Because of its high flame temperature of 2925 C (5300 F) in oxygen, genuine MAPP gas can be used in conjunction with oxygen for heating, soldering, brazing, and even welding. Although acetylene has a higher flame temperature (3160 C, 5720 F), MAPP has the advantage of requiring no dilution or special container fillers during transportation, allowing a larger amount of fuel gas to be transported at the same weight, and it is considerably safer in use.
Due to the high concentration of hydrogen in the flame higher than acetylene but lower than any of the other petroleum fuel gases a MAPP/oxygen flame is not totally suitable for welding steel. The hydrogen corrodes the welds by infusing itself into the molten steel. This is not a severe concern for small-scale MAPP welding because the hydrogen escapes rapidly, and MAPP/oxygen can be utilized to weld small steel pieces in practice.
Underwater cutting, which necessitates high gas pressures, MAPP/oxygen was shown to be beneficial (under such pressures acetylene can decompose explosively, making it dangerous to use). Underwater oxy/fuel gas cutting of any kind, on the other hand, has mostly been supplanted by exothermic cutting, which is faster and safer.
MAPP gas is also utilized in air combustion for brazing and soldering, where its higher combustion temperature of 2,020 C (3,670 F) in air gives it a modest edge over rival propane fuel.
The most significant disadvantage of MAPP gas is its high cost, which is typically one-and-a-half times that of propane at the refinery and up to four times that of propane at the consumer level. It is no longer widely utilized in any large-scale business; for bigger users, acetylene/oxygen is more cost-effective than MAPP/oxygen when high flame temperatures are required, and propane/air is more cost-effective when significant amounts of overall heating are required.
A MAPP/oxygen flame, on the other hand, is still extremely desired for small-scale users, as it has higher flame temperatures and energy densities than any other flame other than acetylene/oxygen, but without the hazards and hassles of acetylene/oxygen. It comes in handy for jewelers, glass bead makers, and a variety of other craftspeople. The high heat capacity of the MAPP/air flame is particularly valued by plumbers, refrigeration and HVAC experts, and other craftsmen; MAPP was frequently utilized until recently, and was provided in small to medium size containers.
Blowtorches are used to brown and sear food cooked sous-vide at low temperatures. MAPP gases should be used instead of cheaper butane or propane, according to Myhrvold’s Modernist cuisine: the art and science of cooking, since they create greater temperatures with less chance of giving the dish a gas flavor, which can occur with incompletely combusted gas.
What gas has a higher heat of combustion than acetylene?
Propane, often known as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or LP gas, is a popular fuel. It is carried and kept as a very cold liquid, and if it comes into contact with the skin, it can induce a “frozen burn” or frostbite. Inside a tank or cylinder, liquid propane is converted to gas. Propane is colorless and odorless in its natural state. Manufacturers add a chemical ingredient to propane to give it a unique smell, making it simpler to detect in the event of a leak or spill.
Welding
To begin with, propane cannot be utilized in gas welding. When acetylene is burned in the presence of oxygen, a reducing zone forms, which cleans the steel surface. Propane, unlike acetylene, lacks a decreasing zone and so cannot be utilized for gas welding.
Brazing
Propane can be used for brazing in the same way as acetylene can. Equal result for capillary brazing (silver brazing). Acetylene will be advantageous for Braze “welding” (thick flowing brazing alloys).
Cutting
Propane, like acetylene, can be used to cut. When cutting with acetylene, the tip of the inner flame cone is usually placed on the metal (1mm from the plate surface). If you try the same thing with propane, you’ll have to wait a long time. The preheat procedure starts faster if you lift the torch to use the outer flame cone. Because propane only produces a modest amount of heat in the inner flame cone (less than 10%), the majority of the heat in the flame is concentrated in the outer cone. In the inner flame cone, acetylene discharges over 40% of its heat.
As a result, acetylene is preferable to propane for cutting. While acetylene is hotter than propane in terms of temperature, the fact is that individuals are cutting with propane wrongly. They make the error of cutting with propane in the same way as they would with acetylene. The heat in the propane warmup flame is not the same as the heat in the acetylene preheat flame. In summary, cutting with propane necessitates a different method, while acetylene preheats faster in general. Because cutting quality is unimportant in shipbreaking/ship demolition yards and scrapyards, propane is frequently used for cutting.
