Vs

Deflagration vs Detonation Arresters

Arrester Sizes

The main difference in the physical appearance and size of deflagration and detonation arresters, is the overall length of the unit. This is mainly due to the extra length of the detonation arrester element.

Element Considerations

The purpose of a deflagration arrester is to stop a subsonic flame from progressing past the arrester. Therefore any deflagration arrester element need only transfer sufficient heat from the flame such that it is extinguished.

However, a detonation arrester needs to not only extinguish a supersonic flame, but attenuate any accompanying shockwave. Therefore detonation arrester elements tend to be physically more robust and hence larger than deflagration elements. Elmac Technologies use crimped metal ribbon elements to achieve this.

Element Maintenance

Arrester elements (of all types) may look simple and robust, but dimensions, structure and physical integrity of the elements are critical to safe operation of flame and detonation arresters. Never physically adjust, modify, or damage an element.

Regular servicing of arresters can be crucial to on-going plant safety and protection, and Elmac arresters are designeed for easy removal, inspection and maintenance, but it is important that maintenance instructions are carefully followed.

If in doubt about how to inspect or maintain a flame or detonation arrester please contact the Elmac customer services team and ask about their inspection services.

More on detonations

1. What is a Detonation?
2. Stable and Unstable Detonations
3. Deflagration vs Detonation Arresters
4. Selecting a Detonation Arrester

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