heating
• Stress-relieving
© 2012
MATHESON
* ask about hardness limitations

3. QuickView
QuickView
Propylene Can Reduce Rejects
• Cuts clean, virtually eliminates grinding
• Hardens uniformly, no out-of-spec surfaces
• Metalizes smoothly, no porosity, tight bonds
• Joins efficiently, ideal for the multi-job plant
© 2012
MATHESON

4. QuickView
QuickView
Propylene is FAST *
• 15% faster than Acetylene for flame cutting
• 21% faster than Propane or Natural Gas for flame cutting
• 28% faster than Acetylene for metalizing
• 21% faster than Propane for flame hardening
© 2012
MATHESON
* Speed advantage = typical application average performance

5. QuickView
QuickView
Propylene Does More Work
• Less cylinder handling
• Easier to store and
transport
=
• Fewer cylinder changes
• Lower cylinder rental
One 63 lb. Four 300 cu. ft.
Propylene Cylinder Acetylene Cylinders
© 2012
MATHESON

6. QuickView
QuickView
Propylene is Safe
• Stable as a liquid and as a gas
• Can be used up to 135 psi @ 70ºF
• Does not detonate if a cylinder is
Acetylene
Propylene
dropped or dented
• Backfire and flashback resistant
• Propylene cylinders weigh less
than Acetylene cylinders; reduces
risk of injury
113 lb. wt. 240 lb. wt.
© 2012
MATHESON

7. QuickView
QuickView
Propylene is Cost Effective
Fuel Fuel Oxygen Labor Total
Cost Cost Cost Cost
Acetylene $1.50 + $3.36 + $25.20 = $30.06
Propylene $1.26 + $3.08 + $22.80 = $27.14
Propane $0.46 + $4.95 + $31.92 = $37.33
Natural Gas $0.00 + $4.84 + $31.92 = $36.76
Calculations based on costs per 100 feet of 1 inch plate.
Labor estimate is based on typical cutting speed for each gas.
© 2012
MATHESON Ask your MATHESON rep to show you the detailed calculations.

8. QuickView
QuickView
Switching to Propylene is Easy
• No change in technique
• Parts for Propylene service are different
than for Acetylene
– Tips, Hose, and Regulators for use with Propylene
will need to be used
– These items are common and easy to find, and are
not expensive
• Propylene is not as corrosive as Acetylene
– Parts require less maintenance
– Parts last longer
© 2012
MATHESON

9. QuickView
QuickView
In Review …
• Propylene is an effective alternative
Thank you
to Acetylene
for your
• Propylene can deliver better results time!
in less time
• Propylene is safer to transport and to use
• Making the switch to Propylene is easy
• Learn more: contact your MATHESON rep or
visit one of our stores
• Find us fast at: www.MathesonGas.com/contactus.aspx
© 2012
MATHESON