Detonation Flame Arresters

Detonation Flame Arrester (Groth Corporation)

Detonation flame arresters are designed to prevent flame propagation in gas piping systems which contain flammable gas/vapor mixtures. It 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 arrester must prevent flame passage under certain specified conditions while permitting free flow of gas/vapor through the system. The channels or passages in the flame arrester are designed to very efficiently conduct heat outward, but still allow the gasses to flow. Thus it protects vulnerable equipment or components of the system from damage due to explosive pressures caused by gas/vapor ignition in another part of the system. The detonation flame arrester must be used under only those operating conditions for which it was designed and tested.

The flame arresters consist of two main components, the arrester bases and the flame element housing assembly. The bases serve as the connecting interface to the piping system. The housing retains and supports the flame element. Both components are essential in stopping the passage of the flame.

The flame element is comprised of small parallel passageways aligned so that an approaching flame front is slowed down and then quenched before it can propagate to the protected side of the device.

The bases must also withstand the detonation pressures while conveying the burning vapors and flame front to the element. Depending on the design of the system in which it is used, the arrester bases can include optional ports for thermocouples or pressure monitoring devices. These devices can activate warning or shutdown systems if abnormal conditions are detected. Both bases may be equipped with large diameter inspection/clean-out ports for in-line maintenance of the element, or element removal may be required for inspection/maintenance.

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.

Please always consult with a properly qualified applications specialist prior to specifying, purchasing, or applying flame arresting devices.