This publication covers recommendations for maintaining the proper solvent level in acetylene cylinders. While the background, precautions, and general procedures given apply to all solvents in use with acetylene, special emphasis is given to the use of acetone and dimethylformamide (DMF).

Included are residual gas tables based upon the best available data that reflects current industry practice. The expected accuracy of these values is approximately ± 10% and should be used as a guide only. Note that these tables make use of acetylene solubilities as generated by the appropriate formulas as found in ISO 11372, Gas cylinders—Acetylene cylinders—Filling conditions and filling inspection.

The guidelines contained in this publication apply to acetylene cylinders manufactured to:

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Specifications 8 and 8AL found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) 178.59 and 178.60 and used per 49 CFR 173.303 as well as older specifications cylinders ICC-8, ICC-8AL, DOT E-6517, DOT E-7542, or DOT E-10320; or
• Specifications TC 8WM and 8WAM found in Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B339, Cylinders, spheres, tubes for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, and used in accordance with Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations of Transport Canada (TC) found in CSA B340, Selection and use of Cylinders, Spheres, Tubes, and Other Containers for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Class 2, as well as older specifications cylinders CTC-8, CTC-8AL, or CTC-8WC.