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Answers to common questions about the nozzles, mixers, heating heads and cutting attachments used with a modular oxy-acetylene torch.
A non-return (check) valve fitted on the torch stops gas back-feeding into the hoses, but the HSE notes it will not stop a flashback once one has occurred. A flashback arrestor is a different device that stops a flame travelling back towards the cylinder.HSE guidance is to fit arrestors on the regulators of both the acetylene and oxygen cylinders and, for long hoses, on the torch end as well. Inspect these devices regularly and replace damaged ones. They are not a substitute for safe working practice, so keep to the manufacturer's replacement and testing advice.
Before lighting, purge the hoses one at a time by opening the gas supply to each hose for a few seconds, then close the torch valve. This flushes out any flammable mixture of gases in the hose. Work in a well-ventilated area and light the gas with a spark igniter, not a butane lighter or a match held close to your hand.Use the correct gas pressures and nozzle size for the job. The order in which to close the torch valves at shut-down differs between published instructions, so follow the sequence in your torch manufacturer's manual. Only use the equipment if you have been trained.
An acetylene cylinder contains a porous mass soaked in acetone, so it is built differently from most gas cylinders. HSE guidance says not to drop or jar it and not to roll it across the floor. Keep it upright, and if it has been laid down and returned to upright, leave it for an hour to settle before use.Check the identification and look for damage before use, and turn off all valves after use. In the UK, acetylene cylinders are normally painted maroon, but the label is what identifies the gas. If a cylinder looks damaged, the label is unclear, or it has been involved in a fire or flashback, do not use it and speak to your gas supplier.
The cutting oxygen bore is chosen by the thickness of material, so larger bores are used on heavier plate. Nozzles are made as one-piece or two-piece designs, and the choice depends on the fuel gas, whether the torch is hand or machine operated, and the maker's design. Standard nozzles have a central oxygen bore surrounded by preheat ports.Always match the nozzle to the fuel gas and to the torch or cutting attachment it was made for. The maker's chart gives the recommended gas pressures for each size, so check it rather than guessing from a similar tip.