A: Chemtane 2 does not carbon steel weld. Chemtane 2 is prominently used in cutting. However, the other uses are scarfing, gouging, brazing, soldering, flame hardening, thermal spraying and flame coating. Plus, we have numerous people in the glass and crafts industries that use Chemtane 2 for their artwork because Chemtane 2 is so clean.
Q: The pressure gauge only reads 50 psi, yesterday, I had 100 psi. I haven’t used very much of it. Why is my cylinder emptying so rapidly?
A: When the environment’s temperature is low, the psi will be lower. When it is warm, the psi will read higher. This is not an indicator of how much product remains in the cylinder. The same is true with acetylene. If you want to know how much product is left in the Chemtane 2 cylinder, it needs to be weighed. Tare weight is indicated on the cylinder shoulder. Actual weight minus tare weight equals remaining product. A full cylinder has 25, 60, or 100 lbs. of product.
Q: I’m using three times more oxygen with Chemtane 2 than with Acetylene. Why?
A: There is absolutely no reason that the customer should be using more oxygen than with other fuel gases. In fact, in certain situations, he should be able to use up to 50% less oxygen than with acetylene. Refer to tip charts that are attached. Compare manufacturers suggested pressure settings between acetylene and Chemtane 2. Note that oxygen consumption is the same or less with the same size tips and same thickness of material.
Q: When I light my torch, I get a big “POOF”. Why?
A: It could be a tip, regulator, or torch problem. Chemtane 2 will not normally “poof” when lit except when an excess amount of oxygen is added to the fuel mixture prior to lighting.
Q: My current supplier told me that Chemtane 2 is 300 degrees colder than Acetylene. Is this true?
A: Refer to Chemtane 2 data sheet characteristics under “Flame Temperature in Oxygen.”
Q: My Chemtane 2 is difficult to light in the wind. How do I overcome this problem?
A: First learning to add the appropriate amount of fuel to oxygen will help overcome this problem. However, you can lay your torch tip on the metal that is being cut, turn on your fuel, then light your torch and then adjust your oxygen.
Q: The Chemtane 2 cylinder is so light weight. Are you sure you’re filling it all the way up?
A: Unlike acetylene cylinders, Chemtane 2 cylinders are hollow, explaining the “light weight.” And unlike acetylene cylinders that have the fiber material (traps 20% of product that can never be used) every ounce of Chemtane 2 can be used.
Q. Some told me that Chemtane 2 is not a safe gas. Is this true?
A: On the contrary, Chemtane 2 is a very stable fuel gas (Acetylene is unstable above 15 psi.) Toxicity is low, (some fuel gases are carcinogenic) and backfire tendency is low.
