but, this also happens with my torch that only uses acetylene.
There is no oxygen to turn off first. Is this dangerous? there seems
like there is nothing I can do about this…is there?
Hello Orchidians, First, I’d like to hear more about the reason for
opening the oxygen tank fully as mentioned by Jade. I’m ignorant on
this. At this point, I’ve not had any problems opening the tank
valve only a turn or so. I have heard that the line between the tank
and torch should not be left pressured when shutting everything off.
Like Steve Ramsdell, I’ve used natural gas (NG) and oxygen for more
years than I care to remember. My first class in High School used NG
and a compressor. This was very convenient for students in that the
torch had a squeezable trigger that released the pressured air
(preadjusted to create the proper flame). When the trigger was not
depressed, the NG flame continued to burn. The instructor insisted
on this system for the jewelry class - probably felt it to be a safer
and simpler method for beginners to use. Here’s what I like best
about the NG system - the torch is always lit and only the oxygen
needs to be turned on to start soldering. It’s virtually impossible
to light the torch with the oxygen on, so one really has no choice
but to light the NG, then adjust the oxygen. Since the NG flame
always available, NG is the last thing to be shut off when I leave
the torch. Judy in Kansas
Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
Extension Associate
221 Call Hall Kansas State Univerisity
Manhattan KS 66506
(785) 532-1213 FAX (785) 532-5681
When you convert from Acetylene to Propane or any other petroleum
based fuel, be sure to change your hoses. Acetylene is not a
petroleum based fuel and so most hoses for acetylene are rubber. The
petroleum based fuels will dissolve the rubber over time, gum up your
gages and clog up any small tips.
Until recently, the tanks for acetylene did not have to be inspected
since the pressure was only 300 psi. The federal goverment stuck
their nose in the business, now there is inspection of Acetylene
tanks. Some of these tanks have been around for many years, the
earliest ones were filled with asbestos, (aceylene needs to be in a
honey-comb structure to keep it stable). Any asbeston filled tankd,
or dinged tanks have to be replaced. This has caused undue hardship
on the gas companies, they have to raise the price of Acetylene to
cover the price of the new tanks.
They are looking for a new fuel combination that will have the heat
of acetylene but not the cost. Thea are experimenting with Propolene,
Chemelene, etc, which are Propane with other fuels added (Hydrogen,
etc…) in order to get higher heats. All of these are petroleum
based fuels and will dissolve/make soft your hoses over time. Hose
replacement for the gas line is only about $8.00 for 8 feet of line.
Acetylene hoses are Grade “R” and fuel gases are Grade “T”.
Love and God Bless
-randy
http://www.rocksmyth.com http://www.rocksmyth.com/
Home 214-321-6253
Work 469-775-6650
Cell 214-280-7775