THE tragic deaths of two refrigeration engineers in separate incidents in Australia just before Christmas, have again highlighted the dangers associated with the use, storage and transportation of oxy-acetylene cylinders. These dangers could one day be a thing of the past if a new euro2.62m European project to develop a new ultra-safe brazing system is successful.
The Heating & Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA) is one of a number of companies and organisations behind a device which uses just plan water and an electrical input. If successful, the SafeFlame technology will bring major safety improvements to the sector, decreasing the risk of accidents and the cost of insuring operators, buildings and transportation vehicles.

The SafeFlame device comprises an electrochemical cell which generates hydrogen and oxygen gases using just water and an electrical input. These gases can be combusted in a brazing torch and offer advantages as an alternative to oxy-acetylene and oxy-propane. The oxygen and hydrogen are generated separately, and their mixture is controlled to deliver a precise stoichiometric, oxidising or reducing flame - an innovation offering unique benefits in brazing applications.

The length of the flame and the heat flux imparted to the work piece can be adjusted instantaneously by adjusting the power input to the electrolyser stack - this provides a more flexible and user friendly solution. The SafeFlame approach eliminates the need for any stored gases, removing explosion hazards and improving process portability.
The process requires electricity to generate the gases but is over 60% efficient. and is cost-effective compared with oxy-acetylene.

The system is unlikely to be available any time soon however, the current development project is due to run for another three years.