What is an Oxygen Lance?
An oxygen lance is a steel pipe used to direct a stream of high-purity oxygen to a target area for cutting or piercing operations. When combined with the heat from burning iron (in the form of steel wires inside the lance), it creates temperatures exceeding 4,000°C capable of cutting through virtually any material.
Oxygen lances are essential tools in foundries for tapping furnaces, in steel mills for removing slag, and in demolition for cutting through thick steel and reinforced concrete.
Foundry Applications
Essential for tapping blast furnaces, opening tap holes, and removing slag buildups in steelmaking operations.
Steel Mill Operations
Used for cutting risers, removing skull from ladles, and emergency cutting of frozen metal.
Demolition & Scrap
Ideal for cutting thick steel plates, ship hulls, and heavy industrial structures during demolition.
Oxygen Lance vs Thermal Lance
The terms "oxygen lance" and "thermal lance" are often used interchangeably, though technically an oxygen lance specifically refers to the oxygen delivery system, while thermal lance refers to the complete cutting assembly with consumable steel core.
At ThermalLances.eu, we supply complete oxygen lance systems including:
- Oxygen lance pipes (various diameters)
- Steel wire rod cores
- Lance holders and handles
- Oxygen regulators and hoses
- Safety equipment
Industries Using Oxygen Lances
Oxygen lances are critical tools across multiple heavy industries:
- Steel foundries and metal casting
- Scrap metal recycling facilities
- Ship breaking yards
- Heavy demolition contractors
- Mining and extraction operations
- Emergency rescue services