Flame arrestors, also known as flame traps or flashback arrestors, are safety devices used to prevent the propagation of flames in systems containing flammable gas-air or vapor-air mixtures.
These devices are crucial in industries such as petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and gas processing, where explosive substances are handled.
🔸 Function & Operating Principle
🔥 Flame Propagation Prevention
- The primary function of a flame arrestor is to stop the flame and prevent it from spreading through piping systems and ventilation networks.
🌡 Heat Dissipation
- These devices work by dissipating the heat of the flame through a metallic medium, such as mesh or grid elements, which cools the flame below the ignition temperature of the gas or vapor, extinguishing it.
🔸 Technical Features
🔧 Construction Materials
- Typically made from stainless steel or other corrosion- and heat-resistant materials.
💨 Flame Arresting Element Design
- Includes mesh, grid, or structured metal elements to maximize heat dissipation and flame-stopping efficiency.
📑 Standards & Certifications
- Must comply with international safety standards such as:
- NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
- ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) in Europe
🔸 Applications
👉🏾 Storage Tanks
- Protect flammable gas and liquid storage tanks, preventing external flames from entering the tank.
👉🏾 Piping Systems
- Installed in piping networks to stop flames from spreading along the gas distribution system.
👉🏾 Processing Equipment
- Safeguards industrial equipment that handles flammable gases and vapors.
👉🏾 Ventilation Systems
- Prevents flames from propagating through ventilation and exhaust systems.
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