Trade News
Afrox is poised to launch a limited edition chromed version of its PortaPak® welding and cutting set, incorporating an all-new 2011 design, to commemorate this industry stalwart’s 30 years of service to South African industry.
“Since Afrox introduced the innovative PortaPak® in 1981, many thousands of units have been put to work in light industrial applications,” says the company’s Brendan Kennelly, Product Manager Gas Equipment. “The PortaPak® meets a specific requirement in this sector for transporting welding and cutting equipment to difficult-to-get-to jobs. We’ve made it light and robust, with a mass of only 29 kg, while still delivering industrial strength capabilities.
“There’s no other piece of equipment quite like it. It’s easily moved by one person and can be lifted through hatches or into service vehicles. Because of its compact size and portability, the set is ideal for emergency vehicles or for maintenance duty in industry where portability is a prerequisite.
“Coinciding with the commemorative chromed edition of the PortaPak®, we’ve introduced some great new features that will replace the traditional design from here on. These include a sturdier and more robust trolley, larger wheels, an additional cylinder bracket to secure the cylinders and a more functional handle that replaces the single bar handle.
The new design also incorporates an innovative combination torch with specific cutting and welding attachments. For easy transition to the latest model, all nozzles are fully interchangeable with the existing PortaPak® L.C. Torch.
Welding and cutting capabilities
The PortaPak® facilitates fusion welding, braze welding, silver solder, heat and cut. The nozzles provided will fusion weld steel up to 4 mm and cut steel up to 35 mm thick.
Single-stage regulators — both equipped with gauges indicating cylinder and outlet pressures — provide exceptional performance and reliability. Gauges are colour-coded for easy and safe setting of welding and cutting pressures. A convenient and robust metal box holds the full range of nozzles, flint lighter, goggles and spanner.
The PortaPak® supports 1,43 kg oxygen cylinders and 0,94 acetylene cylinders. For ultimate safety, regulator and torch mounted flashback arrestors are incorporated as standard equipment, eliminating any possibility of ignition of mixed gases in the hoses. The unit comes standard with fully assembled industrial grade 5 mm SABS approved hoses, supplied in 3 m lengths and fitted with safety flashback arrestors that protect against mishaps. The hose is flame retardant, durable and resistant to abrasion.