Multifarious Flame Arrester Elements for VOC Vapor Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VOC-Vapor Destruction Systems lack a standardized design for flame arrester burners, and existing configurations are not adequately equipped to prevent deflagrations and ensure extended endurance burning time, particularly due to the absence of USCG-approved inline flame arrestors and the potential for high-speed deflagration or sonic/supersonic detonation.
Innovation Solution
The Flame Arrester/Burner Assembly with a Multifarious Element (FABA-XT) incorporates multiple closely coupled arrester elements, including crimped ribbon, ceramic, and basket-shaped designs, along with temperature sensing devices, to prevent deflagrations and enhance burning time, replacing traditional single-element configurations and eliminating run-up distances that could generate high-speed deflagrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple arrester elements are closely coupled to prevent deflagrations, then safety against high-speed deflagration and detonation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrester is divided into multiple discrete arrester elements (first, second, and third elements) that are closely coupled together. Each element acts as an independent barrier to flame propagation, and their segmentation allows the system to stall flame fronts at multiple points, preventing deflagration while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The arrester elements are nested within a common housing structure, with each subsequent element positioned inside or adjacent to the previous one. This nesting approach consolidates multiple safety functions into a compact arrangement, improving safety against deflagration while minimizing the increase in device complexity through space-efficient configuration
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple arrester elements are used to extend burning time, then endurance burning time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burning process is segmented across multiple arrester elements, each providing a stage for controlled combustion. The flame front progresses through each element sequentially, extending the overall burning time while maintaining a compact structure that limits complexity increases
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple arrester elements are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration within the housing, utilizing spatial arrangement to extend burning time without proportionally increasing the device's external dimensions or perceived complexity
3Reliability
If a compact design with closely coupled elements is used to stall flame fronts, then prevention of sonic/supersonic detonation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of arrester elements within a common housing provides natural alignment and positioning features that reduce the need for high-precision manufacturing. Each element is positioned relative to the previous one through the nesting structure, allowing for adequate spacing to stall flame fronts while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates built-in spacing and positioning features that compensate for potential manufacturing variations. The housing structure and mounting arrangements provide a cushion of tolerance that ensures adequate spacing between elements even when manufacturing precision varies, maintaining detonation prevention capability without requiring extreme manufacturing precision
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 FABA-XT effectively prevents deflagrations and extends burning time by utilizing multiple arrester elements in close proximity, providing a compact design that stalls flame fronts and prevents sonic/supersonic detonations, thereby improving the performance and safety of VOC-Vapor Destruction Systems.
Implementation Method 1
multiple closely coupled arrester elements... to prevent deflagrations and extend burning time
Implementation Method 2
multiple closely coupled arrester elements... in close proximity, providing a compact design that stalls flame fronts
Implementation Method 3
crimped ribbon, ceramic, and basket-shaped designs... to prevent deflagrations and enhance burning time
Data Source
AI summary
A flame arrester/burner assembly with a multifarious arrester element for preventing deflagrations and extended endurance burning time (FABA-XT). The multifarious element flame arrester includes a pipe body having a first end and a second end, a first arrester element positioned within the pipe body adjacent the top end; a third arrester element adjacent the bottom end; and, a second arrester element positioned in the pipe body between the first arrester element and the second arrester element. The first, second, and/or third arrester elements may be of the same design or disparate designs. The FABA-XT of the present disclosure is an end-of-line burner element for use in VOC-Vapor Destruction Systems.