What is an oxyacethylene torch?

Oxyfuel torches use a mixture of oxygen and fuel gas to weld and cutting metals. Oxyacethylene torch is one of the most common types of oxyphuels. It uses fuel called acetylene, which is fuel for most standard cutting and welding tasks. When mixed with oxygen acetylene, it creates a constant and very hot flame that can be used for accurate cutting or melting the metal.

The oxyfuel welding process was created in 1903 by a few French engineers, Edmond Fouche and Charles Picard. They created a torch that consisted of a nozzle, a mixing chamber and two tubes. One tube carried fuel such as acetylene, while the other carried pure oxygen. Oxygen and fuel mixed in the chamber and were released from the nozzle at a temperature much warmer than it could be achieved earlier.

Extra heat comes from pure oxygen mixed with fuel. In fact, air on Earth has a concentration of only about 21 percent oxygen, with 78 percent nitrogen and a small amount of other elements forming another percentage. Acetylene flame burns at about 4 M500 ° Fahrenheit (2,500 Celsius) if mixed with normal air. If acetylene is mixed with pure oxygen as in an oxyacethylene burner, the resulting flame will be up to 6,300 degrees Fahrenheit (3,480 Celsius).

This extra heat allows the operator an oxyacethylene burner to create clean, controlled cuts by heating only the thin strip of metal to be cut. Oxyacethylene torch can also be used for welding. When welding with oxyacethylene torches, the flame is used to produce molten metal along the edge of two working pieces. The pieces are then joined using the filler metal. As the metals cool down, they create a strong seam.

Acetylene is the hottest combustion of conventional fuel gases and is therefore useful for welding. It is also very unstable. Gas pressure must be controlled by a regulator as acetylene explodes if it reaches a pressure higher than 15pounds per square inch. To prevent this, acetylene tanks are full of porous materials and acetone.

Oxyacethylene torch should only be operated by a trained professional who has the right safety equipment. As a result of high temperatures and molten metal, oxyacethylene torches may be dangerous if they are not used correctly. Operators usually wear goggles or face shields to protect their faces and heavy gloves to protect their hands.