The Safety Devices for Offshore Fluid Transfer Operations Marine breakaway couplings (MBCs) are vital for safe and efficient offshore fluid transfer operations. These are designed to prevent spills and protect hose systems from damage during events like tanker breakouts or pressure surges.
Understanding the function, benefits and applications of MBCs is key to operational integrity and environmental safety in marine engineering.
How Marine Breakaway Couplings Work
Marine breakaway couplings are installed in hose transfer systems at offshore terminals. Their main function is to provide a controlled separation point in case of excessive tensile forces or pressure surges. When activated, the coupling closes internal valves to stop the flow of the medium being transferred and prevents spillage and relieves the stress on the hose system. This involves two mechanisms: valve closure and physical separation.
Valve Closure
When activated, internal valves in the MBC shut off the flow on both sides of the coupling. This immediate shut-off is key to minimising spillage and environmental pollution.
Physical Separation
The coupling then separates, relieving tension and preventing further damage to the hose system. This controlled separation ensures the hose doesn’t burst and keeps the transfer system intact.
Benefits of MBCs
Marine breakaway couplings offer many benefits, especially in safety, environmental protection and operational efficiency. By preventing uncontrolled spills and hose bursts, MBCs increase personnel and equipment safety. They are designed to activate in specific conditions like vessel movement or pressure surges which are common in offshore environments.
Environmental Protection
MBCs are critical in preventing oil spills and other hazardous discharges to the marine environment.
They can shut off flow instantly reducing the risk of major pollution events and protect marine ecosystems.
Operational Efficiency
Use of MBCs minimises downtime caused by spill incidents or equipment damage. They can be reassembled and reused quickly so operations can resume with minimal disruption. They also avoid costly clean up operations and potential legal liabilities from spills.
Applications of Marine Breakaway Couplings
Marine breakaway couplings are used in offshore and onshore fluid transfer applications:
Offshore Supply Vessels
MBCs are installed on hoses used to transfer fluids between supply vessels and offshore platforms. This protects both the vessel and the platform from spill incidents.
Ship-to-Ship and Ship-to-Shore Transfers
During liquid transfer between ships or from ship to shore facilities, MBCs are a safeguard against spills and equipment damage. They ensure that any uncontrolled disconnection doesn’t result in major fluid loss or environmental damage.
Tanker Loading and Unloading
At offshore loading terminals, MBCs are critical in managing the risks of tanker breakouts and pressure surges. They keep the transfer system intact and prevent costly downtime.
Key Features
Several features are important for marine breakaway couplings to work effectively:
Double Closure Mechanism
High-quality MBCs like KLAW and Gall Thomson have a double closure mechanism. This means both upstream and downstream flow are shut off at the same time, providing full protection against spills.
Low Headloss: Efficient MBCs are designed to have low headloss so they don’t restrict the flow of the medium during normal operation. This is critical for maintaining flow rates and operational efficiency. The most efficient MBCs from Gall Thomson now offer zero headloss.
Durability in Marine Environment: MBCs must withstand the marine environment, saltwater, waves and temperature variations. Durable materials and robust design for long-term reliability and performance in harsh operating conditions.
Easy Maintenance: The ability to reassemble and service MBCs quickly is critical for continuous operation. Devices that can be reassembled on-site or sent back to the manufacturer for refurbishment offer big advantages in maintenance and cost savings.
Summary
Marine breakaway couplings are a must-have in safe and efficient fluid transfer in marine environment. They prevent spills, protect equipment and ensure continuity of operation.
Marine engineers can make informed decisions to improve the safety and efficiency of their operations.
Sources:
Trelleborg KLAW Marine Breakaway Couplings
Gall Thomson Marine Breakaway Couplings
Add marine breakaway couplings to your fluid transfer systems and protect your operation and the marine environment.