Millwright Level 1 Practice Exam

What happens when the oxygen level is increased during a cutting operation?

1. The cutting speed decreases

2. The flame extinguishes

3. The flame temperature increases

4. The arc becomes unstable

The correct answer is: The flame temperature increases

Increasing the oxygen level during a cutting operation enhances the combustion process, which directly results in a higher flame temperature. In cutting operations, particularly with oxy-fuel cutting, a precise mix of oxygen and fuel gas is crucial for maintaining the correct flame characteristics. When more oxygen is introduced, it supports more efficient combustion, leading to a hotter flame that can facilitate cutting through thicker materials more effectively. This principle is fundamental in metal cutting because the increased heat caused by the higher flame temperature aids in the melting of the metal, enabling a smoother and faster cutting process. It's important for operators to manage the oxygen levels accurately to achieve optimal cutting performance.