Heating
…is a completely other story. It is incorrect to claim that propane produces less heat (plain wrong actually). Although acetylene is hotter, it produces less heat. Oxygen / Propane is used for the majority of the preheating. This is a proven fact. The amount of heat provided from propane is greater.
Economy
Propane’s stoichiometric oxygen needs are higher than those of acetylene. The volume of oxygen to fuel gas ratio for the maximum flame temperature in oxygen is 1,2 to 1 for acetylene and 4.3 to 1 for propane. As a result, when Propane is used, significantly more oxygen is consumed. Despite the fact that propane is less expensive than acetylene, the higher oxygen consumption offsets this.
Safety
The most significant disadvantage of utilizing propane on board is, without a doubt, the issue of safety.
With a specific gravity of 0,9, acetylene is lighter than air (1). If gas escapes, the temperature will rise. Propane has a Specific Gravity of 1.66, making it heavier than air (as do other hydrocarbon gases such as butane and MAPP* (modified propane gas). Any propane leak in an enclosed space will sink to the deck level, where it will accumulate and may go undetected.
The oxygen-to-gas combination must be within a specified range for propane to burn successfully. There should be four parts propane to 96 parts oxygen in optimal conditions. When the gas burns outside of these parameters, incomplete combustion occurs, resulting in an excess of carbon monoxide. If the space does not have adequate ventilation, this can be quite harmful. Working in enclosed places such as ballast tanks and double bottoms onboard a ship is common. As the deadly gas replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, carbon monoxide overdose can be fatal.
*”MAPP gas” is a registered trademark of The Linde Group. The original chemical composition, methylacetylene-propadiene propane, inspired the name. “MAPP gas” is a term used to describe a type of gas
Is MAPP gas hotter to burn?
MAP-Pro gas burns at 3,730 degrees Fahrenheit, while propane burns at 3,600 degrees Fahrenheit. MAP-Pro gas is a superior alternative to propane for soldering since it heats copper faster and at a higher temperature. If you do decide to use it, the manufacturer recommends that you use a torch that is specifically built for it.
Which of the following fuel gases generates the hottest flame?
Of all the fuel gases, acetylene produces the highest flame temperature. Acetylene’s maximum flame temperature (in oxygen) is around 3,160C, while propane’s maximum flame temperature is 2,828C.
Is it possible to cut metal with MAPP gas?
Welders, plumbers, and a variety of other building and fabrication trades regularly employ oxy-fuel cutting, which involves cutting metals using a fuel gas and oxygen. A torch with a specifically constructed tip is connected to a fuel tank, usually acetylene or one of three popular fuel alternatives, and the fuel is mixed with oxygen to form a high-temperature flame cone that can cut through metals.
Cutting metals quickly with oxy-fuels like acetylene is a simple technique to avoid the wear and tear of a saw. This cutting application is extremely portable and requires a small initial investment, making it particularly suitable to the occasional user who does not want to invest in a costly plasma cutting device.
The basic fuels, cutting tips, usage, and safety measures for oxy-cutting are covered in the following resource article.
Acetylene, propane, propylene, and MAPP are the four primary types of gas utilized in oxy-cutting (methyl acetylene propadiene).
Acetylene has long been the preferred cutting fuel for oxy-welding, brazing, and cutting because it reaches the maximum temperature, produces clean, efficient cuts, and is versatile. The heat in an acetylene flame is focused in the cone’s inside.
Because of the expensive cost of acetylene and its current scarcity, many welders are looking at other fuels that don’t necessarily burn as hot as acetylene (though the HGX propane additive may change that), but have their own set of benefits.
Propane and other propane-based fuels are commonly utilized as acetylene replacements. Many cutting operations, in fact, have shifted to propane to save money on fuel. The outside cone of propane provides a large number of BTUs, whereas the flame of acetylene concentrates the heat inside the cone. Welders who are used to working with acetylene will need to modify their procedures by preheating and cutting with the outer cone of a propane flame to attain the proper cutting temperature.
