Functional principle and use of the acetylene burner in industry

1/18/22, 10:12 AM

What is an oxy-acetylene torch used for? The oxyfuel torch is one of the most popular tools for cutting metals with low alloy and carbon values. When cutting metallic material, it is brought to a temperature at which it burns in contact with the torch and emerges in the form of metal oxide. This effect is only possible by using appropriately designed torches that can mix oxygen with certain proportions of combustible gas.

Substances such as acetylene and propane-butane can be used as fuel gases. Oxyfuel cutting with acetylene is a very effective method due to the faster and longer attainment of high temperatures. The great advantages of oxyfuel torches are also their mobility, which enables cutting at different angles, good cutting quality even with thick sheets and the possibility of mechanizing the cutting process with them. This method of metal processing is used in many branches of industry - from small workshops to large production halls. Thanks to its versatility, flame cutting can be used to process cast iron, brass, bronze, steel and other metal alloys, as well as for heating, burning and soldering.

How does an oxy-acetylene torch work?

The essence of gas cutting is to heat the material of the workpiece to such a temperature that it is decomposed by the acetylene-oxygen flame in the form of a change in the aggregate state. This method enables not only the separation of steel elements with a thickness of up to 300 mm, but also their permanent joining. The results obtained and the quality of the cut depend on the type of torch selected. The smaller the torch, the smaller the jet and the more precise the cut. Universal torches are used for both cutting and welding. Of course, not all metals are suitable for flame cutting.

Oxy-acetylene torches are also ideal for processing low-alloy, low-carbon and rusted steels.

Where is an oxy-acetylene torch used?

The oxy-acetylene torch forms the basis for all work involving the machining, cutting and welding of various metal alloys. Due to its versatility and the adaptability of the components, such as the size of the torch, oxy-acetylene cutting has a wide range of applications not only in large companies, but also in small businesses and workshops. This type of service is in demand wherever precise and high-quality customization of even thicker metal parts is required for a specific industry or service. Due to the wide range of functions of the oxy-acetylene torch, the relatively low operating costs and the wide range of possible applications, the torch is used as one of the basic pieces of equipment from domestic car repair shops to large industrial or construction companies. Find out how useful an acetylene torch is!

 

FAQ:

Depending on the specific pressure and gas conditions, an acetylene-oxygen mixture can reach a flame temperature of up to 3,500 degrees Celsius. The high temperature enables the melting and flame cutting of various metals and materials.


Factors such as the cutting process, the material to be processed and the thickness of the material determine the exact pressure settings for the oxy-acetylene torch. The usual pressure values for oxygen are between 2 and 6 bar and for acetylene between 0.5 and 1.5 bar.

 

 


In flame cutting, acetylene acts as an ignition gas and serves as a fuel gas. It is combined with oxygen and ignited to generate a high temperature and flame. The result is a high-heat flame that melts the material to be cut and blows it out of the kerf under the pressure of the oxygen to create a cut.


Acetylene is a chemically unstable compound that decomposes spontaneously at approximately 309 degrees Celsius. It must therefore be stored and transported under controlled conditions in order to avoid dangerous decomposition reactions.


To ensure safe ignition, the sequence of first oxygen and then acetylene is followed during flame cutting. Oxygen before acetylene results in a concentrated and highly reactive flame that ignites the acetylene effectively. In this way, the high temperature required for cutting the material is generated.


 

 

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