System, apparatus & method for arresting propagation of a deflagration in a clean air return duct of an air-material separator

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a system, method, and apparatus for arresting flames in an air return line. The apparatus includes a flame barrier containing one or more metal mesh layers and configured to permit airflow there through while preventing flame break-through. The flame barrier can also have or be connected to one or more temperature or pressure sensors configured to detect blockage of airflow through the flame barrier and to detect damage to the flame barrier. The apparatus can also include additional temperature or pressure sensors for detecting the propagation of deflagration in the air return line.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flame arrestor for a return air line from an air-material separator, the flame arrestor comprising:
 a. a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet and a central portion, wherein the central portion is substantially wider than the inlet and the outlet;   b. a flame barrier disposed within the central portion of the housing, the flame barrier comprising a stack of substantially planar metal mesh layers configured to permit a flow of air therethrough;   c. one or more first sensors for configured to detect a blockage of air flow through the flame barrier;   d. one or more second sensors configured to detect a propagation of a deflagration in the return air line; and   e. one or more third sensors configured to detect damage to the flame barrier.