Flame arrestors

Flame arrestors, also spelled flame arresters, is a safety device that prevents the spread of flames in the event of a fire or explosion in a tank. The flame arrestor allows gas and steam to pass but extinguishes the flame to prevent a major fire or explosion. In hazardous environments where the release of flammable substances is a problem, flame protection plays an important role in increasing safety and minimizing the risk of catastrophic incidents.

Ramén Valves offers high-quality flame arrestors from the American manufacturer Cashco Inc. Feel free to contact us if you would like more information about our flame arrestors. You can also book a meeting or chat with one of our technical specialists. We have solid experience with tank protection equipment for various applications and help you find the right flame protection for your process.

How flame arrestors work

Flame arrestors are designed to allow the passage of gases or liquids while preventing the source of ignition, such as an open flame or spark, from entering the equipment or vessel. Flame arrestors usually consist of a housing with a series of metal plates, wire mesh or other porous materials that create a barrier to the flame. The design of the arrester is critical to ensure that it allows normal gas flow while effectively stopping the flame front.

Flame arrestors for storage tanks

Flame arrestors are used in a wide variety of industries and processes that involve the handling, storage, or transportation of flammable gases or vapors, such as the oil and gas industry, chemical process plants, petrochemical plants, and more. For example, flame arrestors can be used in fuel tank valves and piping. There are many situations where flame arrestors can be applied to reduce the risks and improve the safety aspects of storing large quantities of flammable liquids or gases. In the event of an accident, such as an accidental fire or explosion, the consequences can be devastating. Flame arrestors minimize the risk of flames spreading back to the contents of the storage tank, which can prevent a major disaster. In addition to protecting the personnel, the flame protection reduces the risk of damage to the facility and its assets. It can prevent the destruction of storage tanks and thus reduce losses and downtime.

Different types of flame arrestors

Flame arrestors are usually divided into detonation and deflagration flame arrestors. The difference in the construction of these two types has to do with the speed of the flame that can develop inside the pipe. A flame moving faster than the speed of sound is said to be a detonation, while anything moving slower is called a deflagration. It is important to understand the unique characteristics of the explosive substance and to choose the right type of flame arrestor to ensure the safety of people and equipment.

Detonation flame protection

Detonation flame arrestors are used in situations where a detonation, a rapid and powerful chemical reaction, can occur. This happens when an explosion occurs at superlight speed, generating a shock wave and a powerful pressure wave. The use of detonation flame arrestors is necessary when handling and storing explosive substances that require rapid control of pressure and heat. Detonation flame arrestors are designed to handle the extreme forces generated in a detonation and prevent or minimize injury and risk to personnel and equipment.

Deflagration flame arrestors

Deflagration is a less rapid form of combustion that occurs at a slower rate than a detonation. Deflagration flame arrestors are used in situations where the danger lies in the rapid release of heat and slower pressure waves. These situations may include working with flammable substances or explosive gases where there is a risk of a controlled burn. Designed to handle the heat and pressure generated during a less rapid combustion process, deflagration flame arrestors are critical to reducing the risk of burns and limiting damage to surrounding equipment and structures.

Placement of flame arrestors

Flame arrestors can be placed either outside the pipe (End of line) or inside the pipe (In line) depending on what is best for the specific application.

Flame protection outside the pipe (End of line)

In these cases, the flame arrestor is installed at the end of a pipeline or valve (see the illustration below) to prevent the flame from continuing into the system. These flame arrestors are often used in situations where the flame is expected to move in only one direction.

Flame protection inside the pipe (In line)

The flame arrestor is in these cases mounted in the pipeline (see the illustration below). The product is installed close to the critical point where ignition could occur. The flame arrestor minimizes the speed of the flame and eliminates the risk of an explosive pressure building up inside the tank. In line flame arrestors are designed to prevent the flame from moving both upstream and downstream. They offer protection in scenarios where the direction of flame propagation is unpredictable.

Flame arrestor consultation, regulations, and safety standards

There are several regulations and standards regarding the use of flame arrestors. Adherence to these rules and standards is not only a requirement to comply with legislation but is also essential to ensure the effectiveness of flame protection systems and thereby minimize the risk of accidents and injuries within industrial facilities. An integrated and well-maintained flame arrestor solution is key to ensuring the safe storage and handling of flammable substances.

At Ramén Valves, we have extensive experience in working with flame arrestors and are happy to help you find the right solution for your application. Feel free to contact us today or book an appointment with one of our technical specialists. 

Our various flame arrestors

Ramén Valves offers high-quality flame arrestors from American manufacturer Cashco Inc. Their special flame arrestor construction creates an extinguishing barrier by absorbing the heat of a potential flame.

All models are used as independent safety systems against explosions in tanks and pipelines. The products are designed, manufactured and tested according to the directives in 2014/34/EU (ATEX114) and ISO 16852.

We describe some of the models we offer below. Please contact us for more details.

Flame arrestor 6A00

Model 6A00 from Cashco is a flame arrestor for deflagration that is mounted in the opening or connected in the pipeline (so-called In line). Its primary function is to allow flows of gas or vapor from flammable liquids through the pipe, while preventing the transmission of flames. See Technical bulletin for more information. 

Flame arrestor 6E00

Model 6E00 from Cashco is a so-called "end of line" flame arrestor that protects against deflagration. The flame arrestor is mounted directly on the tank, on a vent valve or on the end of a ventilation line. Its primary function is to pass flows of gas or vapor of flammable liquids through the pipe while preventing the transmission of flames from the outside. See Technical bulletin for more information.

Flame arrestor 7A00

Model 7A00 from Cashco is a flame arrestor that protects against detonation. The device is mounted in the opening or connected to the pipeline (so-called In line). The flame arrestor's primary function is to allow flows of gas or vapor of flammable liquids through the pipe while preventing the transmission of potentially igniting flames. See Technical bulletin for more information. 

Flame arrestors
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