Inline Plug Flame Arrestor with Slotted Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame arrestors are complex, costly, and inefficient in preventing flames and explosions from propagating through passages in combustible environments, particularly in valve controllers and other process control devices, as they can crack or require intricate manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a plug with a slotted end that creates a partial seal within a passage, directing fluid flow along the exterior surface of the plug to absorb heat and prevent flame propagation, using materials like stainless steel or aluminum, which are easy and inexpensive to machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flame arrestors are used in passages, then flame prevention is achieved, but the device becomes complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor function is segmented into two distinct components: a plug element and a body with passage. The plug contains slots that segment the fluid flow into multiple paths, allowing the flame arrestor to prevent flame propagation while maintaining fluid communication. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing compared to traditional integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug element provides localized flame arrestor functionality within the passage without requiring the entire passage structure to be complex. The slots in the plug create localized flow restriction zones that arrest flames while maintaining overall fluid communication through the passage.
2Reliability
If traditional flame arrestors are used in passages, then flame prevention is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flame arrestor into a separate plug element that can be manufactured independently and inserted into the passage, the manufacturing process is simplified. The plug with slots can be produced using standard machining operations on materials like stainless steel or aluminum, reducing costs compared to traditional integrated flame arrestor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug element is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be manufactured at low cost from common materials. If the plug becomes damaged or contaminated, it can be easily replaced without replacing the entire flame arrestor assembly, reducing long-term manufacturing and maintenance costs.
3Reliability
If a plug fills the passage cross-section, then flame arrestor function is provided, but fluid flow may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The plug provides flame arrestor function locally at specific points within the passage through its slots, rather than completely blocking the passage. The slots allow fluid to flow through the plug element while the plug's presence creates sufficient flow restriction to arrest flames. This local quality approach balances flame prevention with fluid flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The slots in the plug create additional flow paths through the thickness of the plug element, allowing fluid to bypass the flame-arresting portion of the plug. This dimensional approach enables the plug to arrest flames in one dimension while maintaining fluid communication through slots in another dimension.
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
Effectively prevents flames and explosions from reaching combustible environments by absorbing heat and directing them along the exterior surface of the plug, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution for fluid communication while maintaining safety in hazardous settings.
Implementation Method 1
A flame arrestor prevents (e.g., extinguishes) a flame or an explosion from reaching the outside environment by absorbing heat associated with the flame or explosion
Implementation Method 2
the plug includes at least one slot at the first end of the plug extending along an exterior surface of the first end of the plug to a peripheral edge of the first end of the plug to direct fluid flow in the slot toward the wall of the passage and along the gap and the exterior surface of the plug toward the second end of the passage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Example inline plug flame arrestors are disclosed. A disclosed example flame arrestor includes a body having a passage to enable fluid communication between a first end of the passage and a second end of the passage, wherein the first end of the passage includes a shoulder and a plug disposed within the passage to substantially fill a cross-sectional area of the passage, wherein a first end of the plug engages the shoulder, wherein the plug is configured to provide a gap between an exterior surface of the plug and a wall of the passage to fluidly couple the first and the second ends of the passage, and wherein the plug includes at least one slot at the first end of the plug extending along an exterior surface of the first end of the plug to a peripheral edge of the first end of the plug to direct fluid flow in the slot toward the wall of the passage and along the gap and the exterior surface of the plug toward the second end of the passage.