Should alternate fuel cylinders be fully opened during normal use?

Should alternate fuel cylinders be fully opened during normal use?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Partially open
• D. Fully closed

Answer: (B)

Not true. In normal oxy-fuel use, you open the fuel cylinder valve only a small amount and let the regulator do the heavy lifting. The regulator reduces the high cylinder pressure to a safe, usable pressure, and opening the cylinder valve fully can push too much gas into the lines, risking regulator damage, accidental flashback, or an uncontrolled flame if the torch is lit or a leak occurs. Acetylene, in particular, is sensitive to high pressures and is used at low pressures for safety. So you open the valve slowly and only enough to supply the regulator, then set the flame with the regulators and torch valves.

Not true. In normal oxy-fuel use, you open the fuel cylinder valve only a small amount and let the regulator do the heavy lifting. The regulator reduces the high cylinder pressure to a safe, usable pressure, and opening the cylinder valve fully can push too much gas into the lines, risking regulator damage, accidental flashback, or an uncontrolled flame if the torch is lit or a leak occurs. Acetylene, in particular, is sensitive to high pressures and is used at low pressures for safety. So you open the valve slowly and only enough to supply the regulator, then set the flame with the regulators and torch valves.