Oxyacetylene Welding Equipment and Safety
Oxyacetylene welding, also known as gas welding, is a process which relies on the combustion of oxygen and acetylene to produce a very hot flame. When these gases are mixed together in the correct proportions, a flame is produced with a temperature that is sufficient to melt steel. This course will cover the basics of oxyacetylene welding and some best practices that should be followed in order to be safe on the job. We will go over how oxygen and acetylene are used in gas welding, the equipment that makes up a gas welding rig, and the PPE required to maintain a safe welding environment.
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Learning Objectives
- Describe the equipment which makes up a gas welding rig
- Describe why pure oxygen is used in gas welding
- Describe why acetylene is used in gas welding
- Describe what is unique about acetylene storage
- Describe the role of pressure regulators in welding
- Describe the difference between a backfire and a flashback
- List some factors leading to a safe welding environment
- List guidelines for safe compressed gas cylinder handling
- List the PPE required to safely perform gas welding
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video, MobileReady |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What is oxyacetylene welding?
Oxyacetylene welding is simple in concept. A hot flame is used to melt together pieces of metal which are in contact with each other.
What are the main components that make up a “gas welding rig?”
An oxyacetylene welding system, or “gas welding rig,” consists of two compressed gas cylinders (one for oxygen and one for acetylene), pressure regulators for each cylinder, a set of transfer hoses with safety valves, and a welding torch.
Are there other types of fuels that can be used in oxyacetylene welding instead of acetylene?
Yes, there are several alternative fuels that can be used including methylacetylene-propadiene or MAPP, liquefied petroleum gas, butane, propane, and gasoline.
What is a flashback arrestor?
A flashback arrestor is a “check,” or non-return valve on the hose between the regulator and torch. These are used in the event of a fire or explosion in the torch.
What is the personal protective equipment that should be worn while welding?
There are several pieces of PPE that should be worn at all times while welding. This includes fire resistant clothing, gauntlet gloves, safety goggles and a face shield, ear protection, and finally if cutting, a leather apron may also be necessary.
Sample Video Transcript
An oxyacetylene torch is made up of: • Torch body (or handle) • Two separate gas feed tubes (through the handle connected to the hoses) • Control valves for each gas line • Mixing chamber • Head tube • Welding tip The flow of oxygen and fuel gas is controlled at the valves on the handle of the cutting torch. The gases mix in the mixing chamber and flow out the welding tip to make a flame. Welding tips can be changed out based on the required flame size. The “head” of the torch, that part of the torch beyond the handle, can also be changed out. The sizes of the orifices in the mixing chamber must be somewhat proportional to the size of the tips to reduce the possibility of the flame getting back into the head. Being able to change out the head also means that a welding-type head can be replaced with a heating or cutting-type head.
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