Mechanical indicator for flame arrester and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a mechanical indicator for a flame arrester, the mechanical indicator comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to the flame arrester and having a channel; a sensing assembly disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the channel, the sensing assembly including a sensing region configured to sense a pressure; and a pin disposed within the channel. The pin is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, and the actuated position is a position in which the pin extends outside the housing, providing a visual indicator of an event occurring within the flame arrester. When the sensing region senses that pressure exceeds a threshold, the pin moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to flame arresters, and more particularly to mechanical indicators for flame arresters. Background Art

[0002] Generally, flame arrester is a well-known radiator for various purposes. In one example, flame arrester is arranged between flame and fuel source in flow control system. Flame wants to find fuel source, and flame arrester is placed between explosion and fuel source, and takes away heat and pressure from flame when flame attempts to pass through flame arrester. In a known example, flame arrester realizes this by making flame pass through the element in flame arrester. This element usually comprises micro-unit component and foil metal, and this micro-unit component and foil metal dissipate the heat and pressure of flame together. Because flame arrester is a sealed unit without light, therefore when buying flame arrester, customer often asks how to know whether and when incident such as high pressure and / or flame incident occurs in flame arrester. Although some available conventional solutions comprise temperature probe and light sensor that help to identify whether incident occurs in flame arrester, this type of solution and annex are expensive and need electric signal / power source. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first exemplary aspect, a mechanical indicator for a flame arrester of a flow control system includes a housing configured to be coupled to the flame arrester, the housing having a channel arranged along the longitudinal axis of the housing. A sensing assembly is arranged in the housing and is in fluid communication with the channel of the housing, and the sensing assembly includes a sensing area configured to sense pressure. A pin is arranged in the channel and is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The actuated position is a position in which the pin extends to the outside of the housing, thereby providing a visual indicator of an event occurring in the flame arrester. When the sensing area senses that the pressure is at or exceeds a threshold value, the pin moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

[0004] According to a second exemplary aspect, a flame arrester for a flow control system includes: a body having an interior portion and a fluid flow path disposed through the interior portion; an element disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the fluid flow path; and an indicator coupled to a portion of the body. The indicator is in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the body and includes a housing having a channel and a sensing assembly disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the channel of the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing region configured to sense pressure from the fluid flow path of the flame arrester. A pin is disposed within the channel and is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The actuated position is a position in which the pin extends outside the housing of the indicator, thereby providing a visual indicator of an event occurring within the flame arrester.

[0005] According to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method for indicating an event occurring in a flame arrester of a flow control system includes: coupling a mechanical indicator to the flame arrester; and sensing a pressure in a fluid flow path of the flame arrester via a sensing assembly of the mechanical flame arrester in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the flame arrester. The method further includes: when a pressure exceeding a threshold is sensed via a sensing area of ​​the sensing assembly, moving a pin of the mechanical indicator from an unactuated position to an actuated position in which the pin extends outside of the housing.

[0006] In further accordance with any of the foregoing exemplary aspects, the mechanical indicator, the flame arrester and / or the method of indicating an event occurring within a flame arrester may further include any one or more of the following preferred forms.

[0007] In some preferred forms, the mechanical indicator may further include a locking member disposed within the housing and configured to engage a portion of the pin to prevent further movement of the pin in the actuated position. Additionally, the pin may further include a notch, and the locking member may be configured to engage the notch of the pin to prevent further movement of the pin when the pin is in the actuated position.

[0008] In other preferred forms, the sensing assembly may include a diaphragm, and a portion of the diaphragm may be disposed in the channel.

[0009] In still other preferred forms, the housing may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, the first housing portion including a pin. The passage may extend through the first housing portion and the second housing portion. In addition, the indicator may further include at least one seal disposed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0010] In still other preferred forms, the sensing assembly may include: a first seat disposed proximate the second end of the channel and including a sensing area; a second seat in contact with a portion of the pin; and a spring disposed between the first seat and the second seat. When a pressure applied to the sensing area of ​​the first seat exceeds a reactive spring force of the spring, the spring moves the second seat and the pin into an actuated position, thereby providing a visual indication that the pin is outside the housing. Additionally, at least one seal may be disposed between each of the first seat and the second seat and a portion of the housing in which the first seat and the second seat are disposed.

