oPetrol is safer
Propane is much cheaper than acetylene and is generally available. It is also somewhat safer than acetylene but not as safe as the liquid gasoline. Propane is in liquid form only under pressure.
oPetrol saves 80% on fuel and oxygen cost
Based on the U.S. market price, propane is 80% cheaper compare to acetylene. But it takes 30% more oxygen. The saving is compromised to 60% even 50% over to acetylene. Compare to oPetrol, propane torch cost 4 times more on fuel and oxygen.
oPetrol performs better and saves time.
Propane's cutting performance is less good than acetylene and not comparable with oPetrol. The oxy-gasoline flame temperature is significantly higher than a propane flame. oPetrol cuts much faster and cleaner.
Propane can not be used for welding.
| oPetrol Oxy-gasoline | Propane-oxygen | ||
| Cutting performance | Flame Temperature | 2870 | 2300 |
| Preheating speed | Quick | Slow | |
| Oxygen consumption | 1.2--1.5 Cube/H | 1.56--1.95 Cube/H | |
| Hole depth | <250mm | <100mm | |
| Stack cutting | 15 stacked layers of 10mm sheets can be cut at one time | Very difficult | |
| Safety | Back-flash | No back flash when the volume density of gasoline in oxygen is in the flammability range of 1.7--6% No need for back-flash arrestor |
Easy back flash when the volume density of propane in oxygen is in the flammability range of 2.3--9.5% need back-flash arrestor |
| Fuel tank | The tank is filled with military blast-proof material. It is safe when caught in fire | Hazardous,explosive when caught in fire | |
| Cutting cost | 1/3--1/4 of the cost with cutting | 3--4 times higher than the cost for gasoline cutting | |
