What gas should be used to clear debris from new oxyfuel cutting equipment hoses?

When clearing debris from new oxyfuel cutting equipment hoses, nitrogen is the appropriate gas to use. Nitrogen is an inert gas, which means it does not react with other substances, making it safe for purging and clearing operations. This property is crucial because it prevents any potential reactions that could occur with reactive gases like oxygen or other flammable gases.

Using nitrogen helps ensure that any contaminants or impurities in the hoses are expelled without creating an explosive environment. Oxygen, while it is essential for the cutting process, can pose significant risks if present in higher concentrations during purging. The use of argon or carbon dioxide would not provide the same level of safety and effectiveness as nitrogen in this specific application. Therefore, nitrogen's inert nature and safety make it the ideal choice for clearing debris in this context.