Spark Arrestor / Flame Arrestor

[aerowave89]

Hi Guys,

Can we use flame arrestor and spark arrestor interchangeably? What is the difference in terms of application?

I plan to build a power pack for an Oil Spill Equipment on board Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel.

1. Which is the more suitable component to be installed on a 50kW power pack exhaust?
2. What are the parameters that need to be considered in the selection process of spark/flame arrestors?

Please advise.

Thank you,
Tom

 

[Lou Scannon]

I am by no means an expert, but in my limited understanding, a flame arrestor is engineered to quench a flame by absorbing heat, whereas a spark arrestor is intended to prevent solid particles, glowing or otherwise, from exiting a given volume. It seems quite conceivable that the a single device could perform both functions.

"Schiefgehen will, was schiefgehen kann" - das Murphygesetz

 

[georgeverghese]

Would suspect these would be covered in some NFPA standard - a safety engineer would know which one.

 

[Tmoose]

Intakes, at least on gasoline inboard engines, seem to require devices described as "flame arrestors."

http://www.jegs.com/p/Holley/Holley-Marine-Flame-Arrestors/757960/10002/-1

http://standards.sae.org/j1928_201201/

 

[Rob45]

And spark arresters go on exhaust; this power plant undoubtedly needs both.