it would take several unfortunate variables to coincide for that to occur
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg327.pdf
this pdf starts with the tale of a cylinder spliting in two and sprouting wings (and a million pounds of damage to a UK factory)
Quote:
An acetylene cylinder has a different design from most other gas cylinders. The porous mass is a cellular structure which completely fills the cylinder. The acetylene gas in the cylinder is dissolved in acetone which is absorbed by the porous mass. Decomposition of the acetylene is usually triggered by heat. For example if the cylinder is:
involved in a fire
scorched by flames from a blowtorch
involved in a flashback
the porous mass is designed to slow down or stifle any decomposition of the gas. From start of decomposition to the cylinder exploding should take several hours. This will usually (but not always) provide time for emergency action.
Decomposition can be triggered more easily and can proceed more rapidly if:
the porous mass has been damaged by repeated flashbacks or by mishandling or dropping the cylinder
the cylinder vavle is leaking gas (an open or leaking valve increases the rate of decomposition within the cylinder)
the acetylene in the hoses is above the pressure recommended by the supplier.
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Handling acetylene cylinders with care
do not drop them
do not roll them across the floor
keep them in an upright position
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in and of itself, horizontal storage will not cause an explosion,
but you also cant see inside the cylinder to ascertain the integrity of the filler
and it is a vital component to the stability of the storage
any decomposition in a damaged cylinder can progress to
thermal runaway