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Oxy-fuel Cutting |
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The principle behind oxy-fuel cutting is simple: When hydrocarbons are oxidized, they generate heat. As with other flame processes, oxy-fuel cutting does not require expensive equipment, the energy source is easily transported, and most processes do not require electricity or cooling water. A torch and a fuel-gas cylinder are typically sufficient. |
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Combustion makes oxy-fuel cutting possible. An oxygen jet burns the metal in a narrow section to make a cut and removes the combustion products (slag) from the kerf. The purity of the cutting oxygen is key in achieving a particular cutting speed; the use of high-purity oxygen offers high productivity. Before oxy-fuel cutting can begin, the steel must be preheated to ignition temperature; this is done with an oxygen/fuel gas flame.
The choice of fuel gas is also critical and influences the cutting process vis-à-vis quality, preheating times and the thickness of the material that can be cut. Acetylene is often the fuel gas of choice for oxy-fuel cutting processes.
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| The most critical part of the cutting equipment is the cutting nozzle. The performance of a nozzle increases as the exit velocity of the cutting oxygen jet increases, which in turn depends on the design of the nozzle orifice. |
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Oxygen concentration levels can increase for several reasons:
- Leaks from pipe connections, hoses and valves
- Valves have been left open or partially open
- Incorrect use of equipment
- Insufficient ventilation in a confined workspace
Working with fuel gases and oxygen can be risky if the person using it is inadequately trained. Linde’s expert personnel can answer all your safety questions, and have developed several products and services to make flame processes safe. One such safety product is ODOROX, an odorized oxygen product.
Just as natural gas and propane are odorized with t-butyl mercaptan or ethanethiol to allow the detection of leaks, ODOROX contains small amounts of dimethyl sulphide (DMS), to enhance workplace safety. The distinct smell of DMS is completely unlike any other smell. DMS has no impact on the environment or the efficiency or quality of the cutting process. ODOROX’s pungent smell allows users to detect even small increases in oxygen concentration levels (as little as 1%), so that necessary precautions can be immediately taken.
ODOROX is used in many industries, from shipbuilding and mining to automotive workshops. It is intended for use in any industrial application where oxy-fuel would normally be used; it is available in cylinders and cylinder bundles and for odorizing supply systems.
If you and your colleagues want to know more about the latest developments in safety or other gas-related applications, be sure to Contact Us. Linde would be happy to organize speakers for a seminar at your work site. |
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