Method for flame cutting of ferrous metal workpieces and apparatus implementing the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a flame cutting method comprising: using, depending on the nature of the metal from which the workpiece is made, and / or the thickness of the workpiece, and / or the various stages of the flame cutting method, and / or the type of nozzle used, and / or the given temperature of the workpiece, means for determining the optimum parameters relating to the pressure and flow rate of the fuel gas and oxygen and to the position and speed of travel of the welding torch relative to the workpiece to be flame cut; executing at least one program which controls the gas and oxygen supply lines and the means for moving the welding torch; storing in a memory device means for automatically running at least one program for controlling the gas and oxygen supply lines and the means for moving the welding torch; using automatic selection means for selecting at least one control program, and means for automatically sending control settings to the gas and oxygen supply lines and to the means for moving the welding torch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for flame cutting of ferrous metal workpieces, wherein each workpiece is subjected to a heated flame and a cutting jet applied by means of a nozzle connected to a welding torch supplied by a pressurized fuel gas X supply line and a pressurized oxygen supply line. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, flame cutting is an industrial cutting method that uses a jet of pure oxygen to oxidize the iron contained in workpieces made of steel, and more generally, the iron contained in workpieces made of ferrous materials. Furthermore, the method includes an ignition phase prior to the actual cutting phase, which involves heating the workpieces to be cut to their ignition temperature to create a cutting initiation point. In short, a flame cutting apparatus is designed such that a heating flame is generated in a nozzle connected to a welding torch via a mixture of fuel gas and oxygen before the workpieces to be cut are exposed to the cutting jet, subjecting the workpieces to a localized temperature of approximately 1100°C to 1300°C.

[0003] Furthermore, to guide operators during the work process, tables have been created indicating recommended values ​​for certain cutting parameters for nozzle type or given component thickness. In practice, workers responsible for flame cutting operations currently follow these reference data when adjusting the tools they use.

[0004] Although flame cutting technology itself is well known, it has been observed that the various devices provided by manufacturers for its implementation have a number of drawbacks.

[0005] Therefore, the first problem has been identified, which relates to the fact that conventional cutting equipment has essentially the same structure, modeled after the above structure, and in which the fluid supply line to the welding torch is conventionally controlled by an "on or off" type valve, which makes any possible process adjustments difficult to implement.

[0006] In this regard, due to the very routine procedures based on standardized adjustment parameters, cutting defects or even delays have been observed, potentially leading to complete cessation of cutting, as well as excessive fluid consumption, particularly regarding the pressure and flow rate of the fluid injected into the welding torch. Although reference tables exist, they take into account neither the steel grade nor the thickness of the workpiece to be cut. In fact, it has been noted that the latter is incomplete and requires the operator to perform empirical adjustments to at least some parameters. Furthermore, despite the use of charts, external factors such as, for example, the length of hoses included in the gas and oxygen supply lines, premature nozzle wear, and the presence of accessory stacking can adversely affect the progress and quality of the cutting operation.

[0007] Furthermore, the expansion system of an expansion unit is traditionally manually configured and usually freely accessible to the operator. This often leads to unintentional deviations in the fluid pressure and flow rate settings over time and due to operator modifications. From an industrial perspective, these deviations inevitably reduce cutting performance and may result in the production of substandard parts.

[0008] This also applies to adjusting the torch position relative to the workpiece to be flame-cut. When performed manually, this task is practically inappropriate, accidental, and unsuitable for industrial environments, as it can lead to intractable cutting problems because their origins cannot be definitively established. Furthermore, steel industry processes involving the use of flame cutting machines to cut workpieces that are typically very thick usually do not allow for adjustments to the torch's operating parameters during the process. In other words, in this type of operation, the torch must be adjusted according to a chart before the cutting operation begins, regardless of whether modifications or adjustments may be possible later if necessary.

[0009] It has also been found that no conventional flame cutting equipment can detect any quantified load loss or blockage that results in an unknown pressure difference between the set and actual values, and issue an alarm when necessary.

