Flame arrester is a fire protection device which protects the safety of petrochemical plant and natural gas treatment plant. As the last safety barrier of piping and equipment in a fire, flame arrester plays a critical role. In order to ensure the efficiency of preventing deflagration and detonation, the proper selection of different types of flame arrester has a significant practical effect. This paper first analyses the properties of commonly used flame arrestor. Then, by combining the relevant national and international standards, critical factors in selecting types of flame arrester are analyzed on the basis of the mechanism of flame arrestor. The study results provide reference for the accurate selection of flame arresters for engineering application.