Labyrinth Flame Arrester for Extraction Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame arrestors for extraction systems in processing devices do not provide reliable protection against flame penetration, as they rely on flow deflection units that are ineffective in preventing flames from breaking through.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flame arrestor with a labyrinth wall that deflects the flow multiple times transversely to its direction, combined with longitudinal and transverse flows, and expansion chambers to decelerate the flow and prevent flame penetration, along with a cooling element to extinguish the flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow deflection units are used in the housing, then the device structure is simple, but the flame penetration protection is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The flow deflection unit is divided into multiple flow passage gaps formed by discrete lamellae arranged in sets, with offset arrangements creating multiple deflection stages. This segmentation allows the flow to be deflected multiple times through small gaps rather than a single large opening, effectively preventing flame penetration while maintaining structural manageability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sets of lamellae are nested within the flow deflection unit, with each set creating additional flow passage gaps. The lamellae of different sets are offset relative to each other, creating a nested structure that multiplies the flame-blocking effect without proportionally increasing external dimensions
2Reliability
If the labyrinth wall deflects flow multiple times transversely, then flame penetration is prevented, but the flow path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lamellae are arranged with specific spacing and offset only in the critical regions where flame penetration is most likely to occur. The flow deflection is concentrated in localized zones rather than uniformly throughout the entire flow path, achieving effective flame arrestment with minimal additional length
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing flow path length in the longitudinal direction, the design uses transverse offsetting of lamellae sets to create multiple deflection directions. The flow is redirected through lateral movement between offset lamellae, achieving effective path lengthening in a different spatial dimension
3Reliability
If expansion chambers are added to decelerate flow, then flame penetration resistance improves, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion chambers are merged with the flow deflection unit structure, with the chambers forming part of the housing that contains the lamellae. The expansion function is integrated into the existing structural volume rather than being added as a separate component, achieving flame penetration resistance without proportional volume increase
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion chambers utilize changes in pressure and velocity parameters to decelerate the flow. By creating pressure differentials and allowing controlled expansion of the gas flow, the system achieves flow deceleration and flame penetration resistance through parameter modification rather than solely through increased physical volume
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
This configuration effectively prevents flame penetration by deflecting and decelerating the flow, ensuring reliable protection against fires in extraction systems, while also cooling the flame to prevent it from passing through the arrestor.
Implementation Method 1
the flow deflection unit has a labyrinth wall through which the flow passes and which deflects the flow several times transversely to its flow direction
Implementation Method 2
along with a cooling element to extinguish the flame
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The flame arrester has an inlet channel led into a housing, and an outlet channel led out from the housing. A flow deflection unit is arranged within the housing and has a labyrinth wall penetrated by fluid flow (170) and deflecting the flow transverse to a flow direction. A transverse flow passes through the labyrinth wall, and a longitudinal flow runs parallel to the labyrinth wall and is surrounded by the labyrinth wall in all sides. The flow deflection unit transfers the longitudinal and transverse flows into each other.