[0011] In other forms, the channel may include a first end and a second end, and the pin may be disposed within the channel at the first end of the channel. Additionally, the sensing region may be configured to sense pressure from the second end of the channel.

[0012] In still other forms, the pin may be moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position when the sensing region senses that a pressure in the passage exceeds a threshold value.

[0013] In other forms, sensing pressure in the fluid flow path of the flame arrester via a sensing assembly of the mechanical flame arrester in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the flame arrester may include sensing pressure in the fluid flow path of the flame arrester via a diaphragm disposed in a channel of a housing of the mechanical indicator.

[0014] In still other preferred forms, sensing pressure in the fluid flow path of the flame arrester via a sensing assembly of the mechanical flame arrester in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the flame arrester may include sensing pressure via at least one valve seat having a sensing area.

[0015] In other preferred forms, coupling the mechanical indicator to the flame arrester may include coupling a portion of a housing of the mechanical indicator to a portion of a body of the flame arrester, including providing fluid communication between the housing of the mechanical indicator and a fluid flow path of the body of the flame arrester.

[0016] In still other preferred forms, the method may further include engaging a locking member disposed in the housing of the mechanical indicator with a portion of the pin, the locking member engaging with a recess of the pin when the pin is in the actuated position, thereby preventing further movement of the pin in the actuated position.

[0017] Any one or more of these aspects may be considered separately and / or combined with each other in any functionally appropriate manner. In addition, any one or more of these aspects may further include any one or more of the optional exemplary arrangements and / or features described below and / or be implemented in any one or more of the optional exemplary arrangements and / or features. These and other aspects, arrangements, features and / or technical effects will become apparent upon a detailed review of the accompanying drawings and the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The features of the present disclosure which are believed to be novel are particularly set forth in the appended claims. The present disclosure may be best understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary flow control system having at least one flame arrester with a mechanical indicator of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is an indicator having the present disclosure Figure 1 A top perspective view of a flame arrester;

[0021] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The line BB intercepts Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a flame arrester;

[0022] Figure 4 is in the unactuated position Figure 2 and Figure 3 A front perspective view of an indicator;

[0023] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The line CC in Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an indicator;

[0024] Figure 6 is in the actuated position Figure 2 and Figure 3 A front perspective view of an indicator;

[0025] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The line DD intercepts Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the indicator; and

[0026] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another mechanical indicator of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A mechanical indicator for a flame arrester of a flow control system is disclosed. The indicator includes a housing configured to be coupled to the flame arrester, and the housing has a channel arranged along the longitudinal axis of the housing. A sensing assembly is arranged in the housing and is in fluid communication with the channel of the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing area configured to sense, for example, a fluid, such as pressure. A pin is arranged in the channel and is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The actuated position is a position in which the pin extends to the outside of the housing, thereby providing a visual indicator of an event occurring in the flame arrester. When the sensing area senses that the pressure exceeds a threshold, the pin moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position. By using the pressure in the flame arrester to operate the indicator, a cheaper mechanical solution is provided that does not require an electrical power source but still provides a visual warning of a flame event occurring in the flame arrester of the flow control system.

