Murex Urges Checks On Flashback Arrestors

Murex Welding Products is reminding users that pressure regulators and flashback arrestors contain elastomeric components that deteriorate and cause the units to fail in service. Pressure regulators used in 'low-wear' situations such as educational establishments, laboratories and similar applications are particularly prone to failure, according to the company. Indeed, a number of very serious incidents have occurred, as the usual result of an elastomeric component failure is a large discharge of gas from the over-pressure relief valve.

The consequences of such releases can be atmospheric enrichment or depletion leading to fires or asphyxiation. They can also lead to a variety of other unsafe conditions. In response to the need for industry safety, the British Compressed Gases Association recommended in its Code of Practice 7 that regulators and flashback arrestors be replaced or refurbished after five years in service or manufacturer's recommendation.

This is a good recommendation and has been widely adopted by industry. All Saffire regulators and flashback arrestors now have the benefit of two permanently marked codes: the manufacturing date, typically D4EA plus an additional inspection/replacement code, typically 2010. This dual system gives the essential age information required by the user.