Westech Flame Arrester – Series 57

Series 57 “Fire Chief”

The Westech Series 57 In-Line Detonation Flame Arrester is designed to provide effective protection against deflagration, stable detonation, and overdriven detonation in industrial piping systems handling flammable gases and vapours.

In applications where both safety and system efficiency are critical, flame arresters must not only provide reliable protection but also minimize pressure drop and maintenance requirements. The Series 57 is engineered to deliver this balance through advanced element design and proven detonation protection capabilities.

Like all Westech flame arresters, the Series 57 is tested in excess of existing standards, including real-world conditions such as momentum impulse (long-run stable detonation), thermal failure, and reignition of downstream unburned gases. This ensures dependable performance in actual operating environments.

The Series 57 features a single cylindrical expanded metal element design, providing a large effective surface area for flame quenching while maintaining maximum vapour flow. This design helps achieve low pressure drop and reduced fouling, contributing to lower operating costs and less frequent maintenance.

As a fully passive device, the Series 57 operates without power or controls and can be installed anywhere within the piping system, regardless of length or configuration.

Westech manufactures and supports the Series 57 globally, providing application expertise, engineering support, and servicing to ensure long-term safety and performance.

Available: Canada Wide


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PRODUCT FEATURES

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Description

Detonation and Deflagration Protection

  • Quenches deflagration, stable detonation, and overdriven detonation
  • Provides protection against all modes of flame propagation
  • Tested beyond standard requirements to reflect real-world conditions

Tested Beyond Industry Standards

  • Accepted to EN12874, ATEX 94/9/EC, and other international standards
  • U.S. Coast Guard accepted (CFR154) for 2”–18” line sizes
  • Tested for momentum impulse, thermal failure, and downstream reignition

Passive, Self-Contained Operation

  • No reliance on power, sensors, or external components
  • Provides continuous protection under all operating conditions
  • Fully independent design

Single Element Design

  • Cylindrical expanded metal element resembling a cartridge filter
  • Simplified construction for easier maintenance and handling
  • Designed to maximize vapour flow while preventing flame transmission

Low Pressure Drop & Reduced Fouling

  • Increased element surface area (up to 13x conventional designs)
  • Minimizes pressure drop across the arrester
  • Reduces fouling and maintenance frequency

Self-Sealing Element Design

  • Resistant to impact damage from high-pressure detonation shock waves
  • Maintains integrity under repeated extreme conditions
  • Designed for extended service life

Maintenance-Friendly Construction

  • Elements easily removed and cleaned in the field
  • Reduced downtime for inspection and servicing
  • Designed for long-term reliability

Flexible Installation

  • Suitable for vertical or horizontal installation
  • Bi-directional operation
  • Can be installed anywhere in the piping system regardless of length or configuration

Applications

The Series 57 In-Line Detonation Flame Arrester is commonly used in:

  • Oil & Gas production and processing facilities
  • Petrochemical and refining operations
  • Chemical processing plants
  • Vapour recovery systems
  • Storage tank and piping protection systems
  • Industrial systems where low pressure drop and reduced maintenance are critical

These applications require dependable detonation protection while maintaining efficient system performance.

Documents

Westech-Flame-Arrester-Series-57_042920_Westech.pdf

Westech-Flame-Arrester-Series-57_FR.pdf

Manufacturer info

Westech Industrial Ltd. Since 1966 Engineers and plant operators have benefited from the quality of products and solutions provided by Westech Industrial Ltd., a global leader in research, testing and manufacturing of In-line Deflagration and Detonation Flame Arresters.

Website: https://westech-ind.com/

SPECS

Type:
In-Line Detonation Flame Arrester
Operation:
Passive, with no external power required
Installation:
Vertical or horizontal installation; bi-directional operation
Size Range:
2” – 18”
Gas Groups:
NEC Group D / IEC Group IIA
Standards & Approvals:
EN12874, ATEX 94/9/EC, U.S. Coast Guard (CFR154), CSA, FM, UL, PTB, BSI, IMO
Construction:
Fabricated carbon steel housing with 304 stainless steel expanded metal element
Flange Rating:
ANSI 150 RF (standard)
Options:
316 stainless steel housing, DIN flange connections, special alloys, coatings, surface finishes, and custom testing/designs
Technical Data:
Full dimensional data, weights, and flow charts are available in the Series 57 datasheet.

PRODUCT FAQ's

What is the Series 57 designed for?
The Series 57 is designed for applications requiring detonation protection while maintaining low pressure drop and efficient vapour flow.
What is the benefit of the single element design?
The single cylindrical element simplifies maintenance, improves flow efficiency, and reduces pressure drop compared to multi-element designs.
Can the Series 57 handle detonation events?
Yes. The Series 57 is designed to quench deflagration, stable detonation, and overdriven detonation.
Does the Series 57 require power or controls?
No. It is a fully passive device and does not require any external power or control systems.
What industries use the Series 57 flame arrester?
Industries include oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, and other applications involving flammable gas or vapour systems.
Does Westech provide service and support?
Yes. Westech provides global support including product selection, application guidance, maintenance support, and servicing.