Flame Arresters have become integral safety components that are used in the majority of processes that involve the distribution or storage of flammable liquids and gases. They protect against the potentially catastrophic effects of an explosion in situations where there is a risk of an ignition of flammable vapours. The devices are used to prevent the transmission of a flame whilst allowing the process gases to flow normally.
Elmac Technologies has developed a wide range of patent protected flame arresters that are used in applications such as offshore rigs & vessels, storage & process tanks, vapour recovery units and combustion systems. In-line Flame Arresters are specifically designed for use in pipelines, whilst End-of-line Flame Arresters are designed to protect against atmospheric deflagrations where the ignition source originates from outside of the system.
Dr. Daomin Hong, Head of Technology at Elmac Technologies says: “End-of-line flame arresters prevent flames from entering a vessel. They are fitted to the end of a pipeline, or an exit point from a vessel, in order to prevent flames from entering the system and not, as is often thought, to prevent a flame from exiting the pipe or vessel.”
The Elmac range of End-of-Line Flame Arresters incorporate their E-Flow™ enhanced crimped-ribbon technology in the flame arresting element (often called the flame filter). The matrix of the arrester has been optimised using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to ensure industry-leading flow and pressure drop characteristics. The range includes derivatives that are suitable for use in all gas explosion groups, including IIC (hydrogen), and also in high-temperature and/or pressure, and short-time or endurance burning applications.
“We design and develop our End-of-line Flame Arresters in-house with our world-class team of engineers and technical experts. The ATEX compliant products are lightweight and available in a wide range of sizes and specifications to suit most applications and gas explosion groups” Dr. Hong continues.
Elmac Technologies recommends that weather-hoods be fitted on all End-of-line Flame Arresters. For optimal protection and longevity, and where there is exposure to rain or snow, they should be mounted conventionally in a vertical orientation. The ERB range that incorporates the patent protected RE-FlowTM technology is designed for use in the most arduous of environmental conditions.
Dr Hong concludes by saying “We are committed to developing world-leading flame arresters that provide ultimate protection from explosions in high-risk process environments. Our experienced technical team work closely with our global customers to design bespoke, cost-effective solutions that meet or exceed their requirements in terms of both safety and operational performance.”