Patent Application
20240173583
This disclosure relates to flame arresters and end housings for flame arresters.
Piping systems and storage systems are commonly used to transmit and store combustible fluids (e.g., natural gas, fuel, mixtures, etc.). These systems commonly utilize flame arresters to prevent or inhibit the propagation of a flame or combustion from one side of the flame arrester to the other side of the flame arrester. For example, if a fire or explosion occurs downstream, the flame arrester prevents or inhibits the flame from propagating upstream before it reaches a large fuel source. An end-of-line flame arrester is a type of flame arrester that is situated within a passage, such as a vent or drain port. An in-line flame arrester is a type of flame arrester that is installed in a pipe or between two pipes to prevent flames from passing therethrough.
In general, a flame arrester typically includes a flame cell having a plurality of small channels that allow fluid to flow freely through the flame arrester. The fluid flows through the flame arrester in a first direction during normal operation of the piping system. However, if combustion occurs downstream of the flame arrester, the flame cell prevents a flame from propagating upstream across the flame arrester. This prevents or reduces the likelihood of a fire traveling from one area (e.g., a downstream area, a power sink, unprotected side, etc.) to another area (e.g., an upstream area, a supply tank, protected side, etc.).
An example flame arrester disclosed herein includes a first end housing, a second end housing, a body, and a flame cell. The first end housing includes a first pipe section having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first pipe section has a first inner diameter along a first length between the first end and the second end. The first end housing also includes a first connection flange extending from the first pipe section at the first end. The first end housing also includes a first body flange extending from the first pipe section at the second end. The second end housing includes a second pipe section having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The second pipe section has a second inner diameter along a second length between the third end and the fourth end. The second end housing includes a second connection flange extending from the second pipe section at the third end. The second end housing also includes a second body flange extending from the second pipe section at the fourth end. The body is coupled between the first body flange and the second body flange. The body has a third inner diameter along a third length between the first and second body flanges. The third inner diameter of the body is larger than the first and second inner diameters. The flame cell is disposed in the body. The flame cell has a first side and a second side. The flame cell also has a plurality of channels between the first side and the second side.
An example end housing of a flame arrester disclosed herein includes a pipe section, a first flange, a second flange, and a body portion. The pipe section has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The pipe section also has a first inner diameter along a first length extending between the first and second end. The first flange extends radially outward from the first end of the pipe section and has a first outer diameter. The second flange extends radially outward from the second end of the pipe section. The second flange also has a second outer diameter that is larger than the first outer diameter. The body portion extends axially from the second flange in a direction away from the pipe section. The body portion has a third end coupled to the second flange and a fourth end opposite the third end. The body portion also has a second inner diameter and a third outer diameter along a second length that extends between the third and fourth ends. The second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter, and the third outer diameter is larger than the first outer diameter.
An example flame arrester disclosed herein includes a pair of end housings, a body, and a disk-shaped flame cell. Each end housing of the pair of end housings includes a connection flange, a body flange, and a pipe section. The connection flange has a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The body flange has a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter. The pipe section extends along a first length between a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is coupled to the connection flange, and the second end is coupled to the body flange. The pipe section also has the first inner diameter and a third outer diameter. The third outer diameter corresponds to the second inner diameter, and the first inner diameter of the pipe section is constant along the first length. The body is between the pair of end housings and has a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The body also has a third inner diameter along a second length between the third and fourth ends. The third inner diameter is constant along the second length. The disk-shaped flame cell is disposed in the body. The disk-shaped flame cell has a first side, a second side, and a plurality of channels between the first and second sides.
The figures are not to scale. In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and/or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and/or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly that might, for example, otherwise share a same name. As used herein, “approximately” and “about” refer to dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and/or other real world imperfections.
As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”, and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method actions may be implemented by, e.g., a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous.
“Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open ended. The term “and/or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, and (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities and/or steps, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities and/or steps, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B.
As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subjects/values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and/or other real world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of +/−10% unless otherwise specified in the below description.
As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the location along a fluid flow path relative to the direction of fluid flow. For example, with respect to a fluid flow, “upstream” refers to a location from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to a location toward which the fluid flows. For example, with regard to a flame arrester, a protected side is said to be upstream of an unprotected side, and a gas is said to flow from the protected side to the unprotected side.
As used herein, “radially” is used to express a point or points along radial vector(s) pointing outward from a body and perpendicular to a central axis of the body. In some examples, a first part is said to extend radially outward from a second part, meaning that the first part protrudes from an outer surface of the second part and along radial vectors perpendicular to a central axis of the second part. As used herein, “axially” is used to express a point or points along axial vector(s) pointing outward from a body and parallel to a central axis of the body. In some examples, a first part is said to extend axially outward from a second part, meaning that the first part extends from an end or side surface of the second part in a direction parallel to a central axis of the second part.
Many flame arresters (e.g., in-line detonation flame arresters, in-line deflagration flame arresters, etc.) are connected between a first pipe (e.g., an upstream pipe) and a second pipe (e.g., a downstream pipe), which are included in a system, such as a natural gas piping system, a vapor control system, a fluid transportation system, a ventilation system, etc. In some cases, gases within or downstream of the second pipe can combust due to pressurization, machining, electrical surges, etc. Once the gases ignite downstream of the flame arrester, a flame propagates back upstream toward the gas source and the flame arrester.
