Acetylene is a hazardous gas with restrictions by existence. To regulate the gas, add the acetone to acetylene tanks. If an individual surpasses the permissible flow velocity, the tank will remove gas and acetone. The container may become unsteady and unsafe as the acetone level drops. Liquid acetone will also harm the welding equipment and welding torches, controllers, and hoses.
Most welders prefer using the oxy-acetylene tank due to its benefits. It can weld metals such as aluminum and stainless steel even though you require high heat. Also, it is readily available in the market today. Yes, size is essential in welding certain metals. Therefore, choose a tank that suits your welding job.
Fortunately, the article shows the best size of oxy-acetylene tank necessary for the welding process. Also, it offers features such as; it lasts longer and comes in different sizes. Moreover, it shows the steps to use the oxy-acetylene tank, including the FAQs successfully.
Contents
What size oxy-acetylene tanks should I get?
Get a small set of tanks based on how much welding or machining you expect to carry out. You can go up to the following size if they aren’t big enough for you. There are different sizes of oxy-acetylene tanks available. Considering how standard B-size oxy-acetylene tanks are in shop centers, they don’t fit the welder requirements quite well.
Try obtaining a higher tank, such as K-size oxygen and a #4 acetylene tank, as this is a “larger is preferable” circumstance. Most manufacturers consider getting two of each if you can, so you can change them out and continue working rather than placing the work on pause until you can get to the vendor for a recharge.
Features of oxy-acetylene tank
- Robustness
The cylinders last. They are challenged to harm if any heavy container runs on them. For transportation, you must install a protective cap. If the cylinder rolls over without the safety cap, it might fracture the tubing underneath the main valve, causing the device to go off like a rocket while spewing gas at high pressure.
That section is risky since it has the potential to break through a cinder block wall. The containers and related equipment, on the other side, are safe to handle. Because the acetylene cylinder must stay standing while in operation, you must attach the containers frequently to a wall or a movable cart. The containers can rest on their side when you close and cap them for transit.
- Different sizes
The oxy-acetylene cylinders come in a variety of sizes. The containers in the first image are of medium length. They have a large fuel tank and can operate for a long time before refilling them. The oxygen cylinder is the larger of the two, storing 140 cubic feet of atmospheric oxygen at a force of 2200 psi. The lesser container carries 120 cubic feet of acetylene in a liquid state at less than 300 psi pressure.
- Accessories
The welding machine comes with accessories such as a torch, pressure regulators, a regulator wrench, and hoses. The accessories are essential in performing the welding processes. For example, the torch must melt the metals together using the heat necessary or joining the metals together.
- Measurements
The oxy-acetylene cylinder comes with measurements, including the weight. The sizes are; 23.23 in height that has a valve, and 6.5 in diameters. The device’s weight is constant, and it is approximately 220 pounds making it difficult to transport from one position to another. Moving the cylinder requires an effective vehicle or any other machine recommended by the seller.
Steps on how to use oxy-acetylene tanks
The process of switching on the tanks, lighting, making some adjustments, and shutting it down is easy as long as you follow the correct procedure. Apart from following the guidelines, follow the instructions carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. Before making any step, check the following;
- Ensure you turn off all the torch valves.
- Ensure you remove the regulator pressure regulations before beginning to keep them safe from any damage.
- Move a little distance from the front of the tank regulator.
- Open the oxy-acetylene and separate the two cylinders from each other; separate the oxygen and the acetylene cylinder valves.
- Make some regulations concerning the screws using the screwdriver. Also, tip the tank settings.
- Check the pressure settings and adjust them accordingly after opening and closing the tank’s torch valves.
- Regulate the pressure of the cutting level to the recommended one.
Proceed to light and change the cylinder settings, including the torch settings using the following steps.
1. Check the oxygen and the fuel gas present in the tank and separate them effectively.
2. Find the position of the fuel gas valve and open it gently by making a ½ turn.
3. Light the tank flame with a stickler that the manufacturer recommends.
4. Add more fuel gas and allow it to flow until the tank flames leave the end of the tank.
5. After the flames leave, reduce the fuel gas till the flame returns to the tank tip.
6. Regulate the neutral flame and open the tank’s oxygen valve.
7. Adjust the oxygen lever and turn off the torch. When turning off the torch, ensure you switch off both the oxygen torch valve and the fuel gas torch valve.
If you are using the tank torch for some time, follow the instructions below to use the oxy-acetylene gas.
i. Find the position of the fuel gas cylinder valves and close them gently.
ii. Find the position of the fuel gas lines and separate the oxygen gas from it.
iii. While carrying out the process, ensure all regulators gauges’ record zero.
iv. Adjust the screws, including the regulator pressure.
v. If you cannot use the oxy-acetylene tank, seek help from a professional and report the issue in case of any damage. Finally, ensure you follow the steps above carefully to get the best results.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I weld my aluminum metal using oxy-acetylene tanks?
You can use the oxy-acetylene tank to solder different metals depending on the thickness of the welding rod. You can use the tank to weld aluminum metal. Also, you can weld other metals such as stainless steel, even if it is difficult to cut the metal unless you use high heat and pressure.
- Is it possible to weld with a welding torch?
You can join metal using gas welding, which uses the energy of a torch that burns both oxygen and a primary fuel. For additional durability, incorporate a filler rod frequently into the weld. The comparatively ancient forge soldering, which requires melting two pieces of metal and then slamming them simultaneously, was replaced by so-called oxy-fuel welding.
Conclusion
Oxy-acetylene tanks are essential in performing welding processes. Considering how standard B-size oxy-acetylene tanks are in shop centers, they don’t fit the welder requirements quite well. Try choosing the best oxy acetylene tank, such as K-size oxygen and a #4 acetylene tank. Before buying an oxy-acetylene tank, read the article above to get the best tank.
Finally, take some precautions when using the tank. For example, the gas present in the tank is hazardous. Therefore, read the instruction manual on using the tank. Also, clean the tank and use the correct gas to prevent dangers such as fire outbreaks. Moreover, seek help in case of any issues or if you are unable to use the tank.