[0028] Reference now Figure 1, depicts an exemplary flow control system having at least one flame arrester with a mechanical indicator of the present disclosure. More specifically, the flow control system 10 includes a fuel source 12 that flows through a piping system to various components of the flow control system 10. The flow control system 10 also includes one or more valves 14 that control the flow of a fluid, such as fuel, from the fuel source 12 and throughout the system 10. The flow control system 10 also includes an ignition source 15. In this example, a flame arrester 16 is disposed between the fuel source 12 and the ignition source 15, and a mechanical indicator 18 of the present disclosure is coupled to the flame arrester 16. It should be understood that the flow control system 10 may include other components known to those skilled in the art that are not described herein. Figure 1 Furthermore, while one valve 14 and one flame arrester 16 are depicted, it should be understood that several more valves and / or flame arresters 16 may be included within the flow control system 10 and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Reference now Figure 2 and Figure 3 , describing in more detail Figure 1 The flame arrester 16 includes a body 22 and an orifice 24 disposed on the body and configured to receive a portion of the mechanical indicator 18. Figure 3 As depicted in , the body 22 includes an interior portion 26 and a fluid flow path 28 disposed throughout the interior portion 26 of the body 22. In one example, the body 22 includes a first end 22a and a second end 22b disposed opposite the first end 22a. In this example, the fluid flow path 28 extends from the first end 22a of the body 22 of the flame arrester 16 to the second end 22b. An element 30 is also disposed within the body 22 between the first end 22a and the second end 22b. The element 30 is a component within the flame arrester 16 that, for example, blocks a flame. In this example, the element 30 is disposed in a central region of the body 20 and is disposed in a position approximately equidistant between the first end 22a and the second end 22b of the body 22. The element 30 is in fluid communication with the fluid flow path 28. In other words, the fluid flow path 28 extends from the first end 22a to the second end 22b along the entire interior portion 26 of the body 22 and passes through the element 30. The mechanical indicator 18 is provided coupled to a portion of the body 22 on the unprotected side of the flame arrester 16, and in this example, to the orifice 24 of the body 22. Thus, the indicator 18 is also in fluid communication with the fluid flow path 28 of the body 22. The unprotected side of the flame arrester 16 is the side where pressure and heat from an explosion and / or an event such as a flame event can be detected.

[0030] Reference now Figures 4 to 5, depicting the mechanical indicator 18 in an unactuated position. The indicator 18 includes a housing 36 having a longitudinal axis L and configured to be coupled to the flame arrester 16, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described in Figure 5 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the housing 36 includes a passage 38 disposed along a longitudinal axis L of the housing 36. A sensing assembly 40 is disposed within the housing 36 and is in fluid communication with the passage 38 of the housing 36. The sensing assembly 40 includes a sensing region 42 configured to sense a fluid, such as pressure, from, for example, the fluid flow path 28 of the flame arrester 16. In one example, the sensing region 42 includes a diameter of approximately 15 mm. It should be understood that the diameter of the sensing region 42 may be greater or less than 15 mm and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. A pin 44 is disposed within the passage 38, and the pin is capable of being positioned within the passage 38. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The unactuated position depicted in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , as explained in more detail below. When the sensing region 42 senses a pressure at or above a threshold, the pin 44 moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position. In other words, when the sensed pressure is at or above the threshold, the pressure within the passage 38 moves the pin 44 from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

[0031] In one example, the threshold pressure is about 0.75 BARG + / - 0.25 BARG, indicating an event such as a flame event within the flame arrester 16. This is compared to a normal operating pressure value under normal operating conditions, which in one example is in the range of about 0.10 BARG to about 0.30 BARG, e.g., not much greater than atmospheric pressure. It is generally known that when a flame event occurs, the flame arrester experiences a pressure surge of about 10 times the operating pressure.

[0032] The channel 38 includes a first end 38a and a second end 38b disposed opposite the first end 38a, and the pin 44 is at least one of near or at the first end 38a of the channel and as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The pin 44 is disposed in the channel 38 as depicted in FIG. 4. The pin 44 also includes a notch 46, and the sensing region 42 is configured to sense a fluid, such as pressure, from the second end 38b of the channel 38.

[0033] In addition and in one example, the mechanical indicator 18 includes a locking member 48 disposed within the housing 36 and configured to engage a portion of the pin 44 to prevent further movement of the pin 44 in the actuated position. For example, the locking member 48 engages the notch 46 of the pin 44 to prevent further movement of the pin 44 when the pin 44 is in the actuated position, as shown in FIG. Figure 7and explained in more detail below.

[0034] Furthermore, in this example, the sensing assembly 40 includes a diaphragm 50, and a portion 52 of the diaphragm 50 is disposed in the channel 38, such as Figure 5 . In addition, the housing 36 includes a first housing portion 36a and a second housing portion 36b coupled to the first housing portion 36a, and in this example, the first housing portion 36a includes a pin 44. The passage 38 extends through each of the first housing portion 36a and the second housing portion 36b, and the mechanical indicator 18 also includes at least one seal 54 disposed between the first housing portion 36a and the second housing portion 36b. In this example, the at least one seal 54 includes two seals 54 disposed between the first housing portion 36a and the second housing portion 36b. It should be understood that more than two seals may alternatively be used and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The seal 54 ensures that the environment is isolated from the fuel source 15 ( Figure 1 ) seal. In addition, in this example, the pin 44 is not in direct contact with the sensing assembly 40 including the diaphragm 50. Instead, there is a space between the diaphragm 50 and the pin 44 within the channel 38, such as in Figure 5 and Figure 7 This allows a fluid such as gas and / or pressure to flow through passage 38 and diaphragm 50 and under pin 44, which pushes pin 44 to Figure 6 and Figure 7 actuation position.

