Does the oxygen in a oxy fuel cutting torch burn?
No. Pure oxygen is nonflammable. Oxygen is a colorless, odorless and tasteless elemental gas that supports life and makes combustion possible. It constitutes about a fifth of the atmosphere approximately 21%. All elements but the inert gases combine directly with oxygen, usually to form oxides. However, oxidation of different elements occurs over a wide range of temperatures with phosphorus and magnesium igniting spontaneously in air at ambient temperatures. All materials that are flammable in air burn much more vigorously in oxygen. Some combustibles, such as oil and grease, burn with nearly explosive violence in oxygen if ignited. Oxygen lowers the ignition point of flammables and greatly accelerates combustion. Oxygen is shipped as a non-liquefied gas at pressure above 2000 psi, and also as a cryogenic gas at pressures below 200 psi. Industrial applications for oxygen include combination with acetylene, hydrogen and other fuel gases for such purposes as metal cutting, welding, harde
