Breakaway Couplings: Enhancing Safety and Preventing Fuel Spillages
Breakaway couplings are used in many fluid transfer systems to ensure safety and prevent damage in case of separation. They play a key part in preventing fuel spillages, operator safety and equipment protection during an incident. Whether its oil, gas, diesel or chemicals breakaway couplings are essential in managing line pressure, for operational efficiency and environmental protection.
In this blog we’ll look at the features, benefits and applications of breakaway couplings, including Gall Thomson.
What Are Breakaway Couplings?
Breakaway couplings are safety devices that disconnect fluid transfer systems safely when subjected to excessive force or pressure. They prevent damage, fuel spillages and environmental contamination by sealing both halves of the system when separated.
Features:
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Two Halves: The coupling splits into two halves, each with a valve to prevent spillage.
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Emergency Release Couplings: Activates under excessive force, accidental vehicle drives or increased line pressure.
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Range of Materials: Available in stainless steel, brass, aluminium and other materials to suit your system.
How Breakaway Couplings Work
Breakaway couplings are installed between hoses, pipes or pump systems and act as a safety breakaway coupling point. When excessive force such as hose break or vehicle drive-off occurs the coupling disconnects.
Key Components
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O-Rings: Seal tight during normal operation and close during separation.
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Working Pressure Compatibility: Designed for high working pressure in refuelling systems, chemical plants and industrial loading arms.
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Fixed Points: Installed at fill point, loading arms or nozzle connections for maximum safety.
When separated the system seals to prevent spillage and keep the operator and environment safe.
Breakaway Coupling Benefits
Breakaway couplings have many benefits different industries from chemical plants to refuelling systems.
1. No Fuel Spillages and Damage
By sealing the system during accidental separation breakaway couplings prevent damage to the hose line, pump and whole pump system. This is critical in high risk areas like diesel and petrol transfer.
2. Enhancing Safety
Safety breakaway couplings reduce risks during disconnection incidents, for ensured operator safety and environmental protection.
3. Reusable
Many models including Husky breakaway couplings are reusable after an event, minimising downtime and cost.
4. Variety
Available in many standard models they are suitable for multiple systems including chemical transfer, loading arms and gas pipelines.
5. Compliance and Certification
With ATEX approved versions meet industry standards for safe operation in hazardous areas.
Breakaway Coupling Applications
Breakaway couplings are used in:
1. Fuel Transfer Systems
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Fuel spillages in petrol, diesel and gas refuelling systems.
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Connections in vehicle drive or accidental separation at the fill point.
2. Chemical Plants
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Hose line integrity during transfer of corrosive materials.
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Spill risk in high pressure systems.
3. Marine Loading Arms
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Safety during oil and gas transfer in marine environments.
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Damage to attached hoses and equipment during separation.
4. Industrial
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Damage to pump systems, hoses and equipment during high pressure events.
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Used with stainless steel or aluminium couplings for high durability applications.
Gall Thomson: The Breakaway Coupling Expert
Gall Thomson is one of the leading breakaway coupling manufacturers and stands out for its innovation and reliability. Their safety breakaway couplings are designed to protect loading arms, prevent spillage and improve system efficiency.
Features
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Durable Materials: Stainless steel, aluminium, brass.
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Advanced Sealing: O-rings and other high quality materials.
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Custom Solutions: Designed for specific pump, line and hose systems.
Gall Thomson couplings are used in oil, gas and chemical transfer.
Other Options: Husky and Safe T Breaks
Husky Breakaway Coupling
Known for durability and versatility Husky couplings are reusable so cost effective for refuelling systems.
Safe T Breaks
Designed for high pressure systems these couplings provide robust safety against fuel and chemical spillage.
Summary
Breakaway couplings are crucial for safety and damage prevention in fluid transfer systems. Whether in a chemical plant, refuelling system or marine loading application they provide protection against hose breaks, spillage and excessive force.
For the best solutions Gall Thomson has a range of breakaway couplings for all scenarios. Husky breakaway coupling and Safe T Breaks are other great options.
Choose the right coupling for your application and you will have safety, protect your equipment and efficiency across your system.