Many fuel gases are available including acetylene, ethylene, hydrogen, methane, propane, propylene and mixtures. Each gas has different characteristics and benefits. The most common ones are:
- Acetylene which is lighter than air. It is colourless and odourless in its pure state, however, commercial acetylene has a slightly garlic-like odour. It is also selected due to its versatility as it suitable for welding as well as cutting.
- Apachi® cutting gas; propylene liquid petroleum gas which is exclusively available from Air Products. It is heavier than air.
- Propane, a liquid petroleum gas (lpg), which is heavier than air and, although not as hot as acetylene or Apachi® gas, is selected due to its versatility.