The Fike FlamQuench II™ is an explosion protection system designed for indoor explosion venting with flame arresting and particulate retention. It consists of multiple layers of high-temperature stainless steel that effectively retain burned and unburned dust while absorbing the heat generated during an explosion. This system is crucial for enhancing safety in environments where dust explosions are a potential hazard, allowing for the safe discharge of explosion pressure indoors without the release of flames or hazardous particles.
Function Description:
The primary function of the FlamQuench II™ is to mitigate the effects of an industrial dust explosion by providing a controlled venting mechanism. When an explosion occurs, the FlamQuench II™ allows the overpressure to escape, preventing catastrophic damage to the protected vessel or enclosure. Simultaneously, its specialized filter elements quench the flame and retain hot particles, preventing secondary explosions or fires in the surrounding area. This dual action of pressure relief and flame/particle retention makes it suitable for applications where traditional outdoor venting is not feasible or desirable. The system is designed to be installed in conjunction with an explosion vent, which initiates the pressure relief.
Important Technical Specifications:
The FlamQuench II™ is available in two main versions:
- Imperial Size Units (NA standards): Available in sizes ranging from 8" to 40".
- Metric Size Units (CE market): Available in sizes ranging from DN200 to DN1000.
Key dimensions and specifications vary by size, as detailed in Tables 2 and 3 of the manual. These tables provide information on:
- P (Process Diameter): The diameter of the opening on the vessel where the FlamQuench II™ is mounted.
- OD (Flange Outside Diameter): The overall outside diameter of the mounting flange.
- BC (Bolt Circle Diameter): The diameter on which the mounting bolts are arranged.
- F (Flange Bolt): The size or type of flange bolt.
- Bolt QTY (Quantity): The number of bolts required for mounting.
- Torque (ft-lbs or N-m): The recommended torque for the mounting hardware. For imperial units, this is typically 30-50 ft-lbs, and for metric units, 33-80 N-m, with specific values for burst pressures less than or equal to 100 mbar at 22°C.
- L (Length): The overall length of the FlamQuench II™ unit.
- W (Width): The overall width of the FlamQuench II™ unit.
- A: An additional dimension, likely related to the flange thickness or standoff.
- WT LBS (Weight in Pounds) / WT KG (Weight in Kilograms): The weight of the unit, ranging from 44 lbs (8") to 965 lbs (40") for imperial units, and 20 kg (DN200) to 438 kg (DN1000) for metric units.
- Gasket Inside Diameter / Gasket Outside Diameter: Dimensions for the required gasket, which is typically 1/8" Garlock 3600 material.
Usage Features:
- Indoor Venting Capability: Allows for explosion venting in indoor environments where flame and particle release would be hazardous.
- Flame and Particle Retention: Effectively quenches flames and retains burned and unburned dust, preventing secondary explosions or fires.
- Robust Construction: Made from various layers of high-temperature stainless steel for durability and performance in extreme conditions.
- Identification: Each FlamQuench II™ unit and its components (Top Frame Weldment, Top Outer Filter, Top Inner Filter, Side Filter, Bottom Weldment, Center Ring Support Weldment for larger units) are permanently tagged with ID tags indicating Size, Part Number, and Lot Number for easy identification and ordering of replacement parts.
- Installation Flexibility: Can be installed anywhere between vertical and horizontal orientations, provided Fike Corporation evaluates any deviation from standard vertical mounting.
- Support Considerations: Requires sufficient support based on its weight and the reaction force generated during activation. For lighter vessels, independent support (e.g., using cables attached to lifting rings) may be necessary.
- Burst Indicators: Requires burst indicators on all explosion vents when used with a FlamQuench II™ to signal activation.
- Gasket Material: Recommended gasket material is AFM30/34 or similar, with sealant potentially used depending on process requirements.
Maintenance Features:
- Scheduled Maintenance (Every Three Months):
- Visual inspection of the entire system.
- Cleaning of the filter to keep it free of dust using a soft brush or vacuum.
- Checking for loose hardware.
- The explosion vent itself is maintenance-free.
- Maintenance After Each Activation:
- Complete replacement of filters and hardware is required after every FlamQuench II™ activation.
- Refurbishment Kits: Available for all FlamQuench II™ sizes, containing:
- New hardware (nuts, bolts, washers).
- Top Inner Filter.
- Top Outer Filter.
- Side Filter(s).
- Fiber Frax Rings.
- FlamQuench II™ Installation and Operation Manual.
- Filter Replacement Procedure:
- Involves carefully removing the Top Frame Weldment, old filters (Top, Side, Fiber Frax rings), and then installing new Fiber Frax rings, Side Filters, Inner Top Filters, and Outer Top Filters.
- Requires thorough inspection of the frame for stress fractures before installing new filters; if fractures are found, the entire frame must be replaced.
- Installation requires compressing the assembly using bar clamps to align holes before installing new hardware and torquing to specifications.
- Tools for Refurbishment: A torque wrench and bar clamps are needed for refurbishment (not included in the kit).
- Safety Precautions during Maintenance:
- Filter Handling Warning: Wear leather gloves to prevent cuts and scrapes when handling filters.
- Temperature Check: Before removal, ensure the surface temperature of the FlamQuench II™ is not too hot to handle.
- Filter Damage: Any damage to the filter during installation or operation may compromise the function of the FlamQuench II™ and could lead to a dust explosion in the surrounding area.
- Explosion Vent Protection: Extreme caution is advised not to damage the explosion vent during FlamQuench II™ installation, as this will cause it to malfunction.
- Lifting: Only use the provided lift rings for lifting the FlamQuench II™ during installation and removal. Do not attempt to lift by any other method.
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