Rapid Ref : H2099 Mfr Ref : H622P

Harris Heating Nozzle H-62-2P
H622P H2099

Name: Harris Heating Nozzle H-62-2P
SKU: H2099
Price: 79.61 GBP

£79.61 EX VAT

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Harris 43-2 Other Gases FAQs

Answers to common questions about running a modular torch on propane, propylene or natural gas instead of acetylene.

Can I use my acetylene nozzles and mixers with propane?

Not unless the maker says so. Nozzles and mixers are designed around one fuel gas, because the fuels need very different amounts of oxygen and burn differently. TWI notes that nozzle choice depends on the fuel gas, and propane needs roughly three to four times more oxygen per volume of fuel than acetylene.

An acetylene part on propane typically gives a poor or unstable flame. Look for the fuel marked on the nozzle, mixer or head, and check the maker's literature. If in doubt, our team can help you identify the correct part.

How does cutting and preheating with propane differ from acetylene?

Propane puts much less of its heat in the inner cone and more in the outer flame, so the usual acetylene technique of holding the inner cone just above the plate is slow. Hold the torch a little higher so the outer flame does the preheating.

Propane takes noticeably longer to start a cut or pierce than acetylene, but TWI reports that cutting speed is about the same once the cut is running. Propane also tolerates a greater nozzle-to-work distance. Follow the nozzle maker's flame setting and height advice for the size you are using.

Why does propane use so much more oxygen?

Each volume of propane needs far more oxygen to burn than acetylene does. TWI gives approximate oxygen-to-fuel ratios of about 4.3 to 1 for propane, 3.7 to 1 for propylene, 1.8 to 1 for natural gas and 1.2 to 1 for acetylene, and these are maximum-flame ratios that vary between sources.

This means oxygen cylinders empty faster and you must have enough oxygen supply and a regulator able to supply it. The recommended oxygen and fuel pressures for each nozzle are in the maker's chart, so use those rather than reusing acetylene settings.

What are the main safety differences between propane and acetylene?

Propane is heavier than air, so a leak sinks and collects at floor level or in low areas, whereas acetylene is lighter than air and rises. Propane and propylene are liquefied petroleum gases and do not have the decomposition risk that acetylene has, but all fuel gases are highly flammable and form explosive mixtures with air and oxygen. Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, so ventilate well, especially in enclosed spaces.

That does not mean you can relax. Check for leaks with a leak-detection solution made for oxy-fuel use, keep cylinders upright and secured, and use hoses, regulators and fittings made for the fuel gas. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and your risk assessment.

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