we have a flame arrestor on a waste gas steam from process which is fed into an thermal oxidiser. this flame aresstor has totaly melted. has anyone seen anything like this before or could offer some reason as to how this has happened.
the thermal oxisder operates at 1100c and the flame arrestor is made of 316 stainless steel see the attached picture
Full Version: Melted Flame Arrestor
Very interesting. Sorry, I've never seen anything like it. I would confirm the materials of construction since 316 stainless is a good choice for moderately high temperatures. If the MOC is OK, then the temperature in the flame arrestor apparently got much hotter than expected. It would be interesting to postulate how that could happen. Good Luck, Doug
Am I missing something here? 316 is maxed out at 1500F by Sec VIII, Div.1 and at that temperature it's strength is nil.You have 1100C which is 2012F. This is near the temperature one would use for hot forging. Melting point is about 2600F (about 1410C).
I don't believe that you should operate such a device at these temperatures. What is the manufacturer's rating?
PAUL
Paul,
While I agree with your statements regarding 316SS and its ability to withstand temperature effects, I think you or I have misinterpreted the situation. I took the description to mean that the combustion zone of the thermal oxidizer operated at the specified temperature. I picture the flame arrestor being in the waste (which I assume to be like a fuel) line. It should not experience the maximum temperatures, but should be essentially cooled by a flow of waste gases across it. Perhaps infrequently there could be a tendency for the combustion zone to flash back towards the waste gas source, and the flame arrestor would serve its function at those times. Thus it should operate at much lower temperatures than those of the combustion zone. Let me know if you think I've misinterpreted the situation.
Thanks,
Doug
While I agree with your statements regarding 316SS and its ability to withstand temperature effects, I think you or I have misinterpreted the situation. I took the description to mean that the combustion zone of the thermal oxidizer operated at the specified temperature. I picture the flame arrestor being in the waste (which I assume to be like a fuel) line. It should not experience the maximum temperatures, but should be essentially cooled by a flow of waste gases across it. Perhaps infrequently there could be a tendency for the combustion zone to flash back towards the waste gas source, and the flame arrestor would serve its function at those times. Thus it should operate at much lower temperatures than those of the combustion zone. Let me know if you think I've misinterpreted the situation.
Thanks,
Doug
Yes, I misinterpreted and thanks for the comments.
Well, I first must say that I am not an expert in these matters. From the photo, it certainly appears that the elements and frame were exposed to high temperatures. I am assuming that the physical evidence would lead to the same conclusion.
If so, and the elements are melted from heat, and considering the information that I presented on the metals physical props is not the question then how did it get so hot? Did the FA function properly under those circumstances? Was it the proper selection for the application? Were the elements 316?
At this point I am injecting more questions; no answers.
What to others have to say about this?
PAUL
Well, I first must say that I am not an expert in these matters. From the photo, it certainly appears that the elements and frame were exposed to high temperatures. I am assuming that the physical evidence would lead to the same conclusion.
If so, and the elements are melted from heat, and considering the information that I presented on the metals physical props is not the question then how did it get so hot? Did the FA function properly under those circumstances? Was it the proper selection for the application? Were the elements 316?
At this point I am injecting more questions; no answers.
What to others have to say about this?
PAUL
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