welding

Oxyacetylene Welding
Oxygen and acetylene are burned together to produce a flame that is hotter than the melting point of most metals. The temperature of an oxyacetylene flame is generally accepted at being around 6000®F. This process can be used for joining, heating and cutting metals. Heating with the oxyacetylene is often used for forming metals into various shapes and heat treating metals in operations such as annealing, flame hardening, tempering, case hardening, and stress relieving. Stream of pure oxygen is directed against an area of heated metal. This action causes the metal to oxidize, or burn, and thus cut. Regulator is designed to handle and control the high pressure of acetylene and make this using gas safe. Before attaching a regulator to an oxygen or acetylene cylinder, crack the valve. Cracking means to open the valve slightly for a second to clear the outlet of any dirt to prevent malfunction.


Two types of blow pipes are available, injector and medium pressure. The main difference between the two is that the injector can use acetylene at pressure of less than 1psi while the medium pressure torches require that the acetylene be supplied at the pressure from 1psi to 15psi. All welding torch makers offer tip suggestions for various thickness of metals being welded with their particular blowpipe. All cutting blowpipes are designed to allow mixed oxygen and acetylene to be released through special preheated orifices in the head of the unit. Assuming that you are right-handed, hold the blowpipe in this hand and the striker in your left. Turn the acetylene control knob open a crack, just enough to let some gas flow through the tip. Hold the striker close to the tip and squeeze it a few times to generate enough sparks to light the acetylene.






Safety
- Acetylene should be stored away from heat sources and other fuels.
- Safety plugs melt at about the same temperature as boiling water, and they can “blow out” as a result of rough handling
- Do not open the valve on an acetylene cylinder more than 1.5 turns as this may cause the acetone in the tank escape with the acetylene. Acetone will damage the rubber and plastic parts in the system including hose and regulator.
- Always use acetylene in an upright position.
- Never use any lubricant on regulator parts
- Use the soap test to detect leakage
- Put on gloves and goggles