Oxyfuelflamme

Oxyfuelflamme refers to the flame produced by burning a fuel gas with an oxidizer, typically pure oxygen, in an oxy-fuel welding and cutting system. The term is used in several languages to denote the same concept as the oxy-fuel flame, and it is widely used in metalworking, glassworking, and heating processes.

Fuels commonly used include acetylene, propane, and hydrogen. The flame temperature and color depend on the gas and the gas-to-oxygen ratio. Acetylene-oxygen flames can reach the highest temperatures in this family, while propane-oxygen flames are somewhat cooler and hydrogen-oxygen flames can approach similar high temperatures under proper conditions.

Flame types are defined by the mixture ratio. A neutral flame has a balanced fuel and oxygen supply and provides a clean, colorless flame. A carburizing (fuel-rich) flame can deposit carbon on surfaces, while an oxidizing (oxygen-rich) flame tends to be hotter at the tip and can oxidize metal surfaces. Flame color is typically blue to pale blue, with a bright inner cone visible in many setups.

Applications include welding, brazing, cutting, and heating of metals. In oxy-fuel cutting, a preheated zone initiates a chemical reaction between iron and oxygen to form iron oxide, enabling material separation. In glassworking and metal finishing, precise heating and shaping are achieved through flame control.

Safety and operation require appropriate regulators, hoses, and flashback arrestors, along with adequate ventilation and fire protection. Proper handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders are essential to minimize risk.

History notes that oxy-fuel welding and cutting technologies emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century, becoming widespread in industry before electric arc methods dominated some applications. See also: Oxy-fuel welding, Oxy-fuel cutting.