The left-hand end of the pipe simulates the ventilation outlet in the hull wall or the cockpit of the ship. The right-hand end of the pipe is connected to the fuel tank. FLAMEARRESTER is integrated into the mid-point of the pipe.

The steadily escaping fuel gas is simply ignited. The flame moves through the inlet or outlet and is prevented from reaching the tank by FLAMEARRESTER. If FLAMEARRESTER had not been fitted in the tank ventilation system, would the flame lead to an explosion of the gas in the tank? The answer is yes ? mostly with dramatic consequences for the ship and its crew.