What is flame arrestor in oil and gas?

A Flame Arrester is a device which allows gas to pass through it but stops 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.

Modern Flame Arrester works on the principle: removing heat from the flame as it attempts to travel through narrow passages with walls of metal or other heat-conductive material. For instance, flame arresters made by most manufacturers employ layers of metal ribbons with crimped corrugations. Flame arresters are used in many industries, including refining, pharmaceutical, chemical, pulp and paper, oil exploration and production, sewage treatment, landfills, mining, power generation, and bulk liquids transportation. In many cases, the flames involve exothermic reactions other than oxidation. Processes which generate the combustible or reactive gases include blending, reacting, separation, mixing, drilling, and digesting. These processes involve numerous equipment configurations and gas mixtures.

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 vapor mixture. Under normal operating conditions the flame arrester permits a relatively free flow of gas or vapor 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 flame arresters 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, maybe 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.

End of line 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 application such as petroleum storage tank vents.

A flame arrester, as the name suggests, is a device used to stop a flame from entering into an atmosphere where combustible gases may be present and prevent explosions. Gas-based equipment and appliances such as glycol dehydrators and indirect line heaters often use flame arresters. Flame arresters are also used in-line of a flare header just before the flare stack.

How Does a Flame Arrester Work?

• Flame arresters consist of screens, perforated plates, and slots that are enclosed in a frame. The case helps to absorb the heat of a flame and extinguish it.
• A standard flame arrester has many small tubes that help to produce the required venting capacity while preventing the passage of flame.
• It works on the principle that the speed of the flame decreases with the reduction in the diameter of the pipe.
• When the pipe has a very small diameter, regardless of flame speed, it is possible to prevent the passage of flame completely.

What is the Function of a Flame Arrester?

A flame arrester is commonly used for the following purposes:

• Prevent an open fire from spreading
• Confine the flame within an enclosed location
• Protect volatile mixtures and chemicals from igniting
• Stop an explosive event from spreading to other areas
• Stop the flame travelling at a subsonic speed

Common Applications of Flame Arresters

They are often used with:

• Line heaters, glycol dehydrator reboilers, and process heaters
• Fuel storage tanks
• Storage cabinets for paint, and other flammable substances

Get High-Quality and Reliable Flame Arresters to Ensure Safety

At Aspire Energy Resources Inc., we have over 25 years of experience in the design and fabrication, of process equipment.

If you are looking for assistance in selecting the right flame arrester for your application, give our experts by calling 403-314-5422 or 1-800-993-9958. You could also fill out our online form to get a project quote.

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