[0010] Furthermore, conventionally, the heating flame is supplied in the same manner throughout the entire duration of the cutting process, i.e., during the start-up and cutting phases. However, regarding the flame cutting technology itself, it has been observed that the heating requirements vary as the process progresses.

[0011] Document US 2011 / 0036461 addresses this problem and proposes that, in order to avoid problems related to possible sputtering of molten metal in the nozzle direction, a first step of drilling the workpiece to be cut is performed after the ignition stage by operating at a first pressure and / or a first oxygen flow rate, and then the cutting itself is continued by operating at a second pressure and / or a second oxygen flow rate greater than the first pressure and / or the first oxygen flow rate.

[0012] Studies on the energy generated by the welding torch flame and the flame cutting reaction of iron have also shown that, once the process is started, the latter's energy is far greater than the heating energy. Maintaining the welding torch's heating flame at full power, and everything required, results in excessive energy, which can lead not only to premature melting of the constituent materials of the workpiece being flame-cut, thus causing not only quality defects but also excessive fluid consumption, which is economically detrimental to the method. Furthermore, problems have been observed related to operating at typically constant pressure and / or flow rate throughout the cutting phase. However, there is currently no solution capable of automatically adjusting the fuel gas and cutting oxygen in real time throughout the flame cutting method according to the requirements of the workpiece in question.

[0013] It should also be noted that currently, no cutting equipment is equipped with a device to send alarms about possible malfunctions or wear of its components, which could lead to excessive consumption of gas and / or oxygen, but in particular, put the equipment and operators at risk of explosion. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In light of all these observations, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution that overcomes all the disadvantages observed by implementing conventional cutting equipment in order to improve cutting quality, allow for better management of fluid consumption, and more generally optimize production efficiency and ensure operator safety.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention relates to a method for flame cutting ferrous metal workpieces, wherein each workpiece is subjected to a heated flame and a cutting jet applied by means of a nozzle connected to a welding torch, the welding torch being supplied by a pressurized fuel gas supply line and a pressurized oxygen supply line and controlled by means of a device for moving the welding torch relative to each workpiece to be flame cut, characterized by the following steps:

[0016] - Based on the properties of the metal used to manufacture the workpiece, and / or based on the thickness of the workpiece, and / or based on the different stages of the flame cutting method, and / or based on the type of nozzle used, and / or based on the given temperature to be reached by the workpiece, a device is used to determine the optimal parameters regarding the pressure and flow rate of the fuel gas and oxygen, as well as the position and travel speed of the welding torch relative to the workpiece to be flame-cut.

[0017] - Execute at least one program that controls pipelines for supplying pressurized fuel gas and pressurized oxygen, as well as devices for moving the welding torch, the program providing control setpoints based on the implementation of predetermined optimal parameters.

[0018] - A memory device stores means for automatically running at least one program, the at least one program being used to control pipelines for supplying pressurized fuel gas and pressurized oxygen, and to control means for moving the welding torch.

[0019] - Use an automatic selection device for selecting at least one control program, and use a device for automatically sending corresponding control settings to pipelines for supplying pressurized fuel gas and pressurized oxygen, and to a device for moving the welding torch.

[0020] Depending on the circumstances, the method according to the invention may include one or more of the following features:

[0021] - In order to select the control program, an automatic operation device is provided to an automatic selection device for selecting at least one piece of information from a group including information related to:

[0022] The properties of the metal constituting the workpiece to be flame-cut, the thickness of the workpiece to be flame-cut, the nature of the stages of the flame-cutting method, the type of nozzle used, and the temperature to be reached by the workpiece.

[0023] -Records in real time the pressure and / or flow rate of fuel gas and / or pressurized oxygen, and / or the temperature of the workpiece, and / or the position and / or speed of the welding torch relative to the workpiece, and provides data recorded by the automatic operation device to verify the match between the recorded data and the control settings of the selected control program, and, where appropriate, when the recorded data deviates from the defined range around the control settings, then adjusts the pressure and / or flow rate of the fuel gas supply line and / or pressurized oxygen supply line and / or the position and / or speed of the welding torch (3) relative to the workpiece to be flame-cut so that the corresponding data enters the defined range.

