Ethylene oxide, flame arrester

Decomposition Flame Arresters Above certain minimum pipe diameters, temperatures, and pressures, some gases may propagate decomposition flames in the absence of oxidant. Special in-line arresters have been developed (Fig. 26-27). Both deflagration and detonation flames of acetylene have been arrested by hydrauhc valve arresters, packed beds (which can be additionally water-wetted), and arrays of parallel sintered metal elements. Information on hydraulic and packed-bed arresters can be found in the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G1.3, Acetylene Transmission for Chemical Synthesis. Special arresters have also been used for ethylene in 1000- to 1500-psi transmission lines and for ethylene oxide in process units. Since ethylene is not known to detonate in the absence of oxidant, these arresters were designed for in-line deflagration application. 

Kirby (1999) reports two snccessful applications of deflagration flame arresters. In one incident, a deflagration flame arrester was installed near the junction of a collection header from an ethylene oxide process nnit with a flare stack. Although this type of flame arrester was really inappro-... 

A number of gases may decompose (self-react) and propagate flames in the absence of any oxidant provided that they are above minimum conditions of pressure, temperature, and pipe diameter. Common examples are acetylene, ethylene oxide, and ethylene. Some, like acetylene, can decompose in a detonative manner, while ethylene cannot detonate in the absence of an oxidant, whatever the run-up length (CCPS 1993). Thus, detonation arresters must be used for acetylene, but deflagration arresters may be used for ethylene, even for in-line applications. 

ACIDO ACRILICO (Spanish) (79-10-7) Forms explosive mixture with air (flash point 124°F/51°C). Light, heat, or peroxides can cause explosive polymerization. Incompatible with strong acids, alkalis, ammonia, amines, isocyanates, alkylene oxides, epichlorohydrin, oxidizers, toluenediamine, pyridine, methyl pyridine, n-methyl pyrrolidone, 2-methyl-6-ethyl aniline, aniline, ethylene diamine, ethyleneimine, 2-aminoethanol. Severely corrodes carbon steel and iron attacks other metals. Flow or agitation of substance may generate electrostatic charges due to low conductivity. The uninhibited vapors may form polymers in plug vents, confined spaces, or flame arresters of storage tanks. 

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