[0035] Reference now Figure 6 and Figure 7 , depicts the mechanical indicator 18 in an actuated position. In the actuated position, the pin 44 extends outside of the housing 36 and provides a visual indicator of an event such as a high pressure and / or flame event occurring within the flame arrester 16. Figure 7 As depicted in FIG. 1 , when the pin 44 is in the actuated position, the notch 46 engages the locking member 48, which prevents the pin 44 from extending too far or completely out of the housing 36. In other words, when the pin 44 is extended from, for example, Figure 5 The unactuated position is moved to, for example Figure 7 When in the actuated position of the housing 36, the locking member 48 engages the notch 46 of the pin 44, thereby substantially locking the pin 44 in a position just extending outside the housing 36 so that the pin 44 can provide a visual indication to the user that a flame event has occurred. For example, once identified and inspected, the user can then remove the pin 44 extending outside the housing 36 (such as in Figure 7 The pin 44 is pushed back into the housing 36 so that the tip of the pin 44 is substantially disposed back into the housing 36. The locking member 48 is then disengaged from the notch 46 of the pin 44, and the pin 44 is then returned to the position, for example Figure 5In other words, the user can reset the pin 44 from the actuated position to the unactuated position by pushing the tip of the pin 44 back into the housing 36.

[0036] Reference now Figure 8 , depicts another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used with, for example Figure 2 and Figure 3 Another mechanical indicator 118 is provided for use with the flame arrester 16 of the embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical indicator 118 is similar to the mechanical indicator 18 described above. Elements of the mechanical indicator 118 that are similar or identical to the elements of the mechanical indicator 18 are given a reference numeral 100 more than the reference numerals used for the mechanical indicator 18 described above. Some differences between the mechanical indicator 118 and the mechanical indicator 18 include that the mechanical indicator 118 has two seats and a spring that form a sensing assembly opposite the diaphragm 50 of the sensing assembly 40 of the mechanical indicator 18, as explained more below. However, for simplicity, the mechanical indicator 118 that is identical or substantially identical to the mechanical indicator 18 described above will be described in detail. Figure 8 The parts and functions of the mechanical indicator 118 are not repeated here.

[0037] like Figure 8 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the mechanical indicator 118 includes a housing 136 having a first housing portion 136a and a second housing portion 136b coupled to the first housing portion 136b. Figure 8 , it should be understood that the first housing portion 136a and the second housing portion 136b may alternatively include a one-piece construction and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The housing 136 is configured to be coupled to the flame arrester 16 and includes a channel 138 disposed along a longitudinal axis L of the housing 136. The channel 138 includes a first end 138a and a second end 138b disposed opposite the first end 138a. A sensing assembly 140 is disposed within the housing 136 and is in fluid communication with the channel 138 and includes a sensing area 142 that is configured to sense, for example, a fluid flowing through the channel 138, such as pressure. A pin 144 is disposed within the channel 138 (such as disposed near and / or at the first end 138a of the channel 138) and is capable of being positioned such as Figure 8 1 and an actuated position (not shown). The actuated position is a position in which the pin 144 extends outside of the housing 136, thereby providing a visual indicator of an event, such as a flame event, occurring within the flame arrester 16. In one example, the pin 144 moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position when the sensing region 142 senses a pressure exceeding a threshold value, such as approximately 0.75 BARG + / - 0.25 BARG.

