Oxy Propane

[buzzy bee]

Hello

I have in the past used my Oxy Acetlyne burning gear on the Oxy Propane, nothing seemed to go wrong, but I have been told to Change the Acetylene hose for a Propane one and the Cutting Nozzle on my Cutting torch. I wondered do the Flashbacks work for both Acetlyne and Propane?

Cheers

Dave

 

[backpurge]

You need to change the regulator, hose and nozzle, by rights you should also change the flashback arrestor

 

[buzzy bee]

Whats the reasoning for changing the Regulator

 

[@Turbo]

Whats the reasoning for changing the Regulator

my problem was mine didnt go on the prop bottle it clashed with the handle.

 

[buzzy bee]

my problem was mine didnt go on the prop bottle it clashed with the handle.

What did you swap then? Or did you get a whole new set....

 

[backpurge]

Whats the reasoning for changing the Regulator

Main reasoning is different pressure ratings

 

[@Turbo]

What did you swap then? Or did you get a whole new set....

I didn't I just cut the bottle and made it fit. I was in abit of a rush.

it works ok with the acetylene reg and hoses the only thing I changed was the nozzle on the torch.

 

[brightspark]

Main reasoning is different pressure ratings

whats stopping u using the acetylene reg on a propane bottle as the bottle pressure on propane is less than the acetylene. i use mine on both

 

[Engineer1964]

You can't use propane with acetylene hoses, as the different gases will perish the hose, You need to use Orange Hose for propane and Red for acetylene.

As with the nozzles, you need propane nozzles which come as two part the top and the shroud.

 

[buzzy bee]

So if I get standard Orange gas hose that will work, and obviously a nozzle, my regulator fits on, and I was thinking as it is meant for higher pressures, the gauge may not be very accurate on the bottle contents, but couldn't see why else it wouldn't work. The Flashbacks say Oxygen for the Oxy obviously, and Fuel for the Acetlyne, so wondered if being fuel they would be ok for the Propane.

 

[Engineer1964]

So if I get standard Orange gas hose that will work, and obviously a nozzle, my regulator fits on, and I was thinking as it is meant for higher pressures, the gauge may not be very accurate on the bottle contents, but couldn't see why else it wouldn't work. The Flashbacks say Oxygen for the Oxy obviously, and Fuel for the Acetlyne, so wondered if being fuel they would be ok for the Propane.

I wouldn't know about the Flashbacks, Different gases work in different ways until you get a propane Flashback assume it don't work to be on the safe side.

You need to change the Hose for Orange propane hose, Its pretty dangerous to use the Acet Red hose for propane, Like wise with the reg, Not sure if thats OK as acetylene works at a lower pressure than propane

 

[brightspark]

the flashback arrestors work on both gasses / the readings on the gauges are acurate whichever gas u use. just the contents gauge will hardly registeras propane bottles are filled to a lower pressure

 

[mcostello]

About 20 years ago, before the Internet, I changed my Acetylene setup to Propane. I did not know not to do it. I still have the same red hose, regulator and gauges. I did have to get another cutting tip. Nothing has happened yet, hose has not gone funky or any other problems.Edit-same flashback arresters also.

 

[backpurge]

Here's the last I am going to say on the subject 'cos there are people on here who obviously know far more about it than me

My comments are based solely upon current BCGA/H&SE guidelines which are in place to try and stop people killing themselves, people in industry have been following these guidelines for years, if "hobbyists" and small users choose to ignore them because they have greater knowledge and experience so be it

Regulators must only be used for the gases they are designed for, this is due to -

Different cylinder fill pressures

Different molecular sizes of gases, this will cause pressure outlet gauges and flow metres to be innacurate (the second biggest reason for flashbacks is incorrect pressure settings - FACT)

Different maximum working pressures and draw of rates, stick a propane reg on an acetylene cylinder and you can easily exceed the maximum advised working pressure of 1.5bar, in turn you will then exceed the maximum allowed draw off rate, you are then well on the way to killing yourself and anyone in the vicinity

Different gases have different chemical properties which can react to certain materials ie oxygen and grease, acetylene and copper etc. We have come across cheap chinese imported regs with copper internals

As I previously said there are posters with obviously far more knowledge and experience than me so make your own minds up

 

[buzzy bee]

BackPurge, I started the thread for advice, and I am thankful for your advice as well as everyone else's, it is now up to the end user, me or whoever else reads the thread to make a decision.

I have just been to the Welding Supplies place 15 miles away and bought the required new bits.

Cheers

Dave

 

[@Turbo]

Here's the last I am going to say on the subject 'cos there are people on here who obviously know far more about it than me

My comments are based solely upon current BCGA/H&SE guidelines which are in place to try and stop people killing themselves, people in industry have been following these guidelines for years, if "hobbyists" and small users choose to ignore them because they have greater knowledge and experience so be it

Regulators must only be used for the gases they are designed for, this is due to -

Different cylinder fill pressures

Different molecular sizes of gases, this will cause pressure outlet gauges and flow metres to be innacurate (the second biggest reason for flashbacks is incorrect pressure settings - FACT)

Different maximum working pressures and draw of rates, stick a propane reg on an acetylene cylinder and you can easily exceed the maximum advised working pressure of 1.5bar, in turn you will then exceed the maximum allowed draw off rate, you are then well on the way to killing yourself and anyone in the vicinity

Different gases have different chemical properties which can react to certain materials ie oxygen and grease, acetylene and copper etc. We have come across cheap chinese imported regs with copper internals

As I previously said there are posters with obviously far more knowledge and experience than me so make your own minds up

your knowledge is appreciated so thanks for sharing. No one can deny that you have the right way to go about things. If I was using it everyday or had the spare cash I would be sure to do it right.

p.s no one was using a propane reg on an acetylene bat. give us some credit...

 

[brightspark]

acetylene regs will work fine on propane bottles not vice versa . using witt re settable flashback arrestors will all so work on both [http://www.wittgas.com/filepool/Dat...turen/flashback_arrestor_super78_90_66_uk.pdfand post 10 on the smiths regs http://www.smithequipment.com/alt_fuel_faq.html in 30 years ive only ever had 2 flashbacks and had to reset the above arrestors

 

[weldequip]

I thought you were a 'professional' electrician Brightspark? In which case you will be well aware of rules & regulations? Said regulations with gas control equipment state that it should be used strictly for purpose, ie.gas in use, and be replaced every 5 years. These things are put in place for a purpose. You've gone 4 or 5 times past that! Won't matter to most DIY users (aside from possible house insurance claims), but you would be thrown off site instantly! How's your public liability cover?

 

[buzzy bee]

I thought you were a 'professional' electrician Brightspark? In which case you will be well aware of rules & regulations? Said regulations with gas control equipment state that it should be used strictly for purpose, ie.gas in use, and be replaced every 5 years. These things are put in place for a purpose. You've gone 4 or 5 times past that! Won't matter to most DIY users (aside from possible house insurance claims), but you would be thrown off site instantly! How's your public liability cover?

Good job I need not replace stuff for steam every 5 years, for my public liability....

I would be in a mess....

 

[brightspark]

my public liability is fine thanks covered for about £5 million claims free for 40 years i hardly think anyone who has gas bottles at home renews there gear every 5 years . in industry yes home workshop no