[0024] When the real-time recorded data deviates from the defined range around the control settings of the selected program, the device for sending an alarm is activated.

[0025] - The data received in real time is stored in the memory device of the automatic operation device and used to start the device for automatic planned maintenance operations.

[0026] - Detects the presence of flame at the welding torch automatically and in real time.

[0027] The present invention also aims to provide an apparatus for implementing the flame cutting method as described above, the apparatus comprising at least one welding torch equipped with a flame cutting nozzle, a pressurized oxygen supply line and a pressurized fuel gas supply line, each line having a fluid inlet and at least two fluid outlets connected to the welding torch to form a heating flame and a cutting jet, and controlled by a set of adjusting members and means for moving the welding torch relative to each workpiece to be flame-cut, characterized in that the apparatus includes an automatic operating device designed to automatically and remotely control the lines for supplying pressurized fuel gas and pressurized oxygen, and the means for moving the welding torch, based on control setpoints based on initially predetermined optimal parameters and incorporated into at least one control program stored in a memory device of the automatic operating device.

[0028] Depending on the circumstances, the device may include one or more of the following features:

[0029] - The operating device is designed to remotely control the means for automatically adjusting the pipelines for supplying pressurized fuel gas and pressurized oxygen, and the means for moving the welding torch, based on data recorded in real time by a data processing device included in the automatic operating device and compared with control setpoints of the control program.

[0030] It includes a device for detecting the position of the welding torch relative to the workpiece to be flame-cut and a device for measuring the temperature of the workpiece. The pipelines for supplying pressurized fuel gas and pressurized oxygen each include a set of information sensors and a device for detecting the position of the welding torch relative to the workpiece. The information sensors are provided with means for transmitting data in real time to a data receiving device included in the automatic operation device.

[0031] - The memory device of the automatic operation device is designed to store means for processing data measured and received from information sensors, and means for detecting the position of the welding torch relative to the workpiece. The processing means includes at least one software application that executes:

[0032] In learning mode, prior to any flame cutting operation, at least one program is recorded in the memory device to control the pipelines supplying pressurized fuel gas and pressurized oxygen, as well as the device for moving the welding torch. This control program implements control setpoints based on predetermined optimal parameters.

[0033] And subsequently, during the flame cutting operation,

[0034] In the execution mode, the device for automatically selecting the control program is activated, and the corresponding control setting value is sent to the receiving device included in the set of adjustment members and / or to the receiving device included in the device for moving the welding torch via the information transmission device included in the automatic operation device. In the comparison mode, data measured and received by the information sensor and the device for detecting the position of the welding torch relative to the workpiece are compared with the control setting value of the selected control program. If at least one of the measured and received data deviates from a defined range around the control setting value, the device for adjusting the adjustment members is activated, and the control setting value is sent to the receiving device included in the adjustment members and / or to the receiving device included in the device for moving the welding torch via the information transmission device.

[0035] - The information sensors include pressure sensors arranged close to the welding torch.

[0036] - The information sensors include flow rate sensors arranged upstream of the expansion unit at the fluid inlet of each pipeline used to supply pressurized oxygen and pressurized fuel gas.

[0037] - The information sensors include flow rate sensors integrated into the expansion unit and arranged on each of the fluid outlets, located downstream of the adjustment member.

[0038] It includes a device for measuring the temperature of the workpiece.

[0039] - The adjustment components include at least one proportional solenoid valve and / or expansion valve for each fluid supply line.

[0040] -Automatic operating devices include or are connected to a user interface.

[0041] It includes a programmable logic controller that is connected to the automated operating device via a wired or wireless information transmission device.

[0042] - It includes an automatic ignition device located at a certain distance from the welding torch.

[0043] It includes a device for detecting the presence of a flame in a welding torch. Attached Figure Description

[0044] This description should be read in conjunction with the accompanying diagram, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, which includes a single welding torch and a pressure regulating circuit, and

[0046] Figure 2 Showing more details Figure 1 The electronic components of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0047] As described above, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus 1 for flame cutting of ferrous metal workpieces 2, such as workpieces made particularly of non-alloy steel or low-alloy steel, but also workpieces made of cast iron or stainless steel.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The device 1 typically includes a welding torch 3 equipped with a flame cutting nozzle 4, designed to supply pressurized oxygen and / or pressurized fuel gas (such as, for example, natural gas) by means of supply lines 5 and 6 respectively connected to expansion units 8 that allow the distribution of fluids.

