Why are cylinders of oxygen required, rather than using oxygen in the atmosphere, to operate a cutting torch?
Cutting or burning of steel, requires an oxygen purity content of 99%. When steel is brought to its kindling temperature, the combustion process will initiate when oxygen purity of 99% is added directly to the steel. 6. If when cutting or burning steel using a oxy fuel cutting torch, the cut is lost, why does this happen? One of two things happened. Either the kindling temperature was not maintained, or the oxygen purity was compromised over the full profile of the metal profile. To initiate a cut or burn, the metal must be pre-heated to its kindling temperature. At that point, pure pressurized oxygen is introduced in the flame, causing the metal to oxidize and the velocity of the oxygen blows the burned metal away. If impurity in the metal is present, a different kindling temperature may be required. Speed of travel may vary from dirty to clean metals. If traveling too fast, the kindling temperature will not be maintained and the cut will be lost. The amount of oxygen pressure set at
