How to Use Oxy Fuel – Oxygen Acetylene in Welding

An oxygen acetylene torch flame is around 6000 degrees F. Considering Steel melts at about 2800F which is pretty freakin hot!

You are able to make a whole lot of things happen with an oxygen acetylene torch kit. You can braze air conditioning line sets, solder copper water pipe, silver braze stainless steel, weld 4130 chromoly tubing, and also heat and bend metal thicker than 1 inch.

But oxy-fuel torches may be extremely dangerous if not used correctly. OSHA even requires employers to ensure workers that use oxyfuel equipment to be properly trained and qualified for oxy-fuel welding, cutting, heating, and brazing. (see 29 CFR 1910.252)

From my 30 plus years in the welding field, I'm constantly surprised by the lack of training in the safe operation of oxyfuel equipment.. Even seasoned welders are frequently deficient in use of oxygen acetylene torches unless they've received hands-on training where demonstration of proficiency was required

Secure operation of oxygen acetylene equipment demands coaching, willingness to follow simple safety guidelines, and understanding some fundamental safety principles:

• Oxygen cylinders are pressurized to more than 2500 psi and can become a projectile if knocked over. Often , usually, always maintain the cap screwed on when the cylinder just isn't secured.
• Acetylene cylinders are filled with acetylene gas compressed into a porous substance saturated with liquid acetone. They ought to stay upright to prevent liquid acetone from damaging the regulators and restricting gas flow. For those who have to lay them down to haul them, let them stand upright for a while prior to utilizing.
• In no way transport or store cylinders in an enclosed space (i,e, trunk of car, or truck tool box) Welding supply shops usually display images of automobiles demolished by the explosion of oxygen and acetylene cylinders hauled inside the trunk of a car. They even make you sign a waiver if you wish to haul cylinders your self.
• By no means use damaged equipment.
• Often open oxygen cylinders very slowly. Opening them swiftly is very dangerous and can cause the regulator to explode. Yes I stated explode. (in the event you don't believe me, just Google "regulator burnout")
• Use check valves or combination check valve/flashback arrestors to avoid reverse flow of gases and to prevent mixing of gases.
• In no way use oil on any part of the equipment. Oil inside the presence of pure oxygen can ignite easily
• Always bleed down the gases and back out the regulator screws when finished utilizing the torch

There are many distinct producers of oxyfuel equipment: Victor, Smith, and Harris are 3 of the main brands and every designs their equipment differently with specific features in thoughts. So the operation of each and every manufacturer's torches is different. Often follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The initial factor to do when preparing to operate a oxyfuel torch would be to inspect the equipment. Ensure the cylinders are fastened securely to avoid them from falling over.. Subsequent, inspect the hoses to make sure they are not cracked or dry rotted. Really feel the brass connectors to make certain they're all tight and make sure the cylinders valves are closed using the regulators reading zero.

If the regulators aren't reading zero, 1 of two things is wrong: The gauge or gauges have been damaged or the prior user failed to bleed the pressure from the line. To release the pressure , open the appropriate valve on the torch and turn the regulator screw clockwise till the needle moves to zero. If the needle will not go to zero, the gauge is damaged and must not be utilized.

If the gauges are determined to be operating effectively the next factor to do is make certain the regulator screws are backed out where you cannot feel spring pressure on them.

Here is actually a straightforward ABC, 123 checklist to utilize for setup and shutdown of oxy-fuel equipment.

• Wear correct Personal protective equipment i.e. shade 3 to 5 ANSI eyewear, gloves and so on.
• Inspect the equipment for : Overall condition of hoses, zeroed gauges, check valves, torch, chains on bottles
• If gauges are not reading zero, purge lines to let gauges zero out
• If gauges are damaged replace them
• Open oxygen cylinder valves really slowly.
• Select proper tip according to producers guidelines
•  Use manufacturers tip chart to figure out pressure settings
•  Set gauges
•  Purge lines individually
•  Open acetylene torch valve to ¼ turn and Light torch
•  Boost acetylene flame high enough to exactly where soot disappears.
•  Add oxygen to flame till blue cones define making a neutral flame.
•  Carry out work
•  Extinguish flame by turning off gas valves on torch (producers differ on whether to turn off acetylene or oxygen very first.)
•  Turn off cylinders
•  Purge lines
•  When gauges are zeroed, back out regulator screws
•  Return torch to storage location
•  Secure oxy-fuel equipment for next user