Flame Arrester
What is Flame Arrester?
A flame arrester is a safety device that stops the propagation of flames in a pipeline or equipment carrying flammable gases or vapours. These devices work by extinguishing the flame before it can ignite the flammable mixture in the upstream side of the pipeline. Flame arresters are commonly used in industrial settings, such as refineries, chemical plants, and storage tanks.
Flame arresters serve as a safety measure by halting the advancement of a fire within pipes or tanks. They are designed to prevent the ignition of potentially explosive gas mixtures and are sometimes called deflagration arresters.
Flame arresters, often referred to as deflagration flame arresters, are available in two main types:
- In-line/vent-line and,
- End-of-line configurations.
In-Line Flame Arrestors
In-line flame arrestors are essential safety devices designed to prevent flame propagation in pipelines and systems that handle flammable gases or vapours. These arrestors protect equipment and personnel from potential explosions by allowing gas flow while stopping flames. Ideal for use in various industries, they ensure compliance with safety regulations and enhance operational safety.
End Of Line Flame Arrestors
An end-of-line flame arrester is a type of flame arrester that is installed at the end of a pipeline or equipment to prevent the propagation of flames. These devices work by extinguishing the flame before it can escape into the atmosphere, thus reducing the risk of fire. End-of-line flame arresters are commonly used in storage tanks, vent lines, and other applications where there is a risk of flames escaping into the atmosphere.
How Flame Arresters Work
A flame will continue to burn until:
1. The fuel (a gas or vapour) is consumed.
2. The oxygen concentration becomes too low or too high to sustain burning.
3. The heat necessary to sustain burning is removed.
Flame arresters work on the third principle – they absorb the heat from a flame front travelling at sub-sonic velocities. This reduces the gas temperature to below its auto-ignition temperature and quenches the flame.
The flame arrester element does the work of stopping the flame front. The element comprises metal plates, wire mesh or crimped metal windings, which are closely packed together. The element forces the gas through a small gap, which creates a difficult path for a flame front to pass through and quenches the flame.
The size of the gap is measured by the Maximum Experimental Safe Gap (MESG). The MESG varies according to the flammability of the gas mixture. Gases are classified into various gas groups to identify the flammability hazards they present. Highly flammable gases such as acetylene require a very small MESG of 0.37mm. Gases that are less flammable, such as methane, require a larger MESG of 1.14mm.
The National Electric Code (NEC) categorises gases by Gas Groups A, B, C or D – Group A is the most hazardous, and Group D is the least hazardous. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) categorises gases by Gas Groups IIA, IIB, and IIC – Group IIC is the most hazardous, and Group IIA is the least hazardous.
We also offer pressure transmitters, differential pressure switches, differential pressure transmitters, rupture discs, gas detection systems, and more. Contact us today to learn how our solutions can enhance your operations and ensure safety.
Flame Arrestors Are Ideal For Use In Various Industries
Flame arrestors are essential in diverse industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, and pharmaceuticals. They provide critical protection by preventing flame propagation in pipelines and storage tanks, reducing the risk of explosions. Their versatile design and reliability make them a preferred safety solution across multiple applications, ensuring both operational safety and regulatory compliance.
Detonation Arresters
A flame front moves through pipework at less than the speed of sound. In long pipe runs or runs with several bends, an uncontrolled flame front accelerates and can reach speeds exceeding the speed of sound. This creates a shock wave, which is known as a detonation. The resulting flame front is not only travelling very fast but is at high pressure. A Detonation arrester limits the spread of this detonation. It is recommended to limit a flame front before it becomes a detonation.
Benefits of Detonation Arresters
Detonation arresters offer several benefits for industrial applications, including:
- Improved safety – Detonation arresters are designed to prevent the propagation of flames and explosions, thus reducing the risk of fire and explosion in industrial settings.
- Compliance with regulations – Many industrial applications are subject to regulatory requirements that mandate the use of detonation arresters and other safety devices.
- Cost savings – By preventing fires and explosions, detonation arresters can help companies avoid costly downtime, repairs, and other expenses associated with accidents.
- Peace of mind – Using detonation arresters can provide operators and employees with greater peace of mind, knowing that their equipment and processes are protected from potential hazards.
Detonation arresters are essential safety components for any system that handles flammable materials. Cebeco offers a wide range of detonation arresters from reputable manufacturers such as Protectoseal and Elmac, each designed to meet specific safety requirements and operating conditions.
Other Considerations For A Detonation Arrester
Flame and detonation arresters should be well maintained to ensure they continue to work safely. They should be inspected on a regular basis to make sure that the element is free of any contaminants such as corrosion, residue, dirt, or insects.
One of the main considerations when determining the right flame arrester is the pressure drop across the element. The element provides a significant impediment to the gas flow, and as a result, the pressure drop across the element can be high. Cebeco can calculate this pressure drop using proprietary software.
Installing flame and detonation arresters in the correct locations is crucial to ensuring their effective functioning. Once again, Cebeco can assist with this task.
Cebeco offers the Protectoseal range of flame and detonation arresters. We are happy to assist you to determine the right solution for your application. Contact us at +612 9651 4220 or Click here to email.