How can excess oxidizing flames be identified?

Excess oxidizing flames are characterized by a sharp, short inner cone accompanied by a hissing sound. This visual and auditory cue reveals that there is more oxygen in the flame than necessary for complete combustion, leading to an oxidizing condition. The sharpness of the inner cone indicates that the flame is burning hotter due to the excess oxygen, which also contributes to its distinctive sound.

In contrast, flames with a long, lazy characteristic typically indicate a reducing or carburizing flame, not an oxidizing one. Similarly, a large yellow outer cone usually suggests incomplete combustion, resulting in a sooty flame, and does not confirm an oxidizing condition. Flickering is generally a sign of instability or fluctuations in gas supply, rather than being a definitive characteristic of excess oxygen in the flame. Understanding how to identify these features is crucial for maintaining optimal cutting conditions and ensuring safety in oxyfuel cutting operations.