Service Life of a Flashback Arrestor

Question

First of all, I would like to know about the service life of a flashback arrestor. In my laboratory, I got three flashback arrestors {WITTgas RF53N(1/4”NPT-F), Brass} from the ex-students who used those items in 2012 and already finished their graduation. I joined the laboratory in 2015. In this circumstance, I want to know if there is any possible way to check those flashback arrestor. All the flashback arrestors they used are for the premixed combustion in a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber. My purpose is also same. But I want to know first whether those flashback arrestors are dead or alive.

Answer 1

The manufacturer says this about maintanence:

• annual testing of the non-return valve, body leak tightness and flow capacity is recommended

• WITT is happy to supply special test equipment

• Flashback Arrestors are only to be serviced by the manufacturer; the dirt filter may be replaced by competent staff

Given that you inherit this equipment and don't know how it was treated I would do the recommended testing, or have it done. I would likewise replace the dirt filter.
Contact Witt (or their sales rep/service partner) about these steps to get an idea if you can do this yourself, have it done by a technician in house or need external help.