Acetylene, oxygen, and inert gases are industrial gases, which find applications across industries. Oxygen-acetylene combination produces localized heat, and is widely used for different types of heating applications. Be it acetylene, oxygen, or inert gases, each of these have typical flammability characteristics, which possess challenges to their storage and handling. These gases are stored in gas plants and cylinders and distributed through piping and manifolds. The piping and manifolds feature different components, which are designed to specifications and are made carefully using different materials. The choice of material for piping and manifolds is a rigorous process and it requires several considerations. This post discusses the factors to be considered when building piping for acetylene gas, as well as oxygen and inert gases.
Factors of Consideration for Oxygen, Inert Gas, and Acetylene Manifold Piping Systems
As said before, each gas has typical characteristics which must be addressed while designing piping systems for acetylene, oxygen, and inert gas. The following pointers will give a brief idea of how these gases act and things to be kept in mind while choosing the sizing and materials for pipelines and piping.
Acetylene
Oxygen
Argon and Nitrogen
Going by the descriptions, it is much clear that one needs to take much care when designing acetylene and oxygen piping systems. The acetylene and oxygen pipe sizing calculator takes into consideration the application requirements.
Know About the Materials Used in Inert Gas, Oxygen, and Piping for Acetylene Gas
The use of burn-resistant metals or metal alloys are recommended for piping or manifold piping and pipeline system installation. The following are a few common materials used in oxygen, acetylene, and inert gas piping.
It is always ideal to discuss with an expert before laying pipelines for the transportation of gases. They would be able to help you with the right material after understanding your application requirements. With all these, it is also important to invest in quality systems like acetylene plants or gas manifolds. Rexarc specializes in acetylene plants and cylinders as well as gas manifolds. You can get in touch with the team today to discuss your requirements.
Of course, other factors will also affect the overall price tag of your project, including:
Labor cost: More qualified contractors are typically more expensive. However, this also means you likely won’t have to pay for repeat work or repairs and replacements down the line.
Line length: The longer the gas line, the more materials, time, and labor are required to complete the job.
Line location and complexity: It can be difficult for a contractor to access a gas line, depending on its location. More inaccessible gas lines will require more labor and time. Afterward, you may need to pay for additional cosmetic work, such as landscaping or drywall repairs.
On average, the cost to run a gas line (including materials, labor, and permits) is about $550, with typical prices ranging from $265 to $850 or about $20 per linear foot. An experienced contractor can help you narrow down your options to the types of gas lines that best meet your budget while also considering other factors.
Not all gas pipe materials are created equal, and some are more durable than others.
Again, let’s take a look at the four most commonly used pipe materials for gas lines to help you determine which might be best for your project based on durability and flexibility.
Black iron is the most common material used to make gas pipes. Contractors often prefer it over other types of materials due to its strength, heat resistance, and because it fits snugly together with a compound that ensures an airtight seal. However, that seal can deteriorate with time, and the piping can corrode. Without routine maintenance, that could become a costly problem. Since it’s also not as flexible as other options, it requires more joints, which increases the risk of leaks.
CSST is another popular gas piping option and can be used in tighter spaces because it’s more flexible. Although it’s less likely to be damaged due to its enhanced flexibility, it can develop cracks with age.
Galvanized steel gas pipes are extremely durable and will not corrode. They’re also very energy efficient! However, the downside is they’re more expensive than other types of gas pipe materials that work just as well or better, mainly due to the labor-intensive installation process, which requires welding.
HDPE gas pipes are very flexible, durable, and do not corrode. They’re also resistant to punctures and cracks and can withstand higher pressure levels. The primary drawback of HDPE pipes is that underground tree roots or rocks can damage them.
The risk of natural disasters in Tampa and local safety code requirements will also influence what type of gas line you choose.
In the Tampa area, our coastal location, population, and topography make us more vulnerable to various types of natural disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and sinkholes. In fact, in November 2021, Center Square named Tampa one of the top U.S. cities most vulnerable to costly hurricane damage.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to consider how well a gas line will hold up to natural hazards in our area. For example, contractors generally recommend CSST piping in areas with higher instances of natural disasters. However, an experienced contractor in the Tampa area can provide individualized recommendations based on local natural disaster risk profiles and safety code requirements.
Various types of gas pipe materials may last longer and perform better when installed indoors or outdoors.