Welders who use propane instead of acetylene may have to wait a bit longer for the metal to heat up, but if they use the outer edge of the heat cone, preheating won’t take nearly as long. Changing from acetylene to propane or any other alternative fuel will necessitate torch tip, torch, and hose modifications, depending on the fuel.
HGX-3 is a new product on the market that can be used to boost the performance of propane. This mixture, typically referred to as HGX propane, can cut metal at temperatures similar to acetylene. To 1,000 liters of propane, one gallon of HGX-3 can be added.
HGX-3 raises the flame temperature of propane gas by 15%, reaching temperatures of 5400F, while using 15% less oxygen than acetylene. This makes HGX propane a viable flame cutting alternative for welders who are used to the heat output and speed of acetylene. HGX propane, like other alternative fuels, reduces slag and produces a smoother, cleaner cut.
One of the most significant advantages of alternative fuel gases like HGX propane over acetylene is their availability and storage. Acetylene must be delivered in individual cylinders with a maximum volume of 400 cubic feet, but alternative fuel gases can be delivered in cylinders, bulk stations, or even through a pipeline.
Propylene: Propylene, like propane, is frequently misconstrued as a poor cutting fuel since it requires an injector torch to obtain optimal heat flow and cuts and concentrates the heat on the heat cone’s outer edges. Propylene tips are easy to clean and have eight holes for efficient pre-heating. To put it another way, using propylene efficiently is entirely dependent on having the right torch and tip arrangement.
Propylene is a great option, according to Welding Tips and Tricks, because it has no 15 psi operating pressure limit, no smoke, more BTUs of heat for heating thick metal, and rapid cuts on metal.
MAPP gas is frequently used instead of acetylene since it can be utilized at higher pressures than acetylene and is thus significantly less harmful when cutting steel up to 12 inches thick. MAPP is a liquefied petroleum gas that burns at a lower temperature than acetylene and compresses quickly, making it easier to store.
In Oxy-welding, MAPP gas is more usually utilized as a substitute for acetylene. While other gases such as propane, propylene, and HGX Propane are more commonly used for cutting and brazing, MAPP can be utilized in place of acetylene, albeit at a lower temperature and at a higher cost for large-scale operations.
The tips of torches are specifically built for each type of fuel and will affect how well you can cut. When you use the improper tip for a certain type of fuel, you won’t be able to attain the optimal temperature and the torch’s cutting ability will be limited. An acetylene torch tip, for example, does not have the proper number of holes for cutting with propane, so propane with an acetylene tip will not reach optimal heat and will be inefficient for cutting.
Copper alloy one-piece tips are used with acetylene and are manufactured of one piece. They can tolerate low, medium, and heavy preheats and are manufactured with either 4 or 6 warmed holes. There are a variety of 1-piece torch cutting tips that can be used for a variety of tasks, including gouging out metal, cutting sheet metal, and other specialized tasks. MAPP, acetylene, and propylene are all used in one-piece tips, but each fuel has a different number of holes that correspond to a specific type of fuel, therefore keep track of the number of holes in each torch tip.
Cooler, slower-burning fuel gases, such as propane, are required for two-piece tips. It’s also vital to utilize the correct kind of torch while using propane. Welders can use an injector torch to make cuts that are cleaner and faster than acetylene, according to some. Propane is also more versatile when it comes to bending and heating.
It can be difficult to determine the best tip for a certain job. In the year 2000, the American Welding Society (AWS) published a Uniform Designation System for Oxy-Fuel Nozzles. They requested that all standard tips be stamped with the manufacturer’s name, as well as the distinguishing gasoline symbol, maximum material thickness, and part number for data and reference; nevertheless, many manufacturers continue to ignore these designations due to the additional manufacturing costs. Check the oxygen bore size, orifice size, and fuel gas necessary when looking for tips.
The type of cut made when oxy-cutting is determined by the oxygen flow rate. Torch cutting with too much oxygen increases the overall cost and produces a wide cut with curved edges instead of the precise, clean edges that are sought for torch cutting. A lack of oxygen results in a frustratingly slow and uneven cut. The oxygen flow rate should correspond to the torch tip’s manufacturer’s standards for cutting.
