Marine fluid transfer operations are high-risk, and even minor mistakes can cause environmental damage, financial loss or safety hazards. One of the solutions to mitigate these risks is the Marine Breakaway Coupling (MBC).
These safety breakaway couplings, also called dry break couplings, are essential components for safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly offshore fluid transfer systems across various industries. This article will explain when safety breakaway couplings are necessary and how Gall Thomson sets the industry standard.
What is a Breakaway Coupling?
Safety breakaway couplings, also called emergency release couplings, are passive safety devices to prevent fluid leaks in case of accidental disconnection or unplanned physical stress during ship-to-ship transfer. They are fitted in loading arms, hoses, or pipelines. MBCs prevent fluid and chemical spills by sealing internal automatic shut-off valves when a certain internal pressure or load tolerance is reached.
The coupling separates into two halves and seals, preventing leakage. This means that any sudden surge of pressure or physical strain (e.g. hose rupture or separation when a ship is pulled away by a sudden swell in a storm) won’t cause a catastrophic spill or accident. Emergency release couplings offer peace of mind in harsh offshore environments.
Safety Breakaway Couplings are Designed For:
Hose Rupture or Connection Failures
Breakaway couplings improve safety standards, prevent spills and protect equipment and the environment if hoses and connections get damaged from physical strain. Their efficient design is made for demanding conditions such as an unexpected pull or force during fluid or chemical transfer while at sea. They are made to withstand extreme temperatures and keep environmentally harmful chemicals contained.
Pressure Surges
Sudden internal pressure increases can strain hoses and fittings during liquid transfer. Using effective safety features, breakaway couplings engage to seal the flow and prevent damage.
How Do They Work?
An MBC is triggered when an unacceptable load or pressure increase is detected. Once triggered the coupling breaks into two halves at its break points and shuts off the flow of fluid instantly through internal sealing valves. By preventing spills, safety couplings protect staff, equipment and the environment from hazardous leaks and other hazards during chemical transfer. This essential piece of technology reduces downtime and prevents oil and gas waste during an incident.
When to Use a Breakaway Coupling
Breakaway couplings are required in fluid transfer operations where unplanned disconnections or pressure surges can occur. Below are some of the most critical scenarios and applications where an MBC is non-negotiable:
Offshore Supply Vessels
Offshore platforms rely on supply vessels to transfer critical fluids such as crude oil, fuel and chemical additives. But the marine environment is unpredictable – rough seas, vessel movement or mooring failures can cause hose rupture or accidental disconnections during these transfers.
An MBC in the fluid transfer line means operations are safe and efficient even in rough seas.
Ship-to-Ship and Ship-to-Shore Transfers
Transfers between ships or from ship to shore are high risk. Vessel drift, tidal movement or mechanical faults can cause separation incidents. Breakaway couplings prevent:
- Spill of hazardous fluids and chemicals causing environmental damage.
- Damage to vessels or shore-based transfer equipment from unexpected tension or pressure surges.
Marine Breakaway Couplings are essential to prevent such operations from having environmental or financial consequences.
Tanker Loading and Unloading
Fluid transfer at offshore loading or unloading terminals is particularly prone to pressure surges from flow changes or tanker movement. These conditions can damage transfer equipment and the environment in case of spills.
By having an MBC in their pipelines, tanker operators and terminal managers can manage risks of:
- Overpressurisation of transfer hoses and fittings.
- Active transfer tanker breakout.
Environmental and Safety Benefits
MBCs in the above scenarios prevent leaks and help with environmental regulations. They reduce the risk of soil, water and air pollution from spilt products.
Why Gall Thomson Marine Breakaway Couplings?
When it comes to Marine Breakaway Couplings, Gall Thomson is the world’s leading expert in their design, manufacture and application. With over 40 years of experience in preventing offshore liquid product spills, Gall Thomson has the solution that is reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly.
Gall Thomson MBC Features:
- Proven Technology: Gall Thomson MBCs are designed to handle tough operating conditions, providing peace of mind in high risk situations.
- Versatility: They are suitable for a wide range of fluids – oil, chemical transfers, and liquefied gases.
- Customised: Gall Thomson MBCs are designed to your operational requirements for best performance.
- Environmental Compliance: With proper maintenance, each MBC system is designed to prevent fluid spills, to comply with global environmental regulations and safety standards.
Industry Leaders Trust Us
Gall Thomson has an international reputation as a trusted partner to marine engineers, environmental safety officers and oil and gas companies. Their MBCs are used in some of the toughest conditions imaginable and their proven reliability has made them the benchmark for preventing fluid leaks.
Gall Thomson Technology
Gall Thomson is proud of its innovation and safety commitment. Their Marine Breakaway Couplings are constantly tested and refined to stay ahead of industry standards. By choosing a Gall Thomson MBC you’re investing in 40 years of expertise that protects your people, reduces accidental fluid release and meets environmental safety regulations.
Applications:
- Oil and Gas Terminals: Prevent leaks during high-pressure fluid transfer.
- Marine Transportation: Safe transfer between tankers and terminals.
- Chemical Transfer: Safe transfer of hazardous chemicals on board vessels.
Stop Dangerous Leaks
The consequences of leaks can be catastrophic – from harming the environment to disrupting operations and heavy fines for noncompliance with environmental regulations. Marine Breakaway Couplings (MBCs) are essential for operations in high-risk, offshore situations.
Gall Thomson offers over 40 years of expertise, leading technology and solutions customised to your needs. Whether it’s to increase operational efficiency or protect the marine environment you can rely on Gall Thomson.