[0049] More specifically, lines 5 and 6 each have fluid inlets 50 and 60 connected to expansion unit 8 and at least two fluid outlets 51, 52, 61, and 62 connected to welding torch 3. In the illustrated example, outlets 52 and 61 of lines 5 and 6 are designed to form an oxygen / fuel gas mixture in welding torch 3, which enables the formation of a heated flame 7. Outlet 51 enables the delivery of oxygen from the cutting jet 70 into welding torch 3, while outlet 62 enables the injection of fuel gas to generate a heated flame that, where appropriate, supports the cutting jet during the cutting phase.

[0050] In addition, the expansion unit 8 typically integrates expansion members 9 placed on fluid outlets 51, 52, 61, and 62, as well as adjusting members, such as, for example, an "on or off" type solenoid valve 10 and a set of proportional solenoid valves 12. Each of outlets 52 and 61 is also equipped with a flame stopper 11, which allows the flame to be stopped if necessary.

[0051] It should also be noted that the equipment 1 includes an automatic ignition device located away from the welding torch 3, thereby allowing for its completely safe use. Furthermore, the device 23 for moving the welding torch 3 allows it to be positioned at an optimal location relative to the workpiece 2, and then moved along the workpiece at a constant or variable height at a certain speed according to the flame cutting method. It should be noted that the optimal position can be understood as the height of the welding torch 3 relative to the workpiece 2. h This can also be understood as the distance on the edge of the workpiece at the start of the process and throughout the entire process. d .

[0052] The device 1 also includes an automatic operation device housed in the housing 14 and designed to remotely control all components of the device 1 in an automatic manner based on control settings integrated into at least one control program stored in a memory device of the automatic operation device, and based on initially predetermined parameters.

[0053] In other words, according to the present invention, the implementation of the device 1 is accomplished by selecting at least one control program executed by an automatic selection device, which allows very fine control settings to be sent to the supply lines for pressurized fuel gas 6 and pressurized oxygen 5, and to the device 23 for moving the welding torch 3.

[0054] As described above, the control setpoints specific to the selected control program are based on the prior determination of this set of optimal parameters for the operation under consideration. Advantageously, these optimal parameters relate to the pressure and flow rate of the fuel gas and oxygen in their respective supply lines 5, 6, and the moving position and speed of the welding torch 3 relative to the workpiece 2 to be flame-cut. They also correspond to a given type of metal constituting the workpiece 2, and / or a given thickness of the workpiece 2, and / or a given moment of the flame-cutting method.t The value that results in the best outcome due to the given type of nozzle 4 and / or the desired temperature of workpiece 2.

[0055] In this case, unlike conventional flame cutting methods, the components of the equipment 1 are not directly controlled by the operator, but are controlled by a control program determined by an automatic selection device based on an automatic operation device 14, which has previously provided information via a user interface 16 from at least one of the following related information: the properties of the metal constituting the workpiece 2 to be flame-cut, the thickness of the workpiece 2 to be flame-cut, the given time of the flame cutting method, the type of nozzle 4 used, or the given temperature of the workpiece 2 to be held.

[0056] Therefore, the instructions transmitted to the different components of device 1 will depend on the prior determination of the optimal set of parameters that are particularly suitable for the given situation, rather than on the sometimes arbitrary choices made by the operator.

[0057] Therefore, it should be noted that the memory device of the automatic operation device 14 is designed to store at least one software application executed in the learning mode before any flame cutting operation, so as to record at least one control program as described above in the memory device, and subsequently, during the flame cutting operation, in the execution mode, to activate the means for selecting the control program, and to send the control setting value for the selected program to the receiving means included in the valves 10, 12 and / or to the receiving means included in the means for moving the welding torch 3 via the information transmission means 22 included in the automatic operation device 14.

