Quality Tools That Go To Work With You®
Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) March 31, 2015
Uniweld has been providing distributors and end users with their Play It Safe™ safety posters for several years and feel that it is time to get the message out about proper care regarding backfire and reverse flow of gases. Now that the 2015 HVAC season is here, Uniweld wants users to remember safety.
A backfire is the momentary retrogression of a flame into the torch that is usually signaled by a popping sound. The flame may either extinguish or re-ignite at the end of the tip. Sustained backfire, or flashback, is the retrogression of flame into the torch with continued burning inside the torch. This event can be identified by an initial popping sound followed by a squealing or hissing sound caused by continued burning inside the torch. If this occurs, the torch oxygen valve should be turned off immediately, followed by the fuel gas valve.
Flashback is a return of the flame through the torch and into the hose and/or regulator and can potentially cause an explosion at any point in the system, this also includes the cylinder. This event is caused by oxygen and fuel mixing in one side of the oxy-fuel system and subsequently being ignited at the tip and by reverse flow of one gas into the other side of the system. Again, if this occurs, it is important to turn off the torch oxygen valve immediately followed by the fuel gas valve.
Flashbacks are a momentary or sustained retrogression of the flame upstream of the mixer usually in the torch or hoses. This is a potentially hazardous situation, particularly if the flame reaches the hoses, where an explosion may result causing a rupture or separation of the hose. A flashback (flame) arrestor is a device that helps prevent the propagation of a flame upstream and reduce the volume of gases available at the tip/nozzle.
Uniweld offers flashback arrestors for torches as well as regulators. Series RFA & TFA arrestors have inlet filters to prevent dust, dirt, and other contaminants larger than 100 microns from entering the system, thus providing longer unit service. Series TFANF & RFANF arrestors do not have filters, but will still extinguish flashbacks while providing initial cost savings. Check valves provide added protection against reverse flow of gases, but not flashback. They should be tested for leakage and flow regularly. Check valves on regulators give the best service life.
Uniweld Products, Inc. is a U.S. manufacturing company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Established in 1949, the company has expanded into one of the major manufacturers in the welding, HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration), plumbing, and alloys markets.
The company’s product line includes Made in the United States welding, cutting, brazing and heating outfits, refrigeration tools, vacuum and charging hoses, welding, brazing and cutting tips, accessories, pressure gauges and alloys. Uniweld operates and maintains distribution facilities in Florida, Texas, California, Ontario, and Saskatoon, and has sales offices in South America and the Middle East. The company takes pride in its manufacturing excellence, product innovation, financial stability, community, and genuine concern for its customers and the environment throughout the world.
