What is the purpose of a flashback arrestor in a gas system?

The purpose of a flashback arrestor in a gas system is to illuminate the risk of explosion by preventing the flame from traveling back into the gas supply. This safety device is essential in ensuring that if a flashback occurs – which is when the flame travels backwards toward the gas source – it is halted before it can reach the gas supply, thus mitigating the risk of an explosion or fire in the event of an unstable or improper gas flow. By doing so, the flashback arrestor plays a critical role in protecting both equipment and personnel from potential hazards associated with gas systems.

In the context of the other options, enhancing flame temperature is not the function of a flashback arrestor; rather, it serves to manage safety. Similarly, while preventing gas flow is important in certain scenarios, the primary function of a flashback arrestor is to stop flashbacks rather than controlling flow directly. Increasing pressure also does not align with the role of a flashback arrestor, which focuses on safety rather than performance indicators such as pressure within the system.