[0058] It should be noted that in the illustrated variant embodiment, device 1 includes a programmable logic controller 17, as described above, which allows an operator to input at least one piece of information related to the planned flame cutting operation, namely, at least one piece of information related to the properties of the metal constituting the workpiece 2 to be flame-cut, or at least one piece of information related to the thickness of the workpiece 2 to be flame-cut, or at least one piece of information related to a given moment of the method used for flame cutting, at least one piece of information related to the type of nozzle 4 employed, or at least one piece of information related to the temperature of the workpiece 2 to be maintained throughout the process. The input information is then transmitted via a wired or wireless information transmission device 21 to an automatic operation device 14 connected to the logic controller 17, and then processed by a software application. According to an alternative embodiment, in this respect, device 1 may include a user interface 16 connected to or integrated into the housing containing the automatic operation device 14.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention provides the possibility of adjusting all components of device 1 in real time and automatically at any time.

[0060] Therefore, in the illustrated variant embodiment, the pressurized oxygen supply line 5 and the fuel gas supply line 6 each include a pressure sensor 13 disposed at their outlets 51, 52, 61, 62, adjacent to the welding torch 3, and a flow rate sensor 15 disposed at their respective inlets 50, 60, upstream of the expansion unit 8. Similarly, the device 23 for moving the welding torch 3 includes a device for detecting the position of the welding torch 3. Furthermore, the pressure sensor 13, the flow rate sensor 15, and the device for detecting the position of the welding torch 3 are provided with means for transmitting data in real time to the data receiving devices 18, 19 included in the automatic operation device 14.

[0061] Furthermore, for this purpose, the aforementioned software application is also designed to execute in comparison mode to compare data measured and received by the pressure sensor 13 and the flow sensor 15, as well as the device for detecting the position of the welding torch 3 relative to the workpiece 2, with the control setpoint of the selected control program, and to activate the adjustment device if at least one of the measured and received data deviates from a defined range around the control setpoint so that the adjustment setpoint is sent via the information transmission device 22 to the receiving device included in the valves 10, 12 and / or the receiving device included in the device 23 for moving the welding torch 3.

[0062] In other words, the method according to the invention allows for the automatic and real-time adjustment of the pressure and flow rate of the fluid circulating in the supply lines 5 and 6, and for the arbitrary and automatic repositioning of the welding torch 3 to an optimal position relative to the workpiece 2, for example by horizontal and / or vertical translation. Similarly, the movement speed of the welding torch 3 relative to the workpiece 2 can be commanded to change.

[0063] It should also be noted that the device according to the invention may also be equipped with means for measuring the temperature of the workpiece 2 at each moment of the flame cutting method, these means being designed to send data to and receive data from the automatic operating device 14. Therefore, their implementation also allows for modifications to the device 1 that take into account possible unintentional changes in the temperature of the workpiece 2 during flame cutting, in order to influence the supply of heating gas or cutting oxygen (whichever may be the case).

[0064] Due to the structure just described, the device according to the invention allows for the automatic control and fine-tuning of the flame cutting method through the implementation of a device for determining a set of optimal operating parameters for a given operation, and the automation of the management of the heating and cutting adjustments of the welding torch 3, so as to result in a proper and ideal cut, regardless of the type of ferrous metal of the workpiece 2, its thickness, the type of nozzle 4 used, or the stage of the flame cutting method. For this purpose, the device 1 has a closed control loop that allows the setting values ​​of the fluid supply lines 5, 6 to be set, while data sensors allow for comparison between the set value data and real-time recorded data to authorize corrections to the results and real-time adjustments to the components of the device 1.

[0065] The flow rate sensor 15, installed upstream of the expansion unit 8 and located at each fluid inlet 50, 60, also advantageously makes it possible to provide real-time information on the consumption of the device 1 and the triggering of devices for sending alarms (if applicable).

