Explain the different types of Flashback Arrestor?

Posted by Maansi Sharma on January 24th, 2020

Flashback arrestor has a different story inside. It is a kind of gas safety device, which is most commonly used in oxy-fuel welding and cutting, which is helpful in stopping the flame or reverse the flow of gas back up into the equipment or supply line. It has also proved helpful for people in avoiding terrible accidents due to fire.

These fire safety guards are mainly used in welding industries where oxy-fuel gas mixtures are handled and used. In earlier times, there was a trend of wet flashback arrestors, but due to some of their terrible results, companies started using dry flash arrestors with at least two safety elements.

Different Types of Flashback Arrestor

Now, let’s talk about their types, so these are mainly of two types:

1. Wet Flashback Arrestors

These wet arrestors use a liquid to extinguish the fire and keep the flow in reverse from reaching the source, which effectively prevents flames from traveling in a pipe or hose. This liquid is non-flammable and non-absorbing. The liquid used in this wet flash arrestor is ethylene glycol. The gas is bubbled through the liquid, which helps in extinguishing the fire.

There are several applications of wet flashback arrestor as it comes in different sizes. These flashback arrestors are specially designed for industrial purposes and have a long life with any hazardous results.

2. Dry Flashback Arrestors

As the name implies, dry flashback arrestors use dry products like sintered metal or ceramic cartridges to slow down the flow of fire. The sintered material is always porous and powdered in nature, which makes an obstacle for the flame and prevents the user and equipment from their hazardous effects. A variety of materials like bronze wool, sand, and other can be used for the sintered material.

There are several industrial applications of dry flashback arrestors such as welding or oxy-fuel cutting. These arrestors are small and lighter as compared to wet flashbacks, and one of the most important things is it has a cartridge replacement.

Safety Features of Flashback Arrestor

Apart from these types, flashback arrestors can be equipped with some safety features for smooth and safer functioning, and these features are –

1. Temperature Cut-off Valve

Many flash arrestors are equipped with heat sensors or heat-sensitive valves that cut down the gas flow once the internal temperature reaches the required or pre-defined mark. This is a very great feature, which is worthy.

2. Pressure Relief Valve

Does exactly what it says on the tin. Sometimes, dry and wet flashback arrestors face the problem of pressure build-up within the internal circuitry. This pressure can predict a very terrible result. Hence, a pressure relief valve plays an important role in the flashback arrestor unit. This is a safety feature within a flashback arrestor that must not be overlooked.

Benefits of Flashback Arrestors

There are several benefits of using arrestor flashback that has been tried a little to illuminate –

1. It provides excellent reverse flow prevention.

2. It helps in preventing the backflow of gas through pipelines.

3. It provides reverse disconnections and prevents couplers from accidentally releasing.

4. It provides tight sealing, which means it gives an airtight covering between plugs and sockets.

Conclusion

This file summarizes the flashback arrestors. They proved useful in avoiding terrible disaster like a fire. Reverse gas flow is generally caused by human error, old and absolute equipment, incorrect gas pressures, and other such problems.

The importance of flashback arrestors in equipment utilizing explosive gases cannot be overstated. It is always for everyone to note that personal safety is a must and entirely dependent on one's ability to follow instructions. This file also concludes the types and some major benefits of flashback arrestors.