Cutting oxygen purity
Oxygen purity of the cutting stream is the minimum proportion of oxygen in a cutting stream that determines the cutting speed in flame cutting. Too low a purity leads to significant loss of performance.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
The cutting oxygen purity refers to the percentage of oxygen in a cutting stream. Oxygen is crucial for the oxidation reaction that occurs when cutting metals. A higher oxygen content increases the reactivity of the stream and thus speeds up the cutting speed.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
Too low cutting oxygen purity (below 90%) leads to a significant reduction in the oxidation reaction. This slows down the cutting speed and can lead to insufficient material removal or even failure of the cutting stream. Moreover, a lack of oxygen can cause the metal not to oxidize properly, leading to incomplete removal of dirt and corrosion.
Workshop Practice & Action Instructions
To ensure optimal cutting speed and performance, the cutting oxygen purity should be at least 90%. If the oxygen content is below 90%, it is advisable to change the stream or check and adjust the cutting conditions if necessary. It is important to regularly check the oxygen content of the stream and ensure it meets the required minimum.