Radial Flame Arrestor Collar Design for Aerospace Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerospace flame arrestors are large, heavy, and prone to pressure drops and plugging issues due to small flow cross-section areas, which restricts draining capability and is not optimized for aerospace applications where size and weight are critical.
Innovation Solution
A modular flame arrestor design featuring a radially expanded collar with spiral or helical flame paths and a plug with radial paths and exit apertures, allowing for a longer flame path while minimizing weight and pressure drop, and incorporating multiple stages to prevent blockage and enhance draining capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a long flame path is used in conventional aerospace flame arrestors, then flame propagation is prevented, but the device becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The flame path is nested within the radial expanded portion of the collar, allowing the flame path to be contained within a compact cylindrical volume. The radial expansion creates a three-dimensional flame path that achieves sufficient length without increasing the overall device dimensions proportionally, thereby reducing weight while maintaining flame arrestor effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame path transitions from a conventional linear or planar configuration to a three-dimensional radial-expanded configuration. By utilizing the radial dimension of the collar expansion, the flame path achieves greater effective length within a compact volume, reducing the need for a larger, heavier device structure.
2Reliability
If a long flame path is used in conventional aerospace flame arrestors, then flame propagation is prevented, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame path is nested within the radial expanded portion of the collar, allowing the flame path to be contained within a compact cylindrical volume. The radial expansion creates a three-dimensional flame path that achieves sufficient length without increasing the overall device dimensions proportionally, thereby reducing weight while maintaining flame arrestor effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame path transitions from a conventional linear or planar configuration to a three-dimensional radial-expanded configuration. By utilizing the radial dimension of the collar expansion, the flame path achieves greater effective length within a compact volume, reducing the need for a larger, heavier device structure.
3Reliability
If very small cross-sectional area flow paths are used, then flame propagation is prevented, but draining capability is restricted and plugging susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor employs different flow path characteristics in different regions: the radial expanded portion contains narrow flame paths for flame arrestment, while the axial portion provides larger cross-sectional area for draining. This local differentiation allows the device to simultaneously achieve flame propagation prevention and maintain draining capability without plugging susceptibility.
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 provides an efficient and lightweight flame arrestor that effectively prevents flame propagation while maintaining draining capability, reducing the risk of blockage and pressure drop, making it suitable for aerospace applications.
Implementation Method 1
by decreasing the temperature of burning gases below an ignition point. That can be accomplished, for example, by (a) employing a longer flame path between an internal volume and an external environment, or (b) including a multitude of very small cross-sectional area flow paths, with the objective of transferring the heat from the burning gas to the flame arrestor and other components.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A flame arrestor including a flame arrestor collar and a flame arrestor plug. The flame arrestor collar includes a flame path that may be defined by one or more modules. The flame arrestor plug may be configured for connection to the flame arrestor collar. Various embodiments of a flame arrestor, including those having venting and/or draining elements or capabilities are also disclosed.