What is the function of spark arrester?

Spark arrester are any devices that prevent the release of flammable debris from combustion sources such as internal combustion engines, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.

How it works: In the exhaust system, when the sparks in the exhaust gas enters a small tube of the middle tube from the front tube, the gas channel shrinks abruptly, which increases the chance of the spark striking the wall and going out. The exhaust gas then enters the canister in the rear tube from the middle tube, and because the canisters are arranged crosswise, the residual spark is extinguished by another impact. In this way, the spark arrestor can extinguish the spark in the exhaust gas to a certain degree.

In existing technology, there are mainly 5 types for the engine exhaust system: 1. Maze type; 2. Water bath type; 3. Grid type; 4. Stack type; 5.Combination type. There are disadvantages of each and some structure is complex and the cost is high.

While the simplest and most common type is the screen type arrester which is between the exhaust pipe and the mufflers. It uses a physical wire net to prevent large particles from leaving the exhaust system. It is used on most motorcycles, ATVs, and small engines.

The screen type spark arresters consist of 2 parts: the mesh part and the end, showed as following:

The mesh part is welded to be Cylindrical, looks like a normal filter screen. The trimming is well polished and smooth. The ring end is a flanged edge made by a mold. Though it seemed very simple, it works usefully. It is installed inside of the exhaust pipe and around by insulation steel wool. The end size must be corrected designed to fit the muffler end cap. When the gas is discharged from the muffler, it enters the spark arrester, the most spark are stopped in the screen and go out due to the insulation around. The mesh also prevent the large particles. Finally the gas  go out of the exhaust pipe without sparks and large particles.

For this screen type spark arrester, the material and structure are normally fixed, the sizes can be customized according to the detailed request.