Dear Abhay,
All internal combustion engines produce exhaust particles which are predominately carbon with contaminates. These particles originate from deposits formed on the internal surfaces of the engine or exhaust system and, depending on their exact origin, may be expelled at temperatures in excess of 3,000 °F. Depending on the nature of the contaminates, these particles are capable of glowing or sometimes flaming combustion. When expelled through the exhaust system into the atmosphere, the combustion process may continue or even be accelerated during flight. Such particles, if larger than 0.023-inch in diameter and at temperatures of 1,200 °F, are capable of igniting cellulose materials upon contact. It is a safety problem and only remedy is use of spark arrester.
A spark arrestor mimics a net fashioned from tightly interwoven wire gauze built to resist bits of ash, sparks or other such dangers. It traps or pulverizes exhaust carbon particles to a size below 0.023-inch in diameter, as they are expelled from an exhaust system. Trap-type spark arresters must have a method for removal of accumulated carbon particles. Most spark arresters generally perform in the high 90 percent spark arresting effectiveness range.
A flame arrestor is a mesh or perforated metal insert within a flammable storage container (safety can, cabinet) which protects its contents from external flames or ignition. It also dissipates heat. It allows gas to pass through it but stops a flame in order to prevent a larger fire or explosion. There is an enormous variety of situations in which flame arrestors are applied. Anyone involved in selecting flame arrestors needs to understand how these products work and their performance limitations. One example is Davy safety lamps used in mines.
Flame arrestors of numerous varieties have been applied in many industries. All of them operate on the same principle: removing heat from the flame as it attempts to travel through narrow passages with walls of metal or other heat-conductive material.
Flame arrestors are used in refining, pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical, pulp and paper, oil exploration and production, sewage treatment, landfills, mining, power generation, and bulk liquids transportation. In some cases, the flames involve exothermic (heat-producing) reactions other than oxidation. In these industries processes involve numerous equipment configurations and gas mixtures.Mainly there are two types:
1. End-of-line, vent-to-atmosphere type mainly used in applications such as petroleum storage tank vents.
2. In-line, deflagration or detonation type used mainly in pipes to prevent flames from passing through.
Since applications are different there are very many designs and capacities. A competent person has to check and adopt the most suited one for his use.
Regards,
Kesava Pillai