0657-0015 - Victor FB-FR Fuel Regulator Flashback Arrestor

Technical Overview of the Victor Flamebuster FB-FR

The Victor 0657-0015 Flamebuster Plus FB-FR is a heavy-duty flashback arrestor designed specifically for fuel gas service in industrial oxy-fuel applications. Engineered to mount directly to the regulator outlet, this device serves as a critical barrier between the downstream equipment (hoses and torches) and the gas supply (cylinders or manifolds). The unit integrates two distinct safety mechanisms: a reverse flow check valve and a flashback arrestor.

The reverse flow check valve is designed to prevent the backflow of gases from the hose into the regulator, a condition that typically precedes a flashback event. By ensuring that gas flows only in the intended direction, the check valve mitigates the risk of creating a volatile gas mixture within the supply equipment. The secondary mechanism, the flashback arrestor, utilizes a sintered metal filter or similar flame-quenching element to extinguish a flame front should a flashback occur. This dual-functionality provides comprehensive protection against the two most common hazards in oxy-fuel cutting and welding.

The FB-FR is equipped with standard "B" size 9/16"-18 Left-Hand threads (CGA 023), ensuring compatibility with the vast majority of industrial fuel gas regulators used in North America. A key technical advantage of the Flamebuster series is its flow capacity. Victor has engineered these arrestors to minimize pressure drop, allowing for sufficient fuel flow even when utilizing large heating nozzles or heavy-duty cutting tips. This addresses a common concern where aftermarket arrestors restrict flow to the point of starving the flame. The unit is robustly constructed to withstand the rigors of industrial environments and is suitable for use with Acetylene, Propane, Propylene, and other fuel gases.