This construction features a series of uniform openings designed to quench the flame by absorbing heat, providing a barrier that extinguishes the ignited vapor mixture. They are used in a wide range of applications, protecting equipment and people by preventing the spread of fires and explosions. Flame arresters are divided into two main operating types, based on the flame propagation speed:
In this regime, the flame propagates at subsonic speed. Deflagration flame arresters are further classified as in-line and end-of-line.
In this regime, the flame propagates at supersonic speed. Detonation flame arresters are designed to withstand shock waves and high pressures caused by detonation, offering superior protection compared to deflagration devices. These two categories ensure optimal protection against explosions, depending on the type and combustion speed.
An in-line deflagration flame arrester (DEF) is a device designed to stop the propagation of a deflagration (a rapid combustion characterized by flame propagation at subsonic speed) and prevent it from spreading further through the piping or duct system. Beyond the operating regime, flame arresters are also classified by their position within the plant:
In-line Flame Arresters: Installed directly inside pipelines, they stop flame propagation along conduits carrying flammable gases or vapors, without interrupting the flow through the system.
End-of-line Flame Arresters: Installed at the end of a piping system, typically on vent openings, to block flames before they can discharge to the outside. They are particularly suitable where you want to prevent flames from propagating into the environment. This distinction between in-line and end-of-line flame arresters enables correct selection based on plant layout and specific industrial safety requirements.
PRODUCTION RANGE TYPE DEF
Dimensions: DN50 – DN500 / DN2” – DN20”
Nominal Pressure: PN2.5 – PN50 / ANSI150 – ANSI300
Outer body material: carbon steel, stainless steel and others on request
Materiale perti interne: Stainless steel
A detonation flame arrester is designed to stop the propagation of a detonation, an extremely violent combustion phenomenon in which the flame front travels at supersonic speed. It is built to withstand the high pressures and shock waves associated with detonations, quenching the flame and containing the generated energy.
PRODUCTION RANGE TYPE DET
Dimensions: DN50 – DN150 / DN2” – DN6”
Nominal Pressure: PN2.5 – PN50 / ANSI150 – ANSI300
Body material: carbon steel, stainless steel
Materiale parti interne: Stainless steel
Another parameter for selecting a flame arrester is the direction of the flame approach; for this reason, a device may be designed to operate in a pipeline. Under normal operating conditions, the flame arrester allows a relatively free flow of gas through the piping system. The Erre.Di flame-arresting element is made of metallic strips that are corrugated and wound together, forming cells whose height (h) varies depending on the gas group.
Following theoretical studies and tests carried out in accordance with the reference standards, Erre.Di manufactures different types of flame arrester elements according to the gas group and process data.
| Group explosion |
MESG mi-scela |
Example GAS |
| IIA | >0,90 | PROPANE |
| IIB3 | ≥0,65 | ETHYLENE |
| IIB | ≥0,50 | ETHYLENE |
| IIC | <0,50 | HYDROGEN |
It is important to define the MESG (Maximum Experimental Safe Gap), known for each type of gas.
To quench the flame and therefore prevent its passage, the height and width of the cells in the element must be below the MESG of the gas/vapor being handled. The cell length in the element is also important: once the mixture has been cooled below the point where auto-ignition would occur, the flame front is extinguished. It has been widely demonstrated that the corrugated metal concept can quench a potentially lethal or destructive flame front.
APPLICATIONS
Flame arresters are used in multiple industrial applications to prevent the propagation of flames and explosions in environments with flammable gases, vapors or dusts. Main applications include:
and explosions in environments with flammable gases, vapors or dusts. Main applications include:
1. Chemical and petrochemical plants: protect reactors, tanks and process lines from explosions.
2. Oil & gas industry: used in refineries and treatment plants to prevent detonations.
3. Storage tanks: prevent fires in ventilation and vent systems for fuels.
4. Biogas plants: ensure safety in the production of combustible gases.
5. Pharmaceutical industry: protect against fires in processes with volatile solvents.
6. Ventilation systems: prevent flame propagation in industrial ventilation systems.
7. Food industry: prevent explosions of combustible dust in silos.
8. Wastewater treatment: protect plants from flames in the presence of gases such as methane.
9. Mining industry: used to prevent explosions in underground environments.
10. Transport of flammable gases and liquids: installed in pipelines and loading/unloading systems to prevent fires.
These devices ensure safety in environments with a high risk of fire or explosion.
In summary, flame arresters are critical devices in many industrial sectors where safety and explosion prevention are essential, especially in environments handling flammable or explosive substances.
explosion prevention are essential, especially in environments that handle flammable substances
or explosive.
EASY MAINTENANCE
Flame arresters not only provide essential protection against fires and explosions, but are also designed for easy maintenance. Thanks to their modular structure and the possibility of periodic inspection without complicated procedures, these devices can be easily cleaned and kept operational, ensuring optimal performance and a long service life even in complex industrial environments.
explosions, but are also designed to ensure easy maintenance. Thanks
to their modular structure and the possibility of periodic inspection without complicated
procedures, these devices can be easily cleaned and kept operational,
ensuring optimal performance and a long service life, even in industrial environments.
complessi.
The flame cell element can be easily removed for inspection and cleaning in a suitable solvent solution.
cleaning in a suitable solvent solution.
Flanges are normally designed and drilled in accordance with the main international ISO/ASTM/DIN standards.
internazionali ISO/ASTM/DIN.
ERREDI FLAME ARRESTERS
ERREDI Flame Arresters, available in different models for various applications, are designed and tested to ensure maximum safety. They are manufactured in compliance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, which regulates the use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. In addition, they comply with EN ISO 16852 (specific for flame arresters) and are certified according to PED 2014/68/EU (MOD. H), ensuring compliance for installation in classified areas. These certifications guarantee their reliability in extreme operating conditions.
to ensure maximum safety. They are manufactured in compliance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, which regulates
the use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. In addition, they comply with EN ISO 16852,
specific for flame arresters, and are certified according to PED 2014/68/EU (MOD. H), which ensures
compliance for installation in classified areas. These certifications guarantee their reliability in
extreme operating conditions.
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