Oxy-propane burning.

[Pete.]

I have to do some oxy-propane burning. Steel joist walers and tubular props, probably a couple of hundred tons. I'm no a novice with the burning torch but only use it incidentally to my usual work so though I've used it many time it's never contiuned use.

Now I have a job where choosing the correct nozzle size and gas pressures will make quite a difference to consumable costs, so I'm asking for advice.

I have to burn tubular props with a 12 and 16mm wall thickness. Mostly unpainted with just thin surface rust, such as you'd typically see on sheet-piling that's been in a few months etc.

Also have a large amount of RSJ waler to burn out, 16 to 25mm thickness by the looks of it.

Looking for some reccomendations as to nozzle sizes & pressures to strike a balance between gas consumption and rate of work. Got some new Harris torches to work with.

 

[brightspark]

1/32 nozzle up to 6mm -3/64 up to 12mm -1/16 up to 75mm and 3/32 up to 150mm using oxy propane nozzles

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

You can burn 150mm with Oxy-prop!!! i was amazed i could burn 40mm easily enough

 

[pedrobedro]

We used to burn 30cm heads off castings with oxy propane using pepperpot burning heads before they were smoothed off with arcair to go to the machining process. This gives an idea what to use and if you get the pressure wrong it will blow the flame out when you press the oxygen trigger

 

[Pete.]

Thank you guys, for the advice and links.

 

[@Turbo]

so can I just buy a propane nozzle for my oxy-acetylene torch?

this would be a big cost saving!

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

@Turbo

As Far As I Understand It - Yes

Its What I Want For Heating/Cutting.

Mick

 

[wyn]

You'd also need a propane regulator and flashback arrestor.
Also the pipe/bag would need to be changed for a propane compatible one.

 

[@Turbo]

@Turbo

As Far As I Understand It - Yes

Its What I Want For Heating/Cutting.

Mick

cool I am on this! I have a lorry to break up and this would be just the job I will have to see what threads are on my oxyacetylene and get a nozzle for it.

You'd also need a propane regulator and flashback arrestor.
Also the pipe/bag would need to be changed for a propane compatible one.

I have a regulator from an old propane torch I use for felt roofs so will try that first I am sure I could pick up a spare flashback easy enough.

quite chuffed now I dont have to stand with the grinder

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Hi it needs to be a proper regulator not like one you'd use for a camping stove or big blowtorch, The one you need is similar to an acetylene one but for propane.

 

[@Turbo]

Hi it needs to be a proper regulator not like one you'd use for a camping stove or big blowtorch, The one you need is similar to an acetylene one but for propane.

why is this mate?

thanks.

 

[Pete.]

A basic propane regulator isn't that much to buy new.

 

[@Turbo]

A basic propane regulator isn't that much to buy new.

you are probs right but if I can play about and make the old one do I will have a few more beer/diesel tickets

 

[brightspark]

use the acetylene regulator on the propane bottle . it should have a flashback arestor fitted and as long as u have check valves on the torch end there isnt a problem the only thing i will say is your suposed to use the orange hose for propane and the red hose for acetylene . the reason for that is propane is suposed to rot the red acetylene pipe over time but ive used them for years without detriment

 

[StickNtig]

Be careful you dont get shafted by HSE for not using the correct equipment/gear. I got my hoses cut up in front of me because i had a small wear mark on the acetylene (the hoses were 3 weeks old!), and made to change the gauges because the lense on one had a small crack (again they were 3 weeks old). They're dead keen when it comes to gas gear.

 

[@Turbo]

use the acetylene regulator on the propane bottle . it should have a flashback arestor fitted and as long as u have check valves on the torch end there isnt a problem the only thing i will say is your suposed to use the orange hose for propane and the red hose for acetylene . the reason for that is propane is suposed to rot the red acetylene pipe over time but ive used them for years without detriment

cool. I will hook it up then it will only be for a few hours use as the bottles are used for welding more.

 

[@Turbo]

Be careful you dont get shafted by HSE for not using the correct equipment/gear. I got my hoses cut up in front of me because i had a small wear mark on the acetylene (the hoses were 3 weeks old!), and made to change the gauges because the lense on one had a small crack (again they were 3 weeks old). There dead keen when it comes to gas gear.

I'd say so I will keep it on the DL (down low) so to speak chaps.

I do not condone this of course.