New enhanced-flow in-line flame arresters from Elmac Technologies

09 February 2015

Elmac Technologies is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of high quality flame arresters, detonation arresters and low pressure venting equipment, and has been supplying the global oil and gas industry for more than 60 years. The company's new LCA and LEA series of flame arresters are suitable for use with gases in explosion groups IIA1 and IIA.

LCA (left) and LEA in-line flame arresters

Over the past 18 months, Elmac has invested heavily in new product development and as a result successfully developed their enhanced flow (E-Flow) flame arrester element technology which is now used in their EVA, EVB, EHB and ESA series of end-of-line arresters.

The development of the E-Flow element technology was achieved by drawing on the benefits of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model the behaviour of a system in order to investigate the flow behaviour, including the study of flow patterns and the prediction of pressure drop.

This information was then used to optimise designs for the end-of-line flame arresters whilst avoiding the need for costly plant trials.

The next logical step was to take the lessons learned from the development of the end-of-line arresters and transfer the technology to in-line deflagration flame arresters. This has successfully been achieved in Elmac’s new LCA and LEA series of flame arresters.

These new products are suitable for use with gases in explosion groups IIA1 and IIA and have model variants which include:
- Operating pressures up to 1.5bara
- Operating temperatures up to 160°C
- Short-time endurance burn capability of 10 minutes
- High flow, low pressure drop characteristics
- Size range of 15mm to 300mm nominal bore
- Concentric or eccentric reducers
- Material options to satisfy NORSOK requirements

In-line deflagration flame arresters are designed to prevent the propagation of pipeline explosions in their initial stages when flame velocities and associated pressures are at their lowest. As such, these units are utilised in venting applications and where the proximity of the flame arrester to an ignition source is relatively close.

One common application of in-line deflagration arresters is flares. The flame arresters are installed in the gas feed lines to the flare to protect the rest of the plant from potential flashback. The use of a flame arrester in this application is essential as there is always a significant risk of flash back when operating within the explosive limits of a fuel gas.

The new LCA and LEA flame arrester ranges minimise the impact of using a flame arrester on the process, meaning higher flow rates are achievable with smaller flame arresters. Not to mention the fact that E-Flow in-line arresters are smaller, lighter and easier to maintain with significantly reduced fouling in the element.

“It has been a very exciting couple of years here for the new product development team,” commented Peter Evans, Operations Director at Elmac Technologies. “With the resources we have committed to implementing new methods of product design, and with the dedication and expertise of our technical team, to have produced six new arrester series in such a short space of time is most rewarding.”

“We are continuing our drive to improve existing product ranges and to further develop and exploit our E-Flow technology. The next challenge for us is to utilise E-Flow in unstable detonation arresters and we are already in the post-prototype testing phase of that product development.”

Elmac can assist clients by specifying appropriate products for proposed new installations and plant retrofits. In addition, Elmac are able to provide advice on the positioning of these products in an installation and to evaluate the suitability of flame arresters already fitted.

All of Elmac’s products are manufactured in the UK, and supplied in accordance with the latest internationally recognised standards, giving its customers the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are not compromising on safety.

About Elmac Technologies

Originally known as Elmac Engineering, the company developed its first flame arrester in 1948, for use with town gas, and rapidly established a global reputation for the design, manufacture and supply of products to enhance process safety in a broad range of industrial sectors. These sectors include the global oil, gas and petrochemical industries; bio-fuels, mining, pharmaceuticals and power generation; agro-chemicals and fertilisers; distillers, food, flavours and fragrance companies; waste treatment organisations and special equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Acquired by KnitMesh in 2001, and re-branded ‘Elmac Technologies’ in 2007 to reflect better the high levels of innovation and enhanced protection offered by its products, Elmac Technologies has grown to become one of the premier brands in the global market for flame arresters.

Elmac can assist clients by specifying appropriate products for proposed new installations and plant retrofits. In addition, Elmac are able to provide advice on the positioning of these products in an installation and to evaluate the suitability of flame arresters already fitted. To support clients in meeting the 2006 EU ATEX Directive for flame arrester compliance, the company is also willing to undertake site visits to discuss existing installations and to provide technical presentations to enhance awareness amongst the engineering community.

With state-of-the-art commercial, manufacturing and test facilities in the UK and additional manufacturing centres in South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, Elmac Technologies is rapidly developing a comprehensive range of enhanced in-line and end-of-line deflagration arresters and in-line unstable detonation arresters. These devices are suitable for use in gas groups IIA1, IIA, IIB3 and IIC having been rigorously tested in accordance with the latest international standards. The high-tech testing facilities can also be used to conduct experiments to demonstrate that proposed technical solutions meet client-specific requirements.

Elmac is also able to draw on the benefits of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model the behaviour of a system in order to investigate the flow behaviour, including the study of flow patterns and the prediction of pressure drop. This information can be used to optimise designs for particular applications whilst avoiding the need for costly plant trials.

As part of an international group that also includes global knitted mesh specialists, KnitMesh Technologies, Elmac enjoys the financial stability necessary to continually innovate, research and develop the flame arrester solutions that will help bring greater safety to industry worldwide.