Detonation Flame Arrester Principle

A detonation flame arrester (also spelled arrestor) is a device fitted to the opening of an enclosure or to the connecting pipe work of a system of enclosures and whose intended function is to allow flow but prevent the transmission of flame propagating at supersonic velocity.

Flame arresters are passive devices with no moving parts.

They prevent the propagation of flame from the exposed side of the unit to the protected side by the use of metal matrix creating a torturous path called a flame cell or element.

All detonation flame arresters operate on the same principle: removing heat from the flame as it attempts to travel through narrow passages with walls of metal or other heat-conductive material, but unlike flame arresters, detonation flame arresters must be built to withstand extreme pressures that travel at supersonic velocities, 1,500 psi (10 MPa) at 2500 m/s is not uncommon with a group D Gas.

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Flame Arrester

A Flame Arrester also spelled arrestor is a device which allows gas to pass through it but stops a flame in order to prevent a larger fire or explosion. There is an enormous variety of situations in which flame arresters are applied. Anyone involved in selecting flame arresters needs to understand how these products work and their performance limitations. For that purpose, this article provides an introduction to the technology and terminology of flame arresters and the types of products available.

How modern Flame Arresters work

Flame arresters are passive devices with no moving parts. They prevent the propagation of flame from the exposed side of the unit to the protected side by the use of wound crimped metal ribbon type flame cell element.
This construction produces a matrix of uniform openings that are carefully constructed to quench the flame by absorbing the heat of the flame. This provides an extinguishing barrier to the ignited vapour mixture.

Flame Cell Channel with metal ribbons with crimped corrugations
Flame Cell Channel

Under normal operating conditions the flame arrester permits a relatively free flow of gas or vapour through the piping system. If the mixture is ignited and the flame begins to travel back through the piping, the arrester will prohibit the flame from moving back to the gas source.

In-line Deflagration or Detonation Flame Arrester

The other major category consists of in-line flame arresters, also known as deflagration and detonation flame arresters. (Speaking non-technically, deflagration means rapid burning, and detonation means explosion.) These units are installed in pipes to prevent flames from passing.

Most in-line flame arrester applications are in systems which collect gases emitted by liquids and solids. These systems, commonly used in many industries, may be called vapor control systems. The gases which are vented to atmosphere or controlled via vapor control systems are typically flammable. If the conditions are such that ignition occurs, a flame inside or outside of the system could result, with the potential to do catastrophic damage.

In-Line Flame Arrester

1 . Exposed Side 2 . Protected Side 3 . Flame stabilized on arrester element
4 . Flame arrester element absorbs and quenches flame front 5 . Piping

One variety of vapor control systems is called vapor destruction systems. Included are elevated flare systems, enclosed flare systems, burner and catalytic incineration systems, and waste gas boilers.

Another type of vapor control system using in-line flame arresters is vapor recovery systems. Included here are vapor balancing, refrigeration, adsorption, absorption, and compression systems.

However, in-line flame arresters are sometimes used in end-of-line applications. For instance, an in-line unit may be mounted below a tank vent Valve on a liquid storage tank. The Valve reduces emissions and product loss, while the flame arrester protects the tank from flames in the atmosphere during venting of flammable gases.

SELECTING IN-LINE FLAME ARRESTERS
The various dynamic states explained earlier for confined flames can be very dangerous for a process system due to the tremendous energies associated with detonation pressure and flame velocity. Things happen fast and can turn catastrophic. These multiple dynamic states increase the challenge of providing a flame arrester product or products which stop the flame and withstand the enormous pressures caused by explosions within the confined piping.

The very wide range of possible behavior for a confined flame causes two particular problems for flame arrester products. First, the high-pressure deflagration and stable detonation states have very stable kinetics of burning, and the flame is moving very fast. Therefore the arrester must be able to absorb the flame’s heat much faster than is required by standard low-to-medium-pressure deflagration conditions. Second, the instantaneous impulse pressures caused by the shock waves of overdriven detonation subject the arrester to forces of up to 20995 kPa(g) (3000 psig). Thus, the arrester must be structurally superior to standard lowpressure deflagration arresters.

End of Line or Vent-to-Atmosphere

Flame Arrester

End of line or vent-to-atmosphere flame arresters allow free venting in combination with flame protection for vertical vent applications. They prevent flame propagation by absorbing and dissipating heat using spiral wound crimped ribbon stainless steel flame cells.
End-of-line flame arresters are used in applications such as petroleum storage tank vents.

The classic application is in preventing fire in the atmosphere from entering an enclosure. Around 1920, for instance, flame arresters began to be installed on vents on oilfield storage tanks. They keep the tanks from exploding when gas flowing from the vents is struck by lightning.

Conversely, some end-of-line flame arresters prevent fire in an enclosure from igniting an explosive atmosphere such as in a refinery. For instance, flame arresters may be installed in furnace air inlets and exhaust stacks.

End of Line Flame Arrester
Image from Enardo

SELECTING END-OF-LINE FLAME ARRESTERS
End-of-line deflagration flame arresters are designed for unconfined flame propagation, also referred to as atmospheric explosion or unconfined deflagration. They simply bolt or screw onto the process or tank connection. These designs incorporate well-established but simple technology. Most use a single element of crimped wound metal ribbon that provides the Heat Transfer needed to quench the flame before it gets through the arrester element.

The main points of concern when selecting an arrester for end-of-line applications are as follows:

  • Hazardous group designation or MESG value of the gas
  • Flame stabilization performance characteristics of the arrester compared to the system potential for flame stabilization for sustained periods of time
  • Process gas temperature
  • Pressure drop across the arrester during venting flow conditions, relative to the system’s maximum allowable pressure and vacuum
  • Materials of construction that meet the ambient and process conditions - for example, extremely cold climate, salt spray, chemically aggressive gas, etc.
  • Connection type and size
  • Instrumentation requirements

API 2000 4.5.2 DESIGN OPTIONS FOR EXPLOSION PREVENTION SAYS:

A flame arrester, the use of which in an open vent line or on the inlet to the Pressure/Vacuum Valve is an effective method to reduce the risk of flame transmission. The user is cautioned that the use of a flame arrester within the tank’s relief path introduces the risk of tank damage from overpressure or vacuum due to plugging if the arrester is not maintained properly. More information on flame arresters can be found in ISO 16852, NFPA 69, TRbF 20, EN 12874, FM 6061, and USCG 33 CFR 154. The use of a flame arrester increases the pressure drop of the venting system. The manufacturer(s) should be consulted for assessing the magnitude of these effects.

For the proper selection of a flame arrester, the piping configuration, operating pressure and te temperature, oxygen concentration, compatibility of flame arrester material and explosive gas group should be considered. For selection of the correct flame arrester, the manufacturer should be consulted.

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