How to properly light, adjust and shut down an oxy-acetylene torch

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Harris Products Group

Lighting, adjusting and shutting down an oxygen-acetylene torch is easy – especially when following the proper procedures. In addition to these easy to follow instructions, you must always be sure to follow the torch manufacturer's operating procedures.

First - before you attempt to light the torch follow these checks:

·         Make sure regulator pressure adjustment screws are backed out!

·         Make sure torch valves are closed!

·         Stand away from front of regulator

·         Separately and slowly open the oxygen and acetylene cylinder valves

·         Adjust regulator p/a screws to tip pressure settings

·         Open/close torch valves separately and fine tune pressure settings on regulators

·         Depress cutting lever and adjust pressure if necessary

Lighting and adjusting the torch (with a positive/equal pressure mixer):

·         Separately purge both oxygen and fuel gas lines

·         Open fuel gas valve 1/2 turn

·         Ignite flame with striker

·         Increase fuel gas flow until flame leaves end of tip and no smoke is present

·         Decrease until flame goes back to tip

·         Open oxygen valve and adjust to neutral flame

·         Depress oxygen lever and make necessary adjustments

Shutting down the torch (with a positive/equal pressure mixer):

·         Close oxygen torch valve

·         Close fuel gas torch valve

If the torch/regulators and gases are done being used for a while, follow these procedures:

·         Close oxygen and fuel gas cylinder valves

·         Separately purge oxygen and fuel gas lines

·         Make sure all regulator gauges read 0

·         Back out regulator pressure adjustment screws!

·         If you are using in a commercial environment, report any damage, etc. to your supervisor

Remember to always follow basic safety rules when working with oxy-fuel equipment.