Preheating the metal and then cutting it at a high temperature is how a torch cuts. The metal being sliced will be melted during this operation. As a result, construct a grate or other item to catch the molten metal.
Steel is the most common material to be cut by oxy-cutting. It can cut big areas with little effort or noise and is almost always twice as quick as a grinder. Oxy-cutting fuels like acetylene may easily cut ferrous metals up to two inches thick.
Oxy-cutting fuels are among the most combustible, requiring special handling and storage precautions. Above 15 psi, acetylene becomes unstable and decomposes explosively, posing a danger.
Because concrete holds water, it should never be used as a cutting surface. When the heat from the cutting torches comes into touch with the concrete, the water in the concrete expands, causing the concrete to explode.
When cleaning the tips of cutting torches, use extra caution and patience. Make sure the orifice is clean and smooth at all times. Welding screens and protective welding gear should be used at all times. Make sure you’re using the proper tip for the job and that it’s the right size for the amount of fuel you’ll be using.
Fuel leaks in hoses should be checked on a regular basis. Furthermore, utilizing the incorrect hose for a specific fuel will damage your hose over time. While some welders have discovered that they can mix a propane hose with an acetylene hose on occasion, the best long-term answer is to use the right hose for each type of fuel.
Fuel gases that are denser than air (Propane, Propylene, MAPP, Butane, etc.) would most likely gather in lower regions and pose a flame threat, especially in basements, sinks, storm drains, and other enclosed areas, if your hose leaks. Because cutting fuels are designed to burn, take measures with your work gear, fire extinguisher placement, ventilation, and equipment maintenance.
Is MAPP gas a safer alternative to acetylene?
MAPP gas, which is made composed of methylacetylene and propadiene, is substantially less toxic than acetylene. MAPP gas, unlike acetylene, does not explode if the cylinder is damaged or disturbed. It can also resist higher pressures, making it suitable for underwater activities such as ship repair. Although MAPP gas flames do not burn as hot as acetylene flames, some say that it meets or exceeds acetylene’s welding capabilities.
Because oxygen is required to sustain any flame, it is also required for the operation of all blowtorches. But why do we need a compressed oxygen cylinder if the gas is already present in the air? Because acetylene and MAPP gas would not burn as hot if it didn’t have it. Oxygen functions as an accelerant, causing the fuel to burn faster and at a higher temperature.
Oxygen and acetylene (thus the name “oxyacetylene torch”) are commonly used in welding torches because they produce flames that range from 5000 to 6000 degrees Fahrenheit (2760 degrees Celsius to 3316 degrees Celsius). In fact, the oxyacetylene-propane mixture produces hotter flames than any other gas mixture. When pure oxygen is added to the flame, the temperature of acetylene rises to over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius), while the temperature of MAPP gas rises to over 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because of the scalding flames, it’s crucial to know what you’re doing before picking up a blowtorch. We’ll explore at the safety precautions involved in beginning one in the next section.
Is it MAPP gas or propane that becomes hotter?
Now that we’ve explored propane gas and MAPP gas individually, let’s compare the fuel types side by sidepropane vs MAPP gasbased on a few key factors:
It’s general knowledge that any form of gas, due to its extreme flammability, necessitates extra caution. In this case, one sort of gas poses a greater risk than the other. Extreme MAPP exposure, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is instantly harmful to life and health (IDLH).
Propane gas, on the other hand, is not harmful to human health. Because of its safety, even the United States Department of Agriculture promotes propane gas grills. Propane gas is the clear winner in terms of safety. Regardless, if you’re careful enough, you can utilize MAPP gas without issue.
Temperature
Now let’s compare the temperatures of MAPP gas and propane; is MAPP gas hotter than propane? Yes is the correct response. MAPP gas has a maximum temperature of 3,730 F, whereas propane has a maximum temperature of 3,600 F.
Bernzomatic uses what kind of gas?
The cylinder is made to refuel Bernzomatic mini torches, lighters, cordless soldering irons, and other butane-powered equipment quickly. It has an easy-to-refill universal fuelling tip and odorized butane for added safety. The flame temperature of butane fuel in the air is 3,150F.