Distilleries are hubs of creativity and craftsmanship, producing beloved spirits enjoyed worldwide. However, the processes involved, especially those related to fermentation and distillation, present significant safety challenges.

To ensure safe operations, distilleries rely on critical safety devices such as flame arresters and pressure and vacuum relief vents. These devices not only protect the equipment but also ensure the safety of workers and the environment. Here we outline the importance, functionality, and maintenance of these essential safety components.

What are Flame Arresters?

Flame arresters are safety devices designed to prevent the propagation of flames in industrial settings. In distilleries, where flammable vapors and gases are common, flame arresters play a crucial role in preventing explosions that can occur if a flame ignites these volatile vapors and gases.

In the world of distilleries, two principal types of flame arresters are used: In-Line Flame Arresters, which are installed within the piping system and used to stop a flame from traveling through pipelines, and an End-of-Line Flame Arresters, which are typically positioned at the end of a pipeline or vent to prevent external flames from entering the system.

Using computerized modeling, Protectoseal’s engineers can tailor flame arresters for specific applications and distilleries with precision, resulting in optimized performance and reduced maintenance requirements.

Patented Technologies

Protectoseal’s technical team has also developed the newly patented HEDS^® (High Energy Dissipation System) technology, which is particularly effective in distilleries and other environments where there is potential for stable and unstable detonations.

Alongside the HEDS^® technology, Protectoseal has developed the E-Flow^® and RE-Flow^® technologies, which are used in most of Protectoseal’s End-of-Line and In-Line Flame Arresters. The technologies were developed after years of research and collaboration with customers to offer ultimate protection while also allowing for improved vapor flow rates and reduced pressure drops during normal operation. The technology incorporates enhanced crimped ribbon technology in the flame arresting element and an optimized matrix structure that uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

The In-Line Flame Arresters best suited for distilleries combine Protectoseal’s patented HEDS^® with E-Flow^® technology, attenuating shock waves and extinguishing flames, effectively mitigating the effects of an explosion by preventing its propagation.

Applications in Distilleries

Flame arresters are widely used in distilleries, whether in fermentation tanks to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors, in distillation columns again to protect against flames traveling through the process equipment, or in storage tanks to prevent the ignition of volatile organic compounds.

Relieving the Pressure

In conjunction with flame arresters, pressure and vacuum relief vents (PVRVs) are another critical safety device commonly used in distilleries. The devices are used to relieve excess pressure from equipment or vessels, thus helping to prevent catastrophic failures such as explosions or tank ruptures. These valves are vital in maintaining the integrity of the distillation process, where pressure fluctuations are common.

The PVRVs are designed to open at a predetermined set pressure. When the pressure within a vessel exceeds this set point, the valve opens, allowing the excess pressure to be vented safely. Once the pressure returns to a safe level, the valve closes, maintaining the system’s integrity.

The vents are essential in distilleries and used across the distillation process, whether in boilers and steam systems to release excess steam pressure; fermentation vessels to manage pressure build-up from the fermentation process; or distillation units to control pressure in columns and condensers.

Maintenance and Best Practices

Regular maintenance and inspection of flame arresters and pressure relief valves are crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and longevity. It’s important to inspect the flame arresters to check for blockages or damage and to clean and remove any buildup of residues that could impair functionality. Damaged or corroded components can be replaced quickly and easily, either by the on-site operators or by one of Protectoseal’s Authorized Service Representatives. The team at Protectoseal can support operators in this area and is always available to offer advice when needed.

Similarly, with pressure and vacuum relief vents, it’s important to undertake regular testing to ensure they open at the set pressure and are properly calibrated to the correct pressure settings. Again, the Protectoseal team can offer support and advice when it comes to signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks.

For hundreds of years, distilleries have created wonderful products enjoyed by people all over the world. While they can be very dangerous places, however, with the use of correctly specified safety equipment, distilleries can continue to produce high-quality spirits without interruption while protecting their valuable equipment, ensuring the safety of their workers, and without contaminating the environment.

Contact us today to learn more.