There are marginal differences in performance. It's a cost and safety thing. Propylene costs less and is much more stable than acetylene. Acetylene is more versatile and easier to work with. Injector type torches have made the lighting process simpler.

 

I used propane at Halliburton. Propane, propylene not much difference. Cant say there are any safety advantages with propane. It flashes more than acy. So be careful. Turn on a bit of oxygen or place tip on metal to light will help to keep lit. Harold

 

Propylene, in my opinion, always better than acetylene, except when welding.
It is safer and cheaper.

 

OADoctor, I have used both quite a bit. I cant figure out why you say it is safer.Can you elaborate on this for me please. Harold

 

Propane and propylene are more stabil than acetylene and have a much narrower window between the LEL and UEL. However, propane and propylene are more likely to settle in low areas.

 

No flash backs with Propylene. That is a huge safety factor. I have put a torch out on metal and restruck the flame and kept going. It seems like it has a cleaner cut with less slag as well.