What is prohibited with an accumulator in flame effects?

Mixing air or any other oxidizing media with fuel in an accumulator is prohibited because it significantly increases the risk of a premature ignition or explosion. Accumulators are designed to store fuel safely and securely until it is needed for the flame effect. When fuel is mixed with an oxidizing agent, such as air, in an uncontrolled environment like an accumulator, it creates a highly volatile situation where even a small spark can lead to catastrophic results. The objective of NFPA 160 is to ensure safety during flame effects, and preventing this type of mixture is a key aspect in managing the hazards associated with flame effects before an audience.

The other choices, while they represent important safety considerations, do not specifically relate to the operation of the accumulator in the same way. Storing fuel at high temperatures can be dangerous, but it doesn’t directly pertain to the mixing processes within the accumulator. Using non-standard materials can present risks, but it is more of a general safety concern. Reducing pressure beyond safe levels is also a separate safety concern related to the overall structural integrity and operational parameters of the system. Each of these points is important in the context of flame safety, but the mixing of air or oxidizing agents with fuel in an accumulator is particularly critical