Flame arresters are devices that prevent the spread of flames in an enclosed space. They work by quickly cooling the gases that are involved in the combustion process, which prevents the flame from being able to propagate. Flame arresters are often used in industries with fire risks, such as oil and gas storage facilities, chemical plants, and refineries. They are also used in some engines, including those that power aircraft and gas turbines. As a result, flame arresters play an essential role in preventing fires from spreading, which can help to protect lives and property.
The various types of Flame Arresters and their industrial use applications
Flame arresters are devices that mitigate the spread of flame by absorbing heat or disrupting the flame front.
There are three main types of flame arresters: mechanical, thermal, and chemical.
- Mechanical Flame Arresters work by physically stopping the propagation of a Flame Front. To do this, they rely on a mesh or screen to block the passage of flame. Mechanical Flame Arresters are well-suited for applications with a high risk of Flame propagation. However, they can become clogged over time and may need to be replaced more often than other types of Flame Arresters.
- Thermal Flame Arresters work by absorbing heat from the Flame Front. This type of Flame Arrester is filled with a material that has a high heat capacity, such as ceramic beads or vermiculite. When exposed to a Flame, the beads heat up and absorb energy from the flame, preventing it from propagating. They have a limited effective lifespan; once the beads have reached their maximum temperature, they will no longer be able to absorb heat from Flames
- Chemical Flame Arresters work by interrupting the chemical reaction that fuels the Flame Front. When exposed to heat, they rely on a chemical reaction that produces a non-flammable gas. When placed in the path of a Flame, the chemical reaction produces gas that prevents the flame from igniting surrounding materials. Chemical Flame Arresters are well-suited for applications with a risk of explosion. However, they are not recommended for use in environments with oxygen levels below 21 per cent; in these environments, the chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen, which can harm people.
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