What is the difference between check valves and flashback arrestors?
A. A check valve prohibits the reverse flow of gases in a torch that may occur for example when a tip is plugged and the higher pressure gas, usually the oxygen side, has no where else to go but into the lower pressure gas side of the torch equipment. A check valve will not stop a flashback in the torch; a flashback going through a check valve will destroy it. A flashback arrestor is designed to not only stop the reverse flow of gases, but also stop a flashback from continuing downstream. It is recommended that flashback arrestors be put on all torch equipment when possible.
