What is ISO 16852 – Requirements and tests methods for flame arresters about?
ISO 16852 is European Standard that discusses flame arresters.
ISO 16852 specifies the requirements for flame arresters that prevent flame transmission when explosive gas-air or vapour-air mixtures are present.
ISO 16852 establishes uniform principles for the classification, basic construction and information for use, including the marking of flame arresters, and specifies test methods to verify the safety requirements and determine safe limits of use.
Integrated measurement and control equipment, such as integrated temperature and flame sensors as well as parts which, for example, intentionally melt (retaining pin), burn away (weather hoods) or bend (bimetallic strips), is within the scope of ISO 16852.
Note 1: For flame arresters with operational conditions inside the scope, but outside atmospheric conditions.
Note 2: In designing and testing flame arresters for operation under conditions other than those specified above, this International Standard can be used as a guide. However, additional testing related specifically to the intended conditions of use is advisable. This is particularly important when high temperatures and pressures are applied. The test mixtures might need to be modified in these cases.
Note 3: An additional standard IMO MSC/Circ. 677 for maritime application from IMO (International Maritime Organization) exists
Who is ISO 16852 - Requirements and tests methods for flame arresters for?
ISO 16852 on flame arresters is relevant to:
- Fire equipment manufacturers
- Entities involved in fire safety engineering
- Product designers
- Chemical and oil industry
- Quality control and testing institutes
- National and corporate authorities
Why should you use ISO 16852 - Requirements and tests methods for flame arresters?
Flame arresters are safety devices fitted to openings of enclosures or to pipe work and are intended to allow flow but prevent flame transmission. They have widely been used for decades in the chemical and oil industry, and a variety of national standards is available.
ISO 16852 was prepared by an international group of experts, whose aim was to establish an international basis by harmonizing and incorporating recent national developments and standards as far as reasonable.
The hazard identification of common applications found in industry leads to the specification of the test methods. These test methods reflect standard practical situations and, as such, form the heart of ISO 16852 because they also allow classification of the various types of flame arresters and then determination of the limits of use.
The test conditions lead to the limits for use which are most important for the customer. ISO 16852 specifies safety relevant information and its dissemination through the manufacturer’s written instructions for use and the marking of the flame arresters.
Overall, ISO 16852 can ensure optimal performance of flame arresters such that they play a positive role during a fire emergency.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN ISO 16852:2016 replaces the first edition (ISO 16852:2008), which has been technically revised with the following changes:
- Clause 1: information concerning existing standard from IMO
- For maritime application added
- Definition of dynamic flame arrester revised
- Abbreviation for the time tP peak added
- Production test procedure for flame arresters of welded construction and of cast components Revised
