Experimental Study of Flame Control Devices for Cargo Venting Systems.
Abstract
Experiments were performed to determine the critical dimensions of flame arrestor elements which will prevent flames from traveling into bulk cargo tanks through the venting system. Based on the tests, the design criteria are more stringent than proposed by Wilson and Atallah (DOT Report CG-D-157-75). The passageway diameter apparently must be less than 40% of the published laminar-flame quenching diameter of the product (fuel) to be vented. In addition, the length of the arrestor apparently must be greater than 1000 D sub sq H, where D sub H is the critical passageway diameter in inches. This second criterion applies to methane, acetaldehyde, toluene, methyl alcohol, gasoline, and butane flames of up to 200 ft/sec approach flame speed. For acetylene/air and ethylene/air, no available arrestor exhibited consistent quench for the present test conditions. Experiments were also performed to determine the conditions for using steam injection or a high-velocity relief valve to prevent flame passage into a vent system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA063008
Entities
People
- D. P. Crowley
- R. P. Wilson Jr.
Organizations
- Arthur D. Little