The exothermic process, which has been around for many years, is a process that releases energy in the form of heat.
When used in cutting, the exothermic process uses oxygen as an exciter, thus the steel rod becomes the fuel. As long as the oxygen flow is maintained through the torch and rod, the rod will continue to burn and consume at a temperature between 8,000-10,000°F.
Exothermic cutting is a technology which allows cutting, piercing and gouging on almost any ferrous or non-ferrous material including steel, iron, aluminium and magnesium. Some torches, such as the SLICE torch, can virtually cut anything placed in front of it, such as copper, brass, concrete and brick.
Used predominately for plant maintenance, building renovation or demolition, scrap clean-up and salvage work, exothermic cutting removes edges on loaders for repair or replacement, and even burns through mud or rust-covered machinery frames.
One of the biggest applications for exothermic cutting is pin removal on heavy equipment. When a pin in heavy machinery will not budge, it must either be cut or have a hole burned through the center for removal. When piercing a hole right through the middle of the pin, the metal from the pin is physically removed, so the pin will actually shrink allowing for easy removal once cooled.
Another application that is becoming more popular is Fire and Rescue. Since the exothermic cutting process has come a long way, many manufacturers now sell packs that come complete with a torch, power supply and oxygen cylinder case, which can all be worn as a backpack or carried by handles, making it practical and easy-to-use. This allows firefighters and rescue teams to be able to access anything that is in front of them.
While many may understand the basics of exothermic cutting strategies, real professionals must know how to operate and perform with this technology. To help educate the industry, below are some helpful tips on how to get the most out of your cutting equipment.
Even the best techniques for exothermic cutting equipment will change from job to job. Please be aware, as in any applications, some adjustments in operating conditions may be necessary in order to ensure you get the most of your cutting equipment and achieve optimal safety requirements.
Get the job done with ATLC
ATLC – Australian Thermic Lance Company, was established by Ken & Robyn Gill in 1973 in Sydney, Australia. The company is commonly known in Australia as K & R LADLE CO. PTY LTD, as a manufacturer of Foundry Tools, such as Hand Held Ladles, Skimmers, Degassing Plungers, Tongs etc.
In 1979, K & R was approached by an Aluminium smelter to manufacture a Thermic Lance, cause they had troubles sourcing locally or overseas. K & R Ladle went to work in not only manufacturing a safe and efficient Thermic Lance, but quickly got recognised as a reliable source of Thermic Lances of many sizes to the Foundry, Maintenance and Demolition industries.
In 1985, their sons entered the business, and concentrated on developing new design Lance equipment and safety apparel, and focusing on marketing a gas cutting tool that was relatively unknown in Australia in that period of time.
In 2012, the name Australian Thermic Lance Company was registered as a Trading name, so the KRL Brand was more recognisable overseas, and could attract the International market more directly, through large distribution networks already established.
ATLC Today
The ATLC brand is widely distributed throughout Australia and overseas, with a large range of sizes to suit any application, all the way from 6mm O.D. to 27mm O.D. , with capabilities of manufacturing even larger, if need be to suit that application.
6mm & 10mm O.D. are regarded as Mini Thermic Lances, and are commonly used in the Earthmoving maintenance industry for the removal of seized pins or the cleaning of Tundish nozzles. The pin size ideal for these, would be between 25mm – 120mm. Then you go to the Thermic Lance range of O.D. size 12mm ; 16mm ; 19mm ; 21mm & 27mm. The 12mm to 21mm are commonly used in larger pin removal 120mm – 300mm, or cleaning slag accumulations in furnaces, direct tapping of Furnaces or the cutting of large steel structures or beams. The 27mm Lance, is used for the clean-up of Furnace spills, where furnaces have malfunctioned and tonnes of molten material has been poured out onto the floor, which then solidifies, and nothing will lift it up, until it has been cut up into smaller sections for removal.
ATLC has designed Safety Apparel that protects the operator and assistants to a very high standard. The apparel in the form of Jackets, Trousers and Gloves are all Leather faced with Aluminium lining on the inside for Radiant heat protection, and then Kevlar fleece material on the inside where it touches the operators undergarments or skin, so molten metal splashes cannot penetrate and injure the operator.
ATLC manufactures our own version of Lance Handles for Mini & the Thermic Lance range, however, we also are a proud and Authorised distributor of the CONTESSI Brand for larger size handles and equipment especially for the Smelter industries, where extra heavy duty equipment is necessary for their specific safety practises.
Our superior quality and our customer support makes ATLC the smart choice in all your lancing needs. Please contact us for your local distributor. info@thermiclance.com.au
