Flame Arrester Plate Stack Tapering Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame arrester designs face challenges in being easily configurable for endurance burn conditions and may introduce flow resistance or pressure drop issues, limiting their effectiveness in preventing flame transmission during sustained burning.
Innovation Solution
A flame arrester design featuring a stack of spaced plates with intermediate plates having tapering peripheries and varying flow apertures, optimized for both flow resistance and heat dissipation, allowing for improved flexibility and performance in endurance burning scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple narrow passages are used to increase heat transfer surface area, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrester is divided into multiple narrow passages separated by partitions, creating numerous small channels through which the flame must pass. This segmentation increases the total heat transfer surface area while maintaining manageable flow resistance through optimized passage geometry and distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional flow path to a multi-dimensional network of passages. By arranging passages in three-dimensional space with varying orientations and intercepting surfaces at different angles, the design maximizes heat transfer surface area without proportionally increasing flow resistance
2Reliability
If flame arrester is designed for endurance burning, then flame transmission prevention is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the flame arrester have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The upstream region features narrow passages for flame quenching, while downstream regions have progressively larger passages to reduce flow resistance. Intercepting surfaces are strategically positioned to provide local heat dissipation where most needed for endurance burning resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The passage dimensions, intercepting surface areas, and spacing are carefully optimized to achieve the minimum required flame transmission prevention performance. By adjusting these parameters, the design achieves adequate flame arrest capability with minimized flow resistance
3Temperature
If hood is made movable to release combustion heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrester design allows combustion heat to be naturally dissipated through the passage structure itself without requiring external actuation systems. The narrow passages and intercepting surfaces automatically quench flames and dissipate heat through conduction to the passage walls, eliminating the need for movable hoods or emergency release mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical heat release mechanisms (movable hoods) with a passive thermal management system based on conductive heat transfer through the passage walls. The solid passage structures serve as heat sinks, transferring combustion heat to the surrounding environment without mechanical movement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances the capability to prevent flame transmission while minimizing pressure drop and optimizing flow distribution, effectively managing heat dissipation and maintaining operational efficiency during prolonged burning events.
Implementation Method 1
Flame arresters operate by transferring heat through a thermally conductive body and endurance burning flame arresters release the main combustion heat to the ambient air
Implementation Method 2
endurance burning flame arresters release the main combustion heat to the ambient air
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
A flame arrester (1) which includes a stack of spaced plates (3) which include an end plate (30) and a plurality of intermediate plates (31), a first flow passage (20) defined at least in part by an aperture (32) in each intermediate plate (31) and a second flow passage (37) defined between adjacent plates (30, 31), wherein at least a portion of the periphery of the intermediate plates (31) tapers.