You have specified, ordered and installed a top-of-the-range flame arrester such as a UCA Unstable Detonation unit from Elmac Technologies. However, you are wondering whether you have followed the manufacturer’s guidelines in order to ensure the equipment performs effectively… Alhough the onus is on you to keep the flame arrester in good working condition, it is difficult to determine whether there is evidence of mechanical damage, corrosion or blockages any of which would compromise the Flame Arrester’s performance. No need to worry though as you can call on the global network of Elmac Technologies’ Authorised Service Partners who are available to provide the support you require.
Elmac Technologies recommends that all devices are inspected, as a minimum within three months of installation and at least annually thereafter. It is an industry standard that no flame arrester should be in service for more than 12 months before receiving some form of maintenance.
Another reason for flame arresters to be inspected regularly is that they often form the last line of defence against a potentially catastrophic incident. Insurance premiums are usually lower 
on sites where flame arresters have been correctly installed and maintained properly. Conversely, if there is an incident, the HSE or insurance provider is likely to seek evidence that these safety-critical devices have been well maintained and inspected regularly.
“Elmac Technologies have a worldwide network of Authorised Service Partners who have been trained by us in person and are qualified to inspect a flame arrester and check whether the elements show any signs of scorching or burn marks. This would indicate a flashback or short time burning incident may have occurred. If such signs are evident then the flame arrester will need to be replaced immediately as its functionality may be compromised and its Maximum Experimental Safe Gap (MESG) can no longer be guaranteed. An Elmac Authorised Serviced Partner can do this and will only fit genuine Elmac spare parts according to the manufacturer’s specification”
Anand Palanivelu, Business Development Manager, Elmac Technologies Ltd
Last but not least, inspecting and maintaining your flame arresters regularly will ensure compliance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (Equipment Directive) and ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC (Workplace Directive). These state that products sold for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within Europe since July 2003 must comply with certain standards of performance. In the case of flame arresters, this includes the type-testing of designs to ISO 16852:2016 (the European standard for the design and testing of flame arresters) as well as the compliance auditing and qualification of the design and manufacturing process to ensure reliability. In addition, compliance can be further assured by customers having their engineers and technicians trained at Elmac’s state-of-the-art technical centre in the UK. This will allow them to gain a real understanding of the key operating principles of flame arresters and the correct method for inspecting, maintaining and installing these safety-critical devices.
Elmac Technologies’ approved inspection and maintenance Service Partners can perform on-site inspections and issue accurate service reports. If you have any questions regarding the installation, maintenance or replacement of flame arresters, then please contact a member of the Elmac team today. If you are an Elmac agent and you would like to attend our next Inspection and Maintenance Training Course in order to qualify as a Service Partner for your area, please contact Anand Palanivelu on anand.p@elmactech.com
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