Cutting of Steel with DRAX burner : No oxygen needed. 

The DRAX burner can also be applied to the thermic cutting of steel WITHOUT THE USE OF OXYGEN.  Instead of oxygen, a pre-heated stream of compressed air is employed to blow molten metal and oxide out of the kerf.  In our trials the compressed air is heated in a helical heat-exchanger, (similar to the gas preheat of air and fuel).  This jet of air is directed near the middle of the flame through a small nozzle at about 1 bar.  Electric heating of the cutting air could clearly also be used. Results so far have shown satisfactory rough cutting with 5mm kerf, at an impressive cut rate of 300mm per minute on 2mm plate.  A DRAX torch so equipped will certainly be capable of applications such as removing bent or corroded automotive parts.

Although the technique is applicable to fine cutting applications, or with heavier gauge metal, further development of the technique would be required.

Diagram showing the triple-helix heating system, from the DRAX patent