The flame arrester is included in the system to prevent the propagation of the flame from the second pipe to the first pipe. Typically, flame arresters include a flame cell disposed within a body and two reducer sections connected to opposite sides of the body. The flame cell may be composed of alternating layers of flat and corrugated ribbons defining a plurality of channels therethrough. As the burning gas flows through the flame cell, the walls of the channels absorb heat and extinguish the flame before the burning gas can propagate to the other side. The flame cell is also disposed between two crossbars. Each of the crossbars includes a plurality of spokes (e.g., four, six, eight spokes, etc.) protruding from a central hub. Generally, the spokes are affixed (e.g., welded, etc.) to the body.
The flame cell is designed such that a combination of cross-sectional areas of the channels corresponds to a cross-sectional area of the first and second pipes. Thus, as a fluid (e.g., gas, vapor, mixture, etc.) flows from the first pipe to the second pipe, the flow rate is not restricted due to a sudden decrease in cross-sectional area. To achieve this correspondence between cross-sectional areas, the flame cell has a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the first and second pipes. Likewise, the body in which the flame cell is housed includes an inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the flame cell.
Known flame arresters include end housings on both sides of the body to adapt the inner diameters of the first and second pipes to the inner diameter of the body. These known end housings include a connection flange, a body flange, and a cone or reducer section between the connection flange and the body flange. Based on the direction of flow, the reducer section converges or diverges along a length between the connection flange and the body flange. In other words, as the fluid flows from the first pipe to the flame cell, the reducer gradually expands from the inner diameter of the first pipe to the inner diameter of the body. Likewise, as the fluid flows from the flame cell to the second pipe, the reducer section gradually contracts from the inner diameter of the body to the inner diameter of the second pipe.
Due to the configurations of the reducer sections, the axial length of the flame arrester can be relatively large. In particular, as the diameter of the flame cell increases, the length of the reducer sections increases because of the need to gradually transition between the pipe diameter and the flame cell diameter. As such, the larger the flame arrester, the larger the size of the overall system package in which the flame arrester is integrated, the fewer the number of other components and/or subsystems that can be included in the system, the heavier the flame arrester, the heavier the overall system package, etc. Furthermore, an axially larger flame arrester can be difficult to integrate into an existing system due to current specifications and, thus, may prompt modifications, fabrications, and/or additional costs associated with installation.
Furthermore, the end housing with the reducer section can be expensive to manufacture based on the variable cross-section design and smooth transition along the length of the reducer section. In many cases, the reducer section is also welded to the body flange and the connection flange. Such weld lines can be prone to failure modes (e.g., cracking, etc.), especially under conditions caused by detonation or deflagration.
As used herein, the term “deflagration” refers to an unconfined flame propagation that moves along a distance at subsonic speeds (e.g., speeds less than the speed of sound, such as 343 meters per second (m/s)). As used herein, the term “detonation” refers to an explosion and/or flame propagation that moves along a distance at or above the speed of sound and is strong enough to cause shock waves to form in the gas. When detonation occurs downstream of the flame arrester, the flame and corresponding shock waves can travel upstream into the reducer section at supersonic speeds.
Due to the nature of compressible flow, the speed of the shock wave can increase along the length of the reducer section as the nozzle diverges and the inner diameter of the nozzle increases. As the speed of the shock wave increases, the forces acting on the body, the flame cell, and the crossbar also increase. Thus, the reducer sections can affect the structural integrity of the flame arrester and the associated joints (e.g., welds, etc.) during detonation.
Disclosed herein are example flame arresters having example end housings that do not have reducer sections or cones as seen in known flame arresters. The end housings of example flame arresters disclosed herein include pipe sections (e.g., necks, cylinders, conduits, etc.) with connection flanges and body flanges extending from axially opposing ends thereof. In some examples, the inner diameters of the pipe sections are constant between the connection flanges and body flanges and, thus, do not expand or reduce in diameter as in known flame arrester reducer sections. Therefore, because the example end housings do not require a reducer section for gradually transitioning between two diameters as in known flame arresters, the example end housings disclosed herein can be significantly shorter in the axial direction. As such, the axial lengths of example flame arresters disclosed herein are reduced compared to known flame arresters. This enables the example flame arresters to be fitted more easily into existing systems. For example, when replacing an older flame arrester with a new flame arrester having a larger diameter flame cell, the axial length of the new flame arrester may be the same, such that the new flame arrester can fit within the existing space (e.g., between two pipes).
Truncation of the end housings decreases the overall lengths of example flame arresters disclosed herein, allowing more space available for other subsystems and/or components. Additionally or alternatively, example flame arresters disclosed herein allow the overall system to consume less space. Additionally or alternatively, by enabling the end housings to remain shorter in the axial direction, the bodies of example flame arresters can be elongated (in the axial direction) to include more and/or thicker flame cells (e.g., disk-shaped flame cells, etc.) while maintaining a similar or reduced length and increasing the extinguishing capabilities thereof.
Along with the length, the weight of example flame arresters disclosed herein is also reduced. As such, fewer and/or less robust supporting structures are needed to affix (e.g., mount, suspend, undergird, etc.) example flame arresters in the system. Furthermore, the reduction in weight reduces the stress and strain imparted on fasteners (e.g., bolts, etc.), flanges, and/or interconnections between the end housings and the pipes to which example flame arresters are attached.
Example flame arresters disclosed herein are also less expensive to manufacture because the pipe sections of the end housings can have straight pathways, as opposed to the nozzles of the reducer sections, which have complex converging or diverging designs and are costly to fabricate. Furthermore, some of the example end housings disclosed herein can be constructed from commercially available parts, which lowers the costs of production.
