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Oxy Acetylene, General Tech Info

Oxy Acetylene Flame

Thursday, 19th March 2020

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An Oxy Acetylene Flame will fall loosely into one of three types:

Neutral, Oxidising and Carburising Categories

Gas Equipment
Neutral Oxy Acetylene Flame Oxy Acetylene
Welding Gas
Mig Welding
Tig Welding

A Neutral flame is achieved when there are equal amounts of Oxygen and Acetylene. Arc Welding
Plasma Cutting
A Neutral Flame is so named because it has no chemical effect on the molten metal.
Safety
Key characteristics of a Neutral Flame are a defined Cone Flame at the base of a long feather flame. If Welding Techniques
the correct size of nozzle is being used a Neutral flame should produce no more than a gentle hiss. General Tech Info
General Interest
A Neutral Oxy Acetylene Flame is used for Welding, Brazing and Silver Soldering most metals and is
Lead Welding
therefore the most common type of flame to use. A Neutral Flame is also used for Oxy Acetylene
Cutting.

Oxidising Oxy Acetylene Flame

An Oxidising Flame is where there is more Oxygen than Acetylene used.

Key characteristics of an Oxidising Flame are a small, sharp, more pointed looking Cone Flame at the
base of a shorter feather flame. An Oxidising Flame will have a distinct roar.

Use of a slightly Oxidising flame is more specialised, typical uses are for welding copper and zinc
based metals or manganese steels. In these cases an oxidising flame creates base metal oxide that
protects the base metal.

Carburising Oxy Acetylene Flame

A Carburising Flame is where there is more Acetylene than Oxygen used.

Key characteristics of a Carburising Flame is a secondary feather flame, caused by the excess
Acetylene burning further down the flame length. If the correct size of nozzle is being used a
Carburising flame should produce no more than a gentle hiss.

Use of a Carburising Flame is more specialised, typical uses are for welding lead, surface hardening
processes or welding high carbon steels.

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Cheers

Graham

6 comments
1.

Renee says:
November 4, 2019 at 00:47

Roughly what KPAs for the acetylene and oxygen would you
say are good settings for oxy welding, cutting and heating.
Reply

1.

Graham says:
November 4, 2019 at 10:11

Hi Renee
We have some Pressure Charts in our
Knowledge Zone that cover this. The
charts are in bar rather than KPS, but
you can find a conversion Online if
necessary.
Hope I’ve helped.
Cheer Graham
Reply
2.

JB says:
October 27, 2019 at 21:59