11.10 Torch Lighters and Economizers
A handheld flame should never be used to light a welding torch. Do not carry matches or other combustible items, such as combs, lighters, or pens, in your pockets while welding. If a spark enters the pocket, a serious burn may result before the fire can be extinguished.
A flint and steel spark lighter is the most popular type of torch lighter. See Figure 11-59. Pistol-grip spark lighters are also available.
Facilities with multiple gas welding stations often provide pilot lights fueled by either natural gas or acetylene. The gas is piped to an outlet near the welding station, and a small flame is kept burning continuously. The flame outlet should be located overhead, where it does not have any chance of igniting anything at the working level of the room.
A flint and steel spark lighter is the most popular type of torch lighter. See Figure 11-59. Pistol-grip spark lighters are also available.
Facilities with multiple gas welding stations often provide pilot lights fueled by either natural gas or acetylene. The gas is piped to an outlet near the welding station, and a small flame is kept burning continuously. The flame outlet should be located overhead, where it does not have any chance of igniting anything at the working level of the room.
Figure 11-60 shows a combination economizer and lighter. It consists of a mechanism through which the oxygen and acetylene are fed before going to the torch. This mechanism is also used to hold the torch when it is not being used.
Before the torch is placed in the holder, it is lit and adjusted. When it is put in the holder, it presses a lever that turns off both the oxygen and acetylene supplies to the torch. Some have a very small acetylene flame burning at a special outlet, or pilot light, on the economizer. When the torch is lifted from the holder, gas flow starts, the gas is ignited by the pilot light, and the torch is ready to be used for welding. An economizer saves considerable gas and time. Safety is also improved with its use, since the chance of having the torch laid aside while still lit is minimized.
Before the torch is placed in the holder, it is lit and adjusted. When it is put in the holder, it presses a lever that turns off both the oxygen and acetylene supplies to the torch. Some have a very small acetylene flame burning at a special outlet, or pilot light, on the economizer. When the torch is lifted from the holder, gas flow starts, the gas is ignited by the pilot light, and the torch is ready to be used for welding. An economizer saves considerable gas and time. Safety is also improved with its use, since the chance of having the torch laid aside while still lit is minimized.