First Mining Drc-Zambia March -April 2020 digital edition First Mining Drc-Zambia March - April 2020 digital | Page 30

FEATURE
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.
Exothermic cutting technology
and equipment for mining
T
he 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. 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
centre 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.
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. Another application that is becoming
more popular is Fire and Rescue. Since
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.
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.
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