What Is a Spark Arrestor?

What Does a Spark Arrestor Do?

A spark arrestor is a critical safety component in exhaust systems, designed to prevent sparks, embers, and hot particles from exiting an exhaust outlet and causing fires or damage. In high-risk environments—such as oil & gas sites, compressor stations, power generation plants, and forestry operations—spark arrestors play an essential role in fire prevention and regulatory compliance.

How Does a Spark Arrestor Work?

A spark arrestor works by redirecting and cooling exhaust gases before they exit the system. At Industrial Exhaust Components (IEC), our spark arrestors feature a cylindrical flow path that causes the exhaust stream to spin in a controlled vortex. This motion forces heavier particles and sparks toward the outer wall, where they lose momentum and fall into a small containment chamber at the bottom of the arrestor.

This design offers several key advantages:

• Effective spark capture: The centrifugal flow naturally separates hot particles from the exhaust stream.

• No significant pressure loss: The engineered cylindrical design maintains smooth

  exhaust flow and minimizes back pressure.

• Easy maintenance: The bottom containment can be easily accessed and cleaned without removing the entire unit.

  
  

This combination of cyclonic motion and containment ensures maximum spark retention and long-term reliability in demanding industrial applications.

Where Are Spark Arrestors Used?

IEC spark arrestors are used across:

• Industrial and natural gas engines and generators

• Compressors and pump skids

• Oil & gas processing facilities

• Mining and forestry operations

• Marine and offshore platforms

Wherever engines run in fire-sensitive environments, IEC spark arrestors provide peace of mind and compliance.

IEC Spark Arrestors — Built for Safety, Performance & Serviceability

At Industrial Exhaust Components (IEC), our spark arrestors are engineered and fabricated in Edmonton, Alberta, using high-grade carbon and stainless steel.Each unit is precision-built to match your exhaust diameter, flow rate, and back-pressure requirements, ensuring both performance and protection.

IEC designs deliver:

• Cylindrical, high-efficiency vortex flow paths

• Bottom containment for spark collection and clean-out

• Custom sizing and flanged connections for any industrial engine or compressor

IEC spark arrestors are trusted across North America’s oil & gas, power generation, and industrial sectors for their durability, ease of maintenance, and proven fire protection.

📞 Contact IEC today to discuss your exhaust system or request a quote for a custom spark arrestor.

Click here to learn more about IEC Spark Arrestor.