Aager, a leading manufacturer of engineered safety systems under the Ergili Group, has successfully demonstrated the real-world performance of its combination Pressure Vacuum Valve and Flame Arrester system (Model SF101) after a critical lightning incident at an industrial facility in Colombia.

The site, which stores large volumes of flammable liquids, recently experienced a severe thunderstorm during which a storage tank sustained a direct lightning strike to its venting system — widely considered a worst-case scenario in flammable storage operations.

Lightning Strike Tests Tank Safety to the Limit

In such scenarios, lightning can ignite flammable vapours exiting the tank, allowing flame propagation back into the vapour space — a potentially catastrophic outcome that could lead to explosion, fire, and significant facility damage.

However, thanks to the robust design of Aager’s SF101 Combination PVV and Flame Arrester, the facility avoided disaster. Despite the full force of the lightning strike, the system performed exactly as intended:

• The PVV cap, mounted at the top of the venting system, absorbed the initial mechanical and thermal impact, preventing damage to the core assembly.

• The flame arrester element, located immediately below the PVV, successfully quenched the flame front using its high-grade stainless-steel matrix, stopping flame propagation.

• No internal ignition or vapour ingress occurred, and the storage tank remained fully operational with its contents uncompromised.

Only the external PVV cap required replacement — the internal mechanisms and flame arrester remained fully functional.

Why Design Matters: A Layered, Heavy-Duty Solution

Unlike many compact, integrated PVV/flame arrester units on the market, Aager’s system employs a modular design prioritising separation of functions, physical durability, and ease of maintenance. This layered approach proved critical in mitigating the lightning strike:

1. Layered Protection: With the PVV positioned on top, it served as the first line of defence, shielding the flame arrester below.

2. Mechanical Strength: Built with heavy-duty materials, the standalone components showed superior resistance to physical and thermal stress.

3. Service Flexibility: Independent component replacement meant only the damaged cap required servicing, reducing downtime and costs.

4. Improved Flow Management: The combination unit provides better airflow control, with lower pressure drops under both normal and emergency venting.

5. Redundancy by Design: Separate functions for pressure relief and flame quenching offer an added safety layer not available in single-body units.

A Real-World Success Story

The outcome speaks volumes:

✅ No injuries or personnel exposure
✅ No damage to the tank or stored materials
✅ No environmental consequences
✅ Minimal downtime – only the vent cap was replaced
✅ Uninterrupted operations

Aager’s client in Colombia credited the system’s robust performance with avoiding a potentially catastrophic event. Millions of dollars in infrastructure and inventory were safeguarded, highlighting the vital role of engineered safety equipment in high-risk environments.

Commitment to Safer Operations

This case underscores Aager’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions designed for the world’s toughest industrial conditions. As climate-related risks increase, particularly in storm-prone regions, the demand for resilient, field-tested safety systems continues to grow.

By outperforming integrated alternatives, Aager’s combination PVV and Flame Arrester provides not only superior protection but also operational peace of mind. The incident serves as a compelling reminder that in hazardous environments, investing in proven safety technology can be the difference between continuity and catastrophe.

For more information visit www.aager.de