Fuel-gas GougingFuel-gas gouging is used to quickly and accurately remove a weld or strip of steel containing a defect from steel fabrications, plate or castings. It can also be used to create weld preparations on plate edges. The process depends on the same principles as all oxygen cutting processes in that it heats the metal to the ignition temperature and then supplies high pressure oxygen to cause a chemical reaction to melt and remove the steel. An adapted welding torch fitted with a gouging nozzle is used to remove a weld or metal containing a defect in a controlled way without significant damage to the surrounding area. Oxygen and acetylene are the preferred gases as they provide sufficient local pre-heat to give the process a quick start with a narrow area of metal removal, but oxygen and propane are also used. This process is suitable for use in a general workshop because it does not generate the high noise levels of most of the alternative methods of gouging. The equipment used is mostly that which will be found in the maintenance department, making the process very cost and time efficient.
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