[0038] In this example, the sensing assembly 140 includes: a first seat 160, which is disposed near the second end 138b of the passage 138 and includes a sensing area 142; and a second seat 162, which contacts a portion 144b of the pin 144. A spring 164 is disposed between the first seat 160 and the second seat 162. When the pressure applied to the sensing area 142 of the first seat 160 exceeds the reaction spring force of the spring 164, the first seat 160 moves the spring 164 and the second seat 162 and the pin 144 into an actuated position, thereby providing a visual indication that the pin 144 is outside the housing 136. In addition, at least one seal 166, such as an O-ring, is disposed between each of the first seat 160 and the second seat 162 and a portion of the housing 136 of the indicator 118 in which the first seat 160 and the second seat 162 are disposed (such as the second housing portion 136b). The seal 166 again provides and ensures that the fuel source 15 ( Figure 1 ) in a sealed environment.

[0039] In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that the mechanical indicator 18, 118 of the present disclosure visually indicates the occurrence of an event, such as a flame event, within the flame arrester 16 of the flow control system 10 according to one or more of the following methods. Specifically, the method of indicating the occurrence of an event within the flame arrester 16 includes: coupling the mechanical indicator 18, 118 to the flame arrester 16, and sensing the fluid flow path 28 ( 140 ) of the flame arrester 16 via the sensing assembly 40, 140 of the mechanical indicator 18, 118. Figure 3 ). The mechanical indicator 18, 118 is in fluid communication with the fluid flow path 28 of the flame arrester 16. In addition, the method further includes: when the pressure exceeds the threshold value via the sensing area 42, 142 of the sensing assembly 40, 140, the pin 44, 144 of the mechanical indicator 18, 118 is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position in which the pin 44, 144 extends outside the housing 36, 136.

[0040] In one example, the fluid flow path 28 ( Figure 3 ) may include sensing the pressure in the fluid flow path 28 of the flame arrester 16 via a diaphragm 50 disposed in the passage 38 of the housing 36 of the mechanical flame arrester 18. In another example, sensing the fluid flow path 28 of the flame arrester 16 via the sensing assembly 40, 140 of the mechanical indicator 18, 118 ( Figure 3 ) may include sensing the pressure via at least one valve seat 160 having a sensing area 142.

[0041] In another example, coupling the mechanical indicator 18, 118 to the flame arrester 16 may include coupling a portion of the housing 36, 136 of the mechanical indicator 18, 118 to a portion of the body 22 of the flame arrester 16, including providing fluid communication between the housing 36, 136 of the mechanical indicator 18, 118 and the fluid flow path 28 of the body 22 of the flame arrester 16. In yet another example, the method may further include engaging a locking member 48 disposed in the housing 36 of the mechanical indicator 18 within a portion of the pin 44, the locking member 48 engaging the notch 46 of the pin 44 when the pin is in the actuated position, thereby preventing further movement of the pin 44 in the actuated position.

[0042] In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the mechanical indicators 18, 118 and related methods include at least the following advantages. For example, the mechanical indicator 18 uses the pressure behavior of an event such as a flame event within the flame arrester 16 to produce an inexpensive mechanical solution by providing a visual warning of an event occurring within the system. Because the mechanical indicator 18 and related methods of the present disclosure utilize the pressure behavior of an event within the flame arrester, no power source is required. For at least this reason, the mechanical indicator is easier to manufacture and use in a variety of applications, such as within the flow control system 10.

[0043] For purposes of illustration only, the drawings and descriptions provided herein depict and describe preferred embodiments of mechanical indicators and related methods for flame arresters. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that alternative embodiments of the components shown herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Therefore, after reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art should understand that there are additional alternative structural and functional designs. Therefore, although specific embodiments and applications have been shown and described, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise constructions and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangements disclosed herein, the operation and details of the methods, and the components without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mechanical indicator for a flame arrester of a flow control system, the indicator comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to a flame arrester, the housing having a passage disposed along a longitudinal axis of the housing; a sensing assembly disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the passageway of the housing, the sensing assembly comprising a sensing region configured to sense pressure; and a pin disposed within the passage, the pin being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, the actuated position being a position wherein the pin extends outside of the housing to provide a visual indicator of an event occurring within the flame arrester, Wherein when the sensing region senses a pressure at or above a threshold, the pin moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position. 2 . The indicator of claim 1 , further comprising a locking member disposed within the housing and configured to engage a portion of the pin to prevent further movement of the pin in the actuated position. 3 . The indicator of claim 2 , the pin further comprising a notch, the locking member being configured to engage the notch of the pin to prevent further movement of the pin when the pin is in the actuated position.

