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MEMBER’S PRESS RELEASE: The New Performance Benchmark for Detonation Flame Arresters

Elmac Technologies® has developed the UCA Series of unstable detonation arresters with better pressure drop and flow performance than any equivalent stable or unstable detonation arrester currently on the market.

By combining their E-Flow™ element technology with a patented High Energy Dissipation System (HEDS™), Elmac have created a series of detonation arresters which not only protect against unstable detonations, stable detonations and deflagrations; but which can offer operating energy savings of over 10% and 30% compared to the market leading stable and unstable detonation arresters respectively.

Added to this the fact that unstable detonation arresters have no restrictions on placement within piping systems, or any requirement for secondary protection measures; then the UCA Series sets new benchmarks for performance, versatility and economy.

The UCA series of detonation arresters is designed and manufactured according to the latest flame arrester standard EN ISO 16852, and is ATEX approved and certified for gases in explosion groups IIA1 and IIA.

Over the past 2 years Elmac Technologies has invested heavily in new product development and has, 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 was successfully achieved in Elmac’s LCA and LEA series of in-line flame arresters.

To complete the development schedule Elmac’s engineers then turned their attention to detonation arresters with the aim of creating the world’s best-performing devices. Merely installing E-Flow™ technology into a standard unstable detonation arrester did not provide sufficient improvement in terms of pressure drop and so a new High Energy Dissipation System (HEDS™) was developed and patented. HEDS™ facilitates suppression of the detonation shockwave within the arrester housing allowing for a reduction in the number of element banks required in the arrester; thus lowering resistance to flow and reducing the weight of the device.

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 1.2bara
  • Short-time endurance burn capability of up to 20 minutes
  • Removable, modular easy-clean elements
  • Size range of 15mm to 300mm nominal bore
  • Concentric or eccentric reducers

In-line unstable detonation flame arresters are designed to prevent the propagation of pipeline explosions in their developed stages, when flame velocities reach supersonic velocity and extreme pressures are experienced. As such these units are utilised in applications where the close proximity of the flame arrester to an ignition source cannot be achieved, perhaps due to pipework restrictions or maintenance access requirements.

One common application of unstable detonation flame arresters is vapour recovery systems. The flame arresters are installed in the vapour recovery venting lines to prevent any internal ignition source, possibly from a scrubber, pump or fan; propagating back into the tanks’ vapour space. Elmac unstable detonation arresters can be used in isolation as single protection equipment – EN ISO 16852:2010, offering maximum safety with unrestricted flexibility in installation.

The new UCA detonation arrester ranges minimise the impact of using an arrester on the process, meaning higher flow rates are achievable with smaller flame arresters. Accordingly, the  E-Flow™ detonation arresters are smaller, lighter and easier to maintain with significantly reduced fouling in the element.

Peter Evans, Operations Director at Elmac Technologies, commented:

Certification testing of our new UCA series has proved that not only have our engineers made the world’s best unstable detonation arrester, but that they also exhibit better flow and pressure drop characteristics than the market-leading stable detonation arresters.

This is a significant landmark for Elmac as we have a long-standing commitment to supplying only the safest possible solutions to our customers, and only offer unstable detonation arresters in any application where a detonation could occur.

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 or other protection devices 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.

Website Links

Elmac Technologies Website:  http://www.elmactechnologies.com

UCA Product Page on Elmac Website:  http://www.elmactechnologies.com/products/uca-detonation-arresters.html

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.

For more press information:

Duncan Muir – Communications Manager

Elmac Technologies Ltd.

Tel: 01666 311 210

Mob: 07917 887 559

Email: duncan.muir@elmactechnologies.com

Web: www.elmactechnologies.com

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