As mentioned above, the reducer sections of known flame arresters have contoured and/or conical designs that accelerate shock waves. Because the end housings of example flame arresters disclosed herein have constant (e.g., non-changing) inner diameters, the shock waves caused by detonation do not accelerate along the lengths between the connection flanges and the flame cells. Thus, example flame arresters disclosed herein reduce the forces of the shock waves acting on the end housings, the crossbars, the flame cell(s), and the body.
To further improve structural integrity, example flame arresters disclosed herein allow the crossbars to be axially longer (or thicker) and extend between the flame cell and the body flanges. As disclosed in further detail herein, the body flanges have flat plates/portions parallel with the flame cells such that the crossbars can contact (or rest against) inner surfaces of the body flanges, an inner surface of the body, and corresponding sides of the flame cell. As such, the crossbars can be set in place without fasteners (e.g., welding, etc.).
Also, because the crossbars extend between the body flanges and opposing surfaces of the flame cell, the crossbars also define sections (e.g., quadrants, etc.) therebetween. Such sections cause shock waves to break up into smaller shock waves, which reduces the overall force acting on the flame cell. In other words, the total effect of separate, smaller shock waves can be less impactful than that of full, intact shock wave(s). As such, the truncated end housings reduce an overall impact detonation shock waves can have on example flame arresters disclosed herein.
Turning now to the figures,
The example flame arrester 102 of
The example flame arrester 102 can be an in-line detonation flame arrester or an in-line deflagration flame arrester based on the structural and performance properties thereof. An in-line detonation flame arrester is able to withstand flames and shock waves propagating at supersonic velocities (e.g., 350 m/s, 400 m/s, etc.) with high pressure fronts (e.g. 1400 kilopascals (kPa) absolute, 1700 kPa absolute, 2000 kPa absolute, etc.) associated with the detonation of a flammable gas mixture. An in-line deflagration flame arrester is able to withstand flames and shock waves propagating at subsonic velocities (e.g., 200 m/s, 300 m/s, etc.) with low pressure fronts (e.g., 800 kPa absolute, 1200 kPa absolute, etc.) associated with the deflagration of a flammable gas mixture. Therefore, while some of the example flame arresters disclosed herein are described as being an in-line detonation flame arrester, any of the example flame arresters disclosed herein can also be considered and/or used as an in-line deflagration flame arrester.
Before describing the details of the example flame arresters disclosed herein, a brief description of a known flame arrester is provided in connection with
The first and second connection flanges 212, 218 are used to couple the flame arrester 200 between two pipes of a piping system. The first and second connection flanges 212, 218 each include an interface surface 222 (only labeled in connection with the first end housing 202) to contact flanges of the two pipes of the piping system. The first and second connection flanges 212, 218 also each include a neck 224 (only labeled in connection with the second end housing 204) protruding away from the interface surface 222 and the adjacent pipes. Typically, the first and second connection flanges 212, 218 are each single/cohesive/disparate parts manufactured (e.g., machined, die casted, etc.) from a same metallic material (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.). The first and second connection flanges 212, 218 include through holes 226 to receive bolts for coupling the first and second flanges 212, 218 to respective flanges of the upstream and downstream pipes. Furthermore, the first and second connection flanges 212, 218 have a first inner diameter 228 that corresponds to an inner diameter of the pipes connected to the flame arrester 200.
The first and second body flanges 214, 220 are included to frame and affix the body 206 in place within the flame arrester 200. The first and second body flanges 214, 220 each include an interface surface 230 (only labeled in connection with the second end housing 204) to contact opposing ends of the body 206. The first and second body flanges 214, 220 each include a neck 232 protruding away from the interface surface 230 and the body 206. The interface surface 230 may include a circular recess 233 to position the body 206 and ensure slippage does not occur. The recess 233 can also contain sealants (e.g., O-rings, gaskets, etc.) and/or adhesives (e.g., epoxies, etc.) to further attach the body 206 to the body flanges 214, 220. The first and second body flanges 214, 220 are bolted together via bolts 234, which clamp the body 206 between the first and second end housings 202, 204. Similar to the connection flanges 212, 218, each of the first and second body flanges 214, 220 can be manufactured from a same metallic material.
As shown in
Typically, the first and second reducer sections 210, 216 are manufactured separately from the connection flanges 212, 218 and the body flanges 214, 220. Then the body flanges 214, 220 are coupled to one end of the reducer sections 210, 216 via first joints 338 and the connection flanges 212, 218 are coupled to the opposite ends of the reducer sections 210, 216 via second joints 340. Generally, the first and second joints 338, 340 are weld lines (e.g., square welds, single “v” welds, single bevel welds, etc.).
As shown in
The first and second crossbars 342, 344 include a first dimension (or axial length) 346 and a second dimension (or thickness) 348. Generally, each of the crossbars 342, 344 includes two intersecting bars (only labeled in connection with the first crossbar 342) that extend across the inner diameter of the body 206. For instance, as shown in
As shown in
In the illustrated example of
The first and second connection flanges 512, 518 are used to couple the flame arrester 500 between upstream and downstream pipes (e.g., first pipe 106, second pipe 108, etc.) of a piping system (e.g., pipe system 100, etc.). As shown in
The first and second body flanges 514, 520 are used to couple (e.g., clamp) the body 506 between the first and second end housings 502, 504. As shown in
Referring to
In the illustrated example, the flame cell 704 has a first side 706, a second side 708 opposite the first side 706, and a plurality of channels 710 (one of which is referenced in
The number of wrapped layers defines the number of channels 710 within the flame cell 704. Furthermore, an overall surface area within the plurality of channels 710 defines the heat transfer capability of the flame arrester 500. As such, the diameter of the flame cell 704 and the number of wrapped layers can be adjusted to modify the amount of heat the flame cell 704 can remove from the flame. Additionally or alternatively, the flame arrester 500 can include an axially longer flame cell 704 and/or multiple flame cells 704 to improve the effectiveness of the flame arrester 500. The number of channels 710 also defines a flow area through the flame cell 704. Thus, the number of channels 710 can also be modified such that gas flow through the flame arrester 500 is not restricted during operation. While in some examples the flame cell 704 is constructed of flat and corrugated ribbons, in other examples the flame cell 704 can be constructed in other manners. For example, the flame cell 704 may be plate of metal with drilled holes.
