Application Survey for Industrial Flame Arrester

Detonation flame arrester is one of several configurations
applicable to various installations.
Image courtesy Groth Corporation

A flame arrester operates by removing heat from the flame as it attempts to travel through narrow passages with heat-conductive walls. The arrester will stop a high velocity flame by absorbing heat away from the flame head, which lowers the burning gas/air mixture below its auto-ignition temperature, and creating an atmosphere where the flame cannot be sustained. The channels or passages in the flame arrester are designed to very efficiently conduct heat outward, but still allow the gasses to flow.

Many in-line flame arrester applications are used in systems that collect gases emitted by liquids and solids called vapor control systems. The gases are typically flammable. If an ignition occurs, a flame inside or outside of the system could occur with potentially catastrophic outcomes.

A vapor destruction system is a type of vapor control system that includes enclosed flare systems, elevated flare systems, burner and catalytic incineration systems, and waste gas boilers.

Vapor recovery systems are another type of vapor control system that uses in-line flame arresters. These systems include compression systems, vapor balancing, refrigeration, adsorption, and absorption.

Flame arresters are used in many industries including chemical, refining, petrochemical, pulp and paper, oil exploration and production, pharmaceutical, sewage treatment, landfills, power generation, and bulk liquids transportation.

The document below is a handy flame arrester application questionnaire. Please always consult with a properly qualified applications specialist prior to specifying, purchasing, or applying flame arresting devices.

Flame Arrester Application Questionnaire from CTi Controltech