Devices and processes for igniting oxygen thermal lances or melting lances

A cartridge, comprising:

• a first end configured to couple to an operating end of a thermal or melting lance;
• and
• a second end having one or more axial holes for passing oxygen into the cartridge;
• wherein the cartridge is filled with high calorific value material, and
• wherein the cartridge is made of steel.

A process for igniting oxygen thermal lances or melting lances, the process comprising:

• providing a device, comprising:
• a cartridge configured to couple to an operating end of a thermal or melting lance, configured to be supplied with oxygen to ignite the thermal or melting lance, and containing high calorific value material;
• and
• an induction heater assembly configured to heat the cartridge, such that the high calorific value material is burnt before supplying the oxygen into the cartridge to ignite the thermal or melting lance;
• heating the cartridge by induction for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature using the induction heater assembly to cause high calorific value material to burn;
• transferring the thermal or melting lance to an operating position;
• and
• supplying the oxygen to the burnt high calorific value material in the cartridge to ignite the thermal or melting lance.