The flame cell 704 is disposed within the passageway 702 between two crossbars 736, 738 (disclosed in further detail below). The body 506 and the crossbars 736, 738 may support the flame cell 704 such that the flame cell 704 does not move axially, bend along the diameter, and/or become unwound during detonation. In some examples, the flame cell 704 is coupled to the body 506. For example, the flame cell 704 may be coupled to the body 506 via an interference fit such that some or all of an outer surface or wrap of the flame cell 704 contacts the body 506 without gaps or clearances. In some examples, the flame cell 704 is tightly wound or disposed inside a tubular sleeve, which may fit inside the body 506 with some radial clearance. In some such examples, the crossbars 736, 738 axially support the flame cell 704 such that movement or shifting does not occur, and the body 506 (and/or tubular sleeve) radially supports the flame cell 704 such that unwinding does not occur. In some examples, the crossbars 736, 738 are welded to the sides 706, 708 of the flame cell 704. In some examples, the body 506 includes a circumferential recess to receive the flame cell 704.
In the illustrated example, the first pipe section 510 of the first end housing 502 has a first end 712 and a second end 714 opposite the first end 712. In the illustrated example, the first connection flange 512 is coupled to and extends from the first pipe section 510 at the first end 712, and the first body flange 514 is coupled to and extends from the first pipe section 510 at the second end 714. Similarly, the second pipe section 516 of the second end housing 504 has a third end 716 and a fourth end 718 opposite the third end 716. The second connection flange 518 is coupled to and extends from the second pipe section 516 at the third end 716, and the second body flange 520 is coupled to and extends from the second pipe section 516 at the fourth end 718.
Referring to the illustrated example of
In some examples, the first and second end housings 502, 504 are constructed of commercially available parts, which can be easily assembled, and which reduce costs. For example, in the illustrated example of
Therefore, because the first and second end housings 502, 504 can be constructed from commercially available parts, the first and second end housings 502, 504 are relatively inexpensive and easily modifiable. The availability and inexpensiveness of such parts enables a variety of size combinations between the flame cell 704 and the first and second end housings 502, 504. Additionally, dimensions of the first and second end housings 502, 504 and the first and second connection flanges 512, 520 can be easily modified to properly align with and connect to pipes. Thus, the flame arrester 500 is adaptable for a variety of pipe systems.
In the illustrated example, the flame arrester 500 includes the first crossbar 736, which is positioned between the first side 706 of the flame cell 704 and the first body flange 514. The flame arrester 500 also includes the second crossbar 738, which is positioned between the second side 708 of the flame cell 704 and the second body flange 520. In the illustrated example, the first crossbar 736 is clamped between the first side 706 of the flame cell 704 and the first body flange 514. Likewise, the second crossbar 738 is clamped between the second side 708 of the flame cell 704 and the second body flange 520. Similar to the first and second end housings 502, 504, the first and second crossbars 736, 738 are identical, mirrored, and/or otherwise substantially similar to each other. As such, descriptions given in connection with the first crossbar 736 can likewise apply to the second crossbar 738. However, in some examples, the first and second crossbars 736, 738 are not substantially similar. For example, the first crossbar 736 can include six bars (e.g., arms, spokes, etc.), and the second crossbar 738 can include four bars. Although the first and second crossbars 736, 738 are aligned in the illustrated example, in some examples, the crossbars 736, 738 are offset or circumferentially oriented at different angles. For example, the second crossbar 738 may be rotated, offset, or circumferentially oriented at 45 degrees relative to the first crossbar 736.
As shown in
In some examples, the first crossbar 736 is in contact with the flame cell 704 and the first body flange 514. Similarly, the second crossbar 738 is clamped or constrained between the second side 708 of the flame cell 704 and the second body flange 520. Therefore, in this example, the body 506 has an axial length corresponding to a combined axial length of the first crossbar 736, the flame cell 704, and the second crossbar 738. Thus, those components are fixed between the first and second body flanges 514, 520. However, in other examples, one or more surfaces of the first crossbar 736 is/are coupled (e.g., welded) to the body 506 and/or the first body flange 514. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the first crossbar 736 does not contact the first body flange 514, and gaps exist between the first crossbar 736 and the first body flange 514.