[0066] The assembly of pressure sensor 13 and flow rate sensor 15 also allows for the triggering of alarms when abnormal values ​​(such as leaks, blockages, or damaged nozzles) that may be caused by wear in the device 1 are detected at the control housing 14. These alarms advantageously allow for rapid operator intervention. The method according to the invention also provides for recording the received data in real time in the memory device of the automatic operation device 14 and using it to activate devices for automatically planning preventive maintenance operations, thereby improving the safety of the device 1.

[0067] A device is also provided for real-time detection of the presence of flame in the welding torch 3, which also helps to improve the safety of the device 1.

[0068] In other words, due to its structure, the device 1 according to the invention provides a response to the aforementioned shortcomings of current devices and methods for flame cutting. Taking into account the type of ferrous metal to be cut, particularly the grade or thickness of the steel, the nature of the nozzle 4 used for cutting it, or even the temperature to be reached on the workpiece, and the different stages of the flame cutting method, it allows for automatic control and precise correction. It also makes it possible to optimize the height of the welding torch 3 to prevent the setting from drifting over time, assuming the operator can no longer modify the setting and if necessary, to automatically adjust the setting to follow a chart. The device according to the invention also makes it possible to change the heating requirements during the flame cutting process. Furthermore, network load losses are considered because the flow rate sensor 15 and pressure sensor 13 are positioned as close to the material as possible, and wear on the device is also managed by the controller. This has a direct effect on the quality of the resulting semi-finished product, saving material during cutting, and reducing the consumption of the gas used.

[0069] It should also be noted that, although the structure of the device according to the invention has been described in conjunction with a single welding torch 3, it can be adapted to be used with multiple welding torches 3 and has the same advantages.

Claims

1. A method for flame cutting ferrous metal workpieces, wherein each workpiece is subjected to a heated flame and a cutting jet applied by means of a nozzle connected to a welding torch, the welding torch being supplied by a pressurized fuel gas supply line and a pressurized oxygen supply line and controlled by means of a device for moving the welding torch relative to each workpiece to be flame cut, characterized by the following steps: - Based on the properties of the metal used to manufacture the workpiece, and / or based on the thickness of the workpiece, and / or based on different stages of the flame cutting method, and / or based on the type of nozzle used, and / or based on the given temperature to be reached by the workpiece, an apparatus is used to determine optimal parameters regarding the pressure and flow rate of the fuel gas and the oxygen, and regarding the position and travel speed of the welding torch relative to the workpiece to be flame-cut. - Execute at least one program that controls the pressurized fuel gas supply line and the pressurized oxygen supply line, as well as the means for moving the welding torch, the program providing control setpoints based on the implementation of predetermined optimal parameters. - A memory device stores means for automatically running at least one program, said at least one program for controlling the pressurized fuel gas supply line and the pressurized oxygen supply line, as well as means for controlling the movement of the welding torch. - Use an automatic selection device for selecting at least one control program, and use a device for automatically sending corresponding control settings to the pressurized fuel gas supply line and the pressurized oxygen supply line, and to a device for moving the welding torch. The method includes the following steps: (i) Record at least one of the following in real time: the pressure and / or flow rate of oxygen and / or fuel gas, and the position and / or speed of the welding torch and the workpiece temperature; (ii) Compare the recorded data with the control settings of the selected program, each setting having a setting range around it; (iii) When a deviation is detected, automatic corrective adjustment is applied to at least one of the gas pressure or flow rate and the welding torch position or speed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In order to select a control program, an automatic operation device is provided to the automatic selection device for selecting, by means of a user interface, at least one piece of information from a group including information related to: the properties of the metal from which the workpiece to be flame-cut is manufactured, the thickness of the workpiece to be flame-cut, the nature of the stage of the flame-cutting method, the type of nozzle used, and the temperature to be reached by the workpiece.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic operation device records in real time the pressure and / or flow rate of the fuel gas and / or the pressurized oxygen, and / or the temperature of the workpiece, and / or the position and / or speed of the welding torch relative to the workpiece, and provides data recorded by the automatic operation device to verify the match between the recorded data and the control settings of the selected control program, and, where appropriate, when the recorded data deviates from a defined range around the control settings, then adjusts the pressure and / or flow rate of the fuel gas supply line and / or the pressurized oxygen supply line, and / or the position and / or speed of the welding torch relative to the workpiece to be flame-cut, so that the corresponding data falls within the defined range.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the data recorded in real time deviates from the defined range around the control setting value of the selected program, the device for sending an alarm is activated.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The data received in real time is stored in the memory device of the automatic operation device and used to start the device for automatic planned maintenance operations.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The presence of flame in the welding torch is checked automatically and in real time.

