Question

A mixture of oxygen and ethyne is burnt for welding can you tell why a mixture of ethyne and air is not used?

Answer 1

Ethyne is an unsatrated carbon compound. If pure in air then

• Incomplete combustion takes place.
• And Sooty flame is obtained.
• The temperature of the flame or heat produced is not sufficient to melt metal.

But if it is burnt in pure oxygen then

• Complete combustion occurs.
• Non-sooty flame is obtained.
• Also the oxy-acetylene flame is very hot and produces high temperature enough to melt metal