Because the length 740 of the first crossbar 736 extends axially between the first body flange 514 and the flame cell 704, the first crossbar 736 defines multiple individual internal flame chambers within the body 506. More specifically, because the length 740 is increased, the first and second bars 736a, 736b and the inner surface 744 of the body 506 function as sidewalls of the chambers. The first crossbar 736 separates (or divides) a flame into the chambers when the flame propagates toward the flame arrester 500 from a downstream location and interacts with the first crossbar 736. Furthermore, because the first inner diameter 804 is less than the third inner diameter 818, the first body flange 514 functions as a ceiling of the internal chambers. The first body flange 514 inhibits the separated flames in the individual chambers from mixing together. In the illustrated example, the first crossbar 736 includes four bars (or spokes), which create four chambers (e.g., detonation chambers or deflagration chambers) in a portion of the body 506. In the illustrated example of
As a flame propagates along the first pipe section 510 from the first end 712 to the second end 714 and interacts with the first crossbar 736, the first crossbar 736 divides the flame into four smaller distinct flames within the four individual chambers. Moreover, in the event of a detonation, the shock wave of the propagating flame fractures and reflects off of the first crossbar 736 and the inner surface 744, which results in weaker shock waves in the internal chambers. Thus, the flame arrester 500 essentially operates as multiple smaller flame arresters. For example, when the flame arrester 500 has the detonation performance of a six inch by twelve inch flame arrester, it can be appreciated that the detonation performance may be converted to that of four individual three inch by six inch flame arresters due to the four internal chambers. In some examples, the cumulative detonation force of each of the smaller shock waves within the internal chambers is less than the detonation force of a single, unbroken shock wave. Thus, the internal chambers allow the flame arrester 500 to withstand larger detonations as well as extinguish detonation and/or deflagration flames more efficiently.
In the illustrated example, the first crossbar 736 also improves structural performance of the flame arrester 500. It should be appreciated that bending strength (e.g., flexural strength, etc.) of a rectangular object (e.g., the first bar 736a and/or the second bar 736b) is equal to the inverse of the square of the width (e.g., the length 740) of the rectangular object. Thus, the first crossbar 736 has an increased bending strength because of the increased length 740. In other words, the first crossbar 736 can withstand higher detonation forces without plastically deforming due to the increased length 740. The bending strength of the first crossbar 736 is further increased because the body 506 and the first body flange 514 support the first crossbar 736 on multiple sides. Specifically, the body 506 supports radial loads of the first crossbar 736, and the first body flange 514 supports axial loads of the first crossbar 736. Such axial support further enables the first crossbar 736 to have the reduced thickness 742. Thus, a combination of the length 740 of the first crossbar 736 and the support of the first body flange 514 improves bending strength while reducing the thickness 742 and the weight of the first crossbar 736. The configuration of the first crossbar 736 and the additional axial support of the first body flange 514 is not found in known flame arresters (e.g., the flame arrester 200, etc.). It should therefore be appreciated that the first and second end housings 502, 504, and, in turn, the first and second crossbars 736, 738, enable the flame arrester 500 to withstand more severe detonations.
When conical sections (or reducers) are replaced with the first and second pipe sections 510, 516 having constant (or straight) passageways, the abrupt increase from the first inner diameter 804 to the third inner diameter 818 may cause swirling or turbulence of the flowing gasses. Such swirling may occur during normal operation but may also become exaggerated due to downstream detonations. In some examples, this swirling forms near distal perimeters of the body 506 where the inner surface 744 meets the body flanges 514, 520. Furthermore, the gasses may swirl circumferentially about the axial centerline 826. Inclusion of the crossbars 736, 738 and the multiple internal chambers creates partitions or barriers in the passageway 702 of the body 506. Thus, the first and second crossbars 736, 738 inhibit swirling of gases in a circumferential direction within the body 506 based on the internal chambers, which can improve flow characteristics, reduce detonation volume, and reduce the risk of re-ignition on the protected side.
As labeled in
In some examples, the first pipe section 510 extends beyond the first body flange 514 and into the passageway 702. Thus, the length 740 of the first crossbar 736 may extend between the second end 714 of the first pipe section 510 and the first side 706 of the flame cell 704. Additionally or alternatively, the length 740 may be a first length, and the first crossbar 736 may envelope the second end 714 of the first pipe section 510, such that the first crossbar 736 also has a second length extending between the first body flange 514 and the first end 706 of the flame cell 704, the second length longer than the first length 740.
In the illustrated example, the first crossbar 736 includes the two bars 736a, 736b extending radially across the inner diameter 818 of the body 506. The two bars 736a, 736b intersect at an axial centerline 826 of the flame arrester 500. In other examples, the first crossbar 736 can include more than two bars (e.g., three, four, etc.) extending radially across the inner diameter 818 of the body 506 that meet at the axial centerline 826 of the flame arrester 500. In some examples, the bars 736a, 736b are coupled together via welded T-joints. In some examples, the bars 736a, 736b intersect and overlap at a cross-lap joint and are coupled together at the cross-lap joint. In other examples, the first crossbar 736 includes a plurality of spokes joined to a central hub and extending between the central hub and the inner surface 744 of the body 506. The central hub may extend between both the first and second crossbars 736, 738 and may act as the hub 711 about which the flame cell 704 is formed. In some examples, each hub may extend beyond the first and second crossbars 736, 738 and may be joined to form the hub 711. In such examples, the hub 711, the first crossbar 736, the second crossbar 738, and the flame cell 704 may be joined as a single sub-assembly. In other examples, the first crossbar 736 may only include one bar extending radially across the inner diameter.
In the illustrated examples of
In the illustrated example, the first body flange 514 includes the openings 634 and the second body flange 520 includes the openings 636 to receive fasteners 1038 (only one of which is shown and labeled in
Referring to
Each of the flame cells 1104 may be implemented and/or configured substantially similarly to the flame cell 704. For example, the flame arrester 900 includes a plurality of hubs 1106 about which each of the plurality of flame cells 1104 is formed (e.g., wrapped, constructed, etc.). In the illustrated example, the plurality of hubs 1106 corresponds to the plurality of flame cells 1104. In some examples, the flame arrester 900 includes one hub, and the plurality of flame cells 1104 are formed around the one hub. The one hub may extend axially between a first side 1108 of the plurality of flame cells 1104 and a second side 1110 of the plurality of flame cells 1104.