7. An apparatus for carrying out a method for flame cutting ferrous metal workpieces according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the apparatus comprising at least one welding torch provided with a flame cutting nozzle, a pressurized oxygen supply line and a pressurized fuel gas supply line, each line having a fluid inlet and at least two fluid outlets connected to the welding torch to form a heating flame and a cutting jet, and controlled by a set of adjusting members and means for moving the welding torch relative to each workpiece to be flame cut, characterized in that, The device includes an automatic operation unit designed to automatically and remotely control the pressurized fuel gas supply line and the pressurized oxygen supply line, as well as the means for moving the welding torch, based on control setpoints. These control setpoints are based on initially predetermined optimal parameters and incorporated into at least one control program stored in a memory device of the automatic operation unit. The automatic operation unit is designed to record, in real-time, at least one of the following: oxygen and / or fuel gas pressure and / or flow rate; welding torch position and / or speed; and workpiece temperature. The recorded data is compared with control setpoints from a selected program, each setpoint having a set range around it. Upon detection of a deviation, corrective adjustments are automatically applied to at least one of the gas pressure or flow rate and welding torch position or speed.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The operating device is designed to remotely control the means for automatically adjusting the pressurized fuel gas supply line and the pressurized oxygen supply line, and to remotely control the means for moving the welding torch, based on data recorded in real time by the data processing device included in the automatic operating device and compared with the control setpoints of the control program.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The device includes means for detecting the position of the welding torch relative to the workpiece to be flame-cut and means for measuring the temperature of the workpiece. The pipelines for supplying pressurized fuel gas and pressurized oxygen each include a set of information sensors and means for detecting the position of the welding torch relative to the workpiece. The information sensors are provided with means for transmitting data in real time to a data receiving device included in the automatic operation device.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The memory device of the automatic operation device is designed to store means for processing the data measured and received by the information sensor, and means for detecting the position of the welding torch relative to the workpiece. The processing means includes at least one software application that executes: - In learning mode, prior to any flame cutting operation, at least one program is recorded in the memory device for controlling the pressurized fuel gas supply line and the pressurized oxygen supply line, as well as controlling the means for moving the welding torch. This control program implements control setpoints based on predetermined optimal parameters. And subsequently, during the flame cutting operation, - In execution mode, the device for automatically selecting the control program is activated, and the corresponding control setting value is sent to the receiving device included in the set of adjustment members and / or to the receiving device included in the device for moving the welding torch via the information transmission device included in the automatic operation device. In comparison mode, the data measured and received by the information sensor and the device for detecting the position of the welding torch relative to the workpiece is compared with the control setting value of the selected control program. If at least one of the measured and received data deviates from a defined range around the control setting value, the device for adjusting the adjustment members is activated, and the control setting value is sent to the receiving device included in the adjustment members and / or to the receiving device included in the device for moving the welding torch via the information transmission device.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The information sensor includes a pressure sensor arranged adjacent to the welding torch.

12. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The information sensor includes a flow rate sensor arranged upstream of the expansion unit at the fluid inlet of each of the pressurized oxygen and fuel gas supply lines.

13. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The information sensor includes a flow rate sensor, which is integrated into the expansion unit and arranged on each of the fluid outlets, downstream of the adjustment member.

14. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The equipment includes a device for measuring the temperature of the workpiece.

15. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The adjustment components include at least one solenoid valve and / or expansion valve for each fluid supply line.

16. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The automatic operation device includes or is connected to a user interface.

17. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The device includes a programmable logic controller (PLC), which is connected to the automatic operation device via a wired or wireless information transmission device.

18. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The device includes an automatic ignition device located away from the welding torch.

19. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The equipment includes a device for detecting the presence of a flame in the welding torch.

Images