4. The indicator of claim 1, wherein the sensing assembly includes a diaphragm, and a portion of the diaphragm is disposed in the passageway.

5. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion connected to the first housing portion, the first housing portion includes the pin, and the channel extends through the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and the indicator further includes at least one seal disposed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

6. The indicator according to claim 1, wherein the sensing component comprises: a first seat disposed proximate the second end of the channel and including the sensing region; a second seat that contacts a portion of the pin; and a spring disposed between the first seat and the second seat such that when pressure applied to the sensing area of ​​the first seat exceeds a reaction spring force of the spring, the spring moves the second seat and the pin into the actuated position, thereby providing a visual indication that the pin is outside the housing.

7. The indicator of claim 6, wherein at least one seal is disposed between each of the first seat and the second seat and a portion of the housing in which the first seat and the second seat are disposed.

8. The indicator of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a first end and a second end, the pin is disposed within the channel at the first end of the channel, and the sensing region is configured to sense pressure from the second end of the channel.

9. A flame arrester for a flow control system, the flame arrester comprising: a body having an interior portion and a fluid flow path disposed through the interior portion; an element disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the fluid flow path; and an indicator coupled to a portion of the body, the indicator being in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the body and comprising: a housing having a passage; a sensing assembly disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the passageway of the housing, the sensing assembly comprising a sensing region configured to sense pressure from the fluid flow path of the flame arrester; and A pin is disposed within the passage and is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, the actuated position being a position wherein the pin extends outside of the housing of the indicator to provide a visual indicator of an event occurring within the flame arrester.

10. The flame arrester of claim 9, wherein the pin moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position when the sensing region senses that the pressure in the passage exceeds a threshold value.

11. The flame arrester of claim 9, the indicator further comprising a locking member disposed within the housing, and the pin further comprising a notch, the locking member being configured to engage the notch of the pin to prevent further movement of the pin when the pin is in the actuated position.

12. The indicator of claim 9, wherein the sensing member comprises a diaphragm, and a portion of the diaphragm is disposed in the passage.

13. An indicator according to claim 9, wherein the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion connected to the first housing portion, the first housing portion includes the pin, and the channel extends through the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and the indicator further includes at least one seal disposed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

14. The indicator according to claim 9, wherein the sensing component comprises: a first seat disposed proximate the second end of the passageway and comprising a sensing region; a second seat that contacts a portion of the pin in the unactuated position; and a spring disposed between the first seat and the second seat such that when a pressure applied to the sensing area of ​​the first seat exceeds a reaction force of the spring, the spring moves the second seat and the pin into the actuated position.

15. The indicator of claim 14, wherein at least one seal is disposed between each of the first seat and the second seat and a portion of the housing in which the first seat and the second seat are disposed.

16. A method of indicating the occurrence of an event within a flame arrester of a flow control system, the method comprising: Connecting the mechanical indicator to the flame arrester; sensing pressure in the fluid flow path of the flame arrester via a sensing assembly of the mechanical flame arrester in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the flame arrester; as well as When a pressure exceeding a threshold is sensed via a sensing region of the sensing assembly, a pin of the mechanical indicator is moved from an unactuated position to an actuated position in which the pin extends outside of the housing.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein sensing pressure in the fluid flow path of the flame arrester via a sensing assembly of the mechanical flame arrester in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the flame arrester comprises: Pressure in the fluid flow path of the flame arrester is sensed via a diaphragm disposed in a passage of the housing of the mechanical indicator.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein sensing pressure in a fluid flow path of the flame arrester via a sensing assembly of the mechanical flame arrester in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the flame arrester comprises: Pressure is sensed via at least one valve seat having the sensing area.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein coupling the mechanical indicator to the flame arrester comprises: Coupling a portion of a housing of the mechanical indicator to a portion of a body of a flame arrester includes providing fluid communication between the housing of the mechanical indicator and a fluid flow path of the body of the flame arrester.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising engaging a locking member disposed in the housing of the mechanical indicator with a portion of the pin, the locking member engaging a recess of the pin when the pin is in the actuated position, thereby preventing further movement of the pin in the actuated position.

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