As shown in
In the illustrated example of
In the illustrated example, the flame arrester 1300 includes a first end housing 1302, a second end housing 1304, and a body 1306 coupled (e.g., clamped) between the first and second end housings 1302, 1304. The body 1306 is cylindrical and defines an inner cavity or passageway 1307. In some examples, the flame arrester 1300 is symmetrical such that the first end housing 1302 and the second end housing 1304 are identical, mirrored, and/or otherwise share a substantially similar design and/or configuration. It should then be appreciated that descriptions of the first end housing 1302 and the elements thereof can likewise apply to the second end housing 1304 and associated elements. However, in other examples, the first and second end housings 1302, 1304 are not identical, and the flame arrester 1300 is not symmetrical.
As shown in
In the illustrated example, first end housing 1302 of the flame arrester 1300 includes a first pipe section 1314, a first connection flange 1316, and a first body flange 1318. In the illustrated example, the second end housing 1304 of the flame arrester 1300 includes a second pipe section 1320, a second connection flange 1322, and a second body flange 1324. The first pipe section 1314 has a first end 1326 and a second end 1328 opposite the first end 1326. The second pipe section 1320 has a third end 1330 and a fourth end 1332 opposite the third end 1330. In some examples, the first and second pipe sections 1314, 1320 and the first and second connection flanges 1316, 1322 are substantially similar to like components of the first and second flame arresters 500, 900 of
In the illustrated example of
In the illustrated example of
As shown in
The first end housing 1302 of the flame arrester 1300 of
The first and second body flanges 1318, 1324 are used to couple (e.g., clamp) the body 1306 between the first and second end housings 1302, 1304. The first body flange 1318 includes first openings, and the second body flange 1324 includes second openings that are axially aligned with the first openings (similar to the openings 634, 636 disclosed above in connection with
The flame arrester 1300 of
In some examples, the overall size and weight of the first and second crossbars 1360, 1362 are reduced relative to the first and second crossbars 736, 738. Furthermore, the combined configurations of the first and second body flanges 1318, 1324 and the first and second end plates 1350, 1352 allow the first and second end housings 1302, 1304 to have a reduced weight relative to the first and second end housings 502, 504. Thus, the third flame arrester 1300 has an overall reduced weight relative to the first and second flame arresters 500, 900, which can provide some cost advantages due to material savings, fewer/lighter support structures, and/or fewer/lighter fasteners between the first and second connection flanges 1316, 1322 and connected pipes.
In the illustrated example, the first end housing 1402 is constructed as a single, unitary part (e.g., a monolithic structure, etc.). In some examples, the first end housing 1402 is constructed via die casting. Additionally or alternatively, the first end housing 1402 is constructed via additive manufacturing, in which multiple metal layers are fused together. In some examples, the first end housing 1402 has a reduced manufacturing cost and increasing strength based on this single, unitary structure. For example, the first end housing 1402 can be die casted to have thicker walls, reinforcing ribs, and bigger fillets. In some examples, only a portion of the first end housing 1402 is a single part, and the remaining elements are assembled together with the single part to construct the first end housing 1402. As such, although various elements of the first end housing 1402 are described individually below, it should be appreciated that some or all of elements can be part of the same structure.
In the illustrated example of
In the illustrated example of
In the illustrated example, the first end housing 1402 includes a first body portion 1434 extending axially from the first body flange 1410 in a direction away from the first pipe section 1406. The second end housing 1404 includes a second body portion 1436 extending axially from the second body flange 1416 in a direction away from the second pipe section 1412. The first body portion 1434 includes a first end 1438 and a second end 1440 opposite the first end 1438. The first end 1438 of the first body portion 1434 is proximate and/or coupled (e.g., welded) to the first body flange 1410. Similarly, the second body portion 1436 includes a third end 1442 and a fourth end 1444 opposite the third end 1442. The third end 1442 of the second body portion 1436 is proximate and/or coupled to the second body flange 1416.
In the illustrated example of
In some examples, the second inner diameter 1446 corresponds to a diameter of flame cell(s) to be disposed within the first and/or second body portions 1434, 1436. In some examples, the second and fourth ends 1440, 1444 include male or female components (e.g., circumferential moldings, ridges, indentations, etc.) to align, connect, and/or interlock the end housings 1402, 1404 together, prevent slippage, and/or to provide grooves within which sealants and/or adhesives (e.g., O-rings, gaskets, epoxies, welds, etc.) can be placed.
In some examples, the first body portion 1434 is composed of cantilevered beams extending from the first end 1438 to the second end 1440. As such, rather than forming the body, the first and second body portions 1434, 1436 may be a framework that are configured support a body (e.g., the body 506, the body 906, etc.) between the first and second end housings 1402, 1404. In some examples, the first and second body portions 1434, 1436 include a plurality of cantilevered beams (e.g., two, four, six, etc.) that interdigitate with or without physical contact.
In the illustrated example of
In some examples, the axial length 1456 of the first crossbar 1452 is based on the dimensions(s) of flame cell(s) to be disposed within an example flame arrester constructed from the first pair of end housings 1400. For example, the length 1456 of the first crossbar 1452 can be dimensioned such that sufficient support and space is provided to the flame cell(s) while also ensuring the second and fourth ends 1440, 1444 join properly. In some examples, the first crossbar 1452 is not integrated into the first end housing 1402 and/or not coupled to the first body flange 1410 or the body portion 1434. Thus, the first crossbar 1452 may be held in place based on support from surrounding framework of the first body portion 1434, the first body flange 1410, and the flame cell.
