This recommended Practice establishes equipment and procedures for the evaluation of the effectiveness and other performance characteristics of spark arresters or turbochargers used on the exhaust system of large engines normally used in a railroad locomotive@ stationary power plant@ and other similar applications. This recommended practive does not cover applications requiring flame arresting@ exhaust gas cooling@ or isolation form explosive gases. Two uniform testing methods are offered; a laboratory test using ambient air (cold test) and an engine test using exhaust gases (hot test)@ which may be used by spark arrester manufacturers@ governmental bodies@ an engine spark arrester users. Though the engine test (hot test)@ is preferred@ approval can be sought based on the lab test (cold test) over the airflow range tested. Arresters meeting this standard should not be expected to adequately arrest sparks when tilted more than 45 deg form their normal operating position. Spark arresters or turbochargers qualified by an engine test can be applied to different engines of similar design without a complete retest@ provided the data shows it to be effective in the applicable flow ranges. Additional test data may be obtained to determine effectiveness at higher or lower flow ranges. Certain design and performance characteristics@ which represent current requirements by regulatory agencies for qualification and approval under this recommended practice@ are listed in the Appendix. Note: This illustration is intended to be general in nature@ and does not represent any particular brand or manufacturer to the exclusion of others. PURPOSE: The purpose of this SAE Recommended Practice is to provide a standard method of testing to evaluate spark arresters or turbochargers as spark arresters for use with compression ignition internal combustion engines. This document provides a method to determine acceptability of various spark arresters by regulatory agencies@ but is not intended to establish the performance level required for adequate fire protection.
SAE J342-1988 history
2020SAE J342-2020 Spark Arrester Test Procedure for Large Size Engines
2013SAE J342-2013 Spark Arrester Test Procedure for Large Size Engines
1991SAE J342-1991 Spark Arrester Test Procedure for Large Size Engines
1988SAE J342-1988 SPARK ARRESTER TEST PROCEDURE FOR LARGE SIZE ENGINES
1980SAE J342-1980 Spark Arrester Test Procedure for Large Size Engines