- The Penn State Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering specifies, in no uncertain terms, not to swap regulators for safety reasons. The issue is one of volatility. Acetylene is far more volatile than propane; therefore, regulators are gas-specific.
- Part of the reason you should never swap regulators has to do with the composition of the seals. Acetylene gas is stored in acetone filled sand, making it less volatile in the tank. Acetone is a very corrosive liquid. The seals on an acetylene regulator are specifically composed to withstand the corrosive elements involved. It may not seal properly with propane. The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey also states not to interchange regulators.
- Because acetylene is extremely volatile, it cannot be released at more than 15 psi. Acetylene regulators are designed to open no more than this pressure. Propane regulators are designed for different flow rates, since the gas itself is completely different.
- The University of Texas states that regulators are made for one gas only. All flammable gases have a reverse thread, but the size of the thread may be different. Furthermore, copper or brass fittings should never be used with acetylene. Acetylene reacts with these metals, and an explosion could result.
- All the true professionals in gas handling safety concur on several points. The lesson learned is use only an acetylene regulator for acetylene, and a only a propane regulator for propane. The risk of explosion is great, so under no circumstances should you ever swap regulators, hoses or torches designed for one type of gas to another type of gas or gas tank. The answer to the question "Does an Acetylene Regulator Fit a Propane Tank?" is no--it cannot for safety reasons.
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