In some examples, the first end housing 1402 includes the flame cell integrated into the first body portion 1434. Thus, the flame cell may be constructed in the same manufacturing process (e.g., die molding, additive manufacturing, etc.) as the first end housing 1402 such that the flame cell and the first end housing 1402 are constructed as a single part. In some examples, a first flame cell is fully embedded within the first body portion 1434, and a second flame cell is fully embedded within the second body portion 1436. Thus, a side of the first flame cell may be substantially flush with the second end 1440, and a side of the second flame cell may be substantially flush with the fourth end 1444. In some examples, the flame cell is embedded within the first body portion 1434 and extends beyond the second end 1440. Thus, the flame cell may be inserted into the second body portion 1436 when the first pair of end housings 1400 are coupled together.
The first pair of end housings 1500 of the illustrated example is similar to the first pair of end housings 1400 of
The second pair of end housings 1500 includes a first distal body flange 1506, a second distal body flange 1508, a first proximal body flange 1510, and a second proximal body flange 1512. The first distal body flange 1506 extends radially from the second end 1420 of the first pipe section 1406 and has a fourth outer diameter 1514. The second distal body flange 1508 extends radially from the fourth end 1424 of the second pipe section 1412 and also has the fourth outer diameter 1514. In some examples, the fourth outer diameter 1514 is corresponds to and/or is substantially similar to the third outer diameter 1448 of the first body portion 1426.
In the illustrated example, the first proximal body flange 1510 extends radially from the second end 1440 of the first body portion 1434 and has a fifth outer diameter 1516. The second proximal body flange 1512 extends radially from the fourth end 1444 of the second body portion 1436 and also has the fifth outer diameter 1516. In the illustrated example, the fourth outer diameter 1514 of the first distal body flange 1506 is larger than the first outer diameter 1430 of the first connection flange 1408. In the illustrated example, the fifth outer diameter 1516 of the first proximal body flange 1510 is larger than the fourth outer diameter 1514 of the distal body flange 1506 and the third diameter 1448 of the first body portion 1434.
In the illustrated example, the first and second proximal body flanges 1510, 1512 include openings (e.g., openings 634) to receive fasteners (e.g., the fasteners 638, 1038, and/or 1322 of
In the illustrated example, the flame arrester 1600 includes a first end housing 1602, a second end housing 1604, and a body 1606 coupled (e.g., clamped) between the first and second end housings 1602, 1604. The body 1606 is cylindrical and defines an inner cavity or passageway 1607. In some examples, body 1606 of
The flame arrester 1600 includes a plurality of flame cells 1608 having a first side 1610 and a second side 1612 opposite the first side 1610. In some examples, the plurality of flame cells 1608 are substantially similar to the plurality of flame cells 1104 of
In the illustrated example of
The reducer section 1614 of the illustrated example of
The flame arrester 1600 includes a first crossbar 1636 disposed within the first end housing 1602 and a second crossbar 1638 disposed within the second end housing 1604. As illustrated, the first and second crossbars 1636, 1638 are substantially similar, mirrored, identical, or otherwise match based on the similarity between the first and second end housings 1402, 1404. In some examples, the first and second crossbars 1636, 1638 are different based on dissimilarities between the first and second end housings 1602, 1604. As opposed to other crossbars disclosed herein (e.g., first crossbar 736, second crossbar 738, etc.), which are completely disposed within the bodies of respective flame arresters, the first crossbar 1636 of
In some examples, the first crossbar 1636 is adapted to match the profile of the first reducer section 1614. For example, the first crossbar 1636 has an extended tapered (or wedged) profile with one or more gradually curved transitions to match the cross-sectional profile of the reducer sections. Given such a profile, the first reducer section 1614 can axially support the first crossbar 1636, which can in turn support the plurality of flame cells 1608. That is, the first and second reducer sections 1614, 1620 can clamp, hold, and/or restrict movement of the first and second crossbars 1636, 1638 within the flame arrester 1600 without the need for fasteners, such as welding. In the illustrated example, the first and second crossbars 1636, 1638 form internal chambers within the flame arrester 1600 as disclosed below.
The first and second bars 1638a, 1638b intersect to form four bars (or spokes) extending radially outward from a central axis 1706 (or hub) of the second end housing. As such, the second crossbar creates four chambers (e.g., detonation chambers or deflagration chambers) in a portion of the end housing 1604 and the body 1606. In the illustrated example of
As illustrated in
From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that example flame arresters disclosed herein include shorter or truncated end housings to form an axially shorter and lightweight flame arrester. Such example flame arresters in accordance with teachings disclosed herein are more customizable and are easier to integrate into legacy systems, such as piping systems, ventilation systems, fuel systems, etc. Using commercially available parts in example flame arresters disclosed herein further increases the customizability while reducing the costs associated with manufacturing, procurement, assembly, etc. Crossbars that support flame cells within example flame arresters can be lightweight while also providing enhanced structural support due to the configuration of the end housings. Such crossbars also form individual detonation or deflagration chambers that reduce the pressure forces acting on the flame cells caused from downstream ignitions. Since example flame arresters include straight pipe sections within the end housings, detonation shock waves can impact the crossbars and/or flame cell parallel to the flame cell, which can be favorable to reflective shock wave impacts associated with reducer end housings. Example end housings can also be die casted or additively manufactured into unitary parts to further reduce costs, improve strength, and/or reduce the axial length of example flame arresters.
The example features and techniques disclosed herein can be used to reduce the size and weight of in-line flame arresters or end-of-line flame arresters. In particular, one or more end housings disclosed herein can be used with in-line or end-of-line flame arresters in place of or in combination with conventional end housings typical used therewith. Furthermore, the example features and techniques disclosed herein are described as pertaining to flame arresters with circular cross-sections due the disk-shaped flame cells used therein. However, examples disclosed herein are also applicable to flame arresters and flame cells of alternative shapes or cross-sections, such as square, triangular, hexagonal, etc.
Example systems, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein. Examples and example combinations disclosed herein include:
Example 1 includes a flame arrester comprising a first end housing including a first pipe section having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first pipe section having a first inner diameter along a first length between the first end and the second end, a first connection flange extending from the first pipe section at the first end, and a first body flange extending from the first pipe section at the second end, a second end housing including a second pipe section having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the second pipe section having a second inner diameter along a second length between the third end and the fourth end, a second connection flange extending from the second pipe section at the third end, and a second body flange extending from the second pipe section at the fourth end, a body coupled between the first body flange and the second body flange, the body having a third inner diameter along a third length between the first and second body flanges, the third inner diameter larger than the first and second inner diameters, and a flame cell disposed in the body, the flame cell having a first side, a second side, and a plurality of channels between the first and second sides.
Example 2 includes the flame arrester of example 1, further including a first crossbar disposed between the first body flange and the first side of the flame cell, the first crossbar extending radially across a passageway of the body, the first crossbar extending axially between the first side of the flame cell and the first body flange.
Example 3 includes the flame arrester of example 2, further including a second crossbar disposed between the second body flange and the second side of the flame cell, the second crossbar extending radially across the passageway of the body, the second crossbar extending axially between the second side of the flame cell and the second body flange.
Example 4 includes the flame arrester of example 3, wherein the first crossbar is clamped between the first side of the flame cell and the first body flange, and wherein the second crossbar is clamped between the second side of the flame cell and the second body flange.
Example 5 includes the flame arrester of example 3 or 4, wherein the first crossbar defines first chambers between the first side of the flame cell and the first body flange, the second crossbar defines second chambers between the second side of the flame cell and the second body flange, and the first and second crossbars inhibit swirling of gases in a circumferential direction within the body based on the first and second chambers.
Example 6 includes the flame arrester of example 5, wherein the first crossbar is positioned downstream from the second crossbar, the first crossbar to divide a flame into the first chambers when the flame propagates from a downstream location toward the flame arrester and interacts with the first crossbar.
Example 7 includes the flame arrester of any of examples 1-6, wherein the first body flange is a blind flange having a first opening, the first opening having a fourth inner diameter, the fourth inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the first pipe section.
Example 8 includes the flame arrester of example 7, wherein the second end of the first pipe section is coupled to the first body flange via a weld joint.
Example 9 includes the flame arrester of examples 7 or 8, wherein the second body flange is a blind flange having a second opening, the second opening having a fifth inner diameter, the fifth inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the second pipe section.
Example 10 includes the flame arrester of example 9, wherein the fourth end of the second pipe section is coupled to the second body flange via a weld joint.
Example 11 includes the flame arrester of any of examples 1-10, wherein the first inner diameter is the same as the second inner diameter.
Example 12 includes the flame arrester of any of examples 1-10, wherein the first inner diameter is different than the second inner diameter.
Example 13 includes an end housing of a flame arrester, the end housing comprising a pipe section having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the pipe section having a first inner diameter along a first length extending between the first and second ends, a first flange extending radially outward from the first end of the pipe section, the first flange having a first outer diameter, a second flange extending radially outward from the second end of the pipe section, the second flange have a second outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter, and a body portion extending axially from the second flange in a direction away from the pipe section, the body portion having a third end coupled to the second flange and a fourth end opposite the third end, the body portion having a second inner diameter and a third outer diameter along a second length extending between the third and fourth ends, the second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter, the third outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter.
Example 14 includes the end housing of example 13, further including a crossbar disposed in the third end of the body portion, the crossbar extending radially across the second inner diameter, the crossbar extending axially from the second flange along a third length.
Example 15 includes the end housing of example 14, wherein the pipe section, the first flange, the second flange, the body portion, and the crossbar are constructed as a single unitary part.
Example 16 includes the end housing of example 15, wherein the single unitary part is constructed of multiple metal layers fused together.
Example 17 includes the end housing of any of examples 14-16, wherein the pipe section, the first flange, the second flange, and the body portion are constructed as a single unitary part, the crossbar coupled to the third end of the body portion and the second flange.
Example 18 includes the end housing of any of examples 13-17, wherein the second outer diameter is same as the third outer diameter, further including a third flange radially extending from the fourth end of the body portion.
Example 19 includes the end housing of example 18, wherein the third flange includes openings to receive fasteners.
Example 20 includes a flame arrester comprising a pair of end housings, each end housing of the pair of end housings including a connection flange having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter, a body flange having a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter, and a pipe section extending along a first length between a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end coupled to the connection flange, the second end coupled to the body flange, the pipe section having the first inner diameter and a third outer diameter, the third outer diameter corresponding to the second inner diameter, the first inner diameter of the pipe section being constant along the first length, a body between the pair of end housings, the body having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the body having a third inner diameter along a second length between the third and fourth ends, the third inner diameter being constant along the second length, and a disk-shaped flame cell disposed in the body, the disk-shaped flame cell having a first side, a second side, and a plurality of channels between the first and second sides.
Although certain example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.
The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.
