Breakaway couplings developed by Todo to ensure no spillage of harmful substances in the event of unintended or emergency disconnection are attracting interest from the offshore industry. The new product comes to the market amid increasing demands for no spillage.
The Todo Break-Away Coupling was originally developed for the onshore transfer of chemical media and LPG, but it is also applicable to offshore operations such as the transfer of liquid cargoes (drilling muds, chemicals, fuels, and waste water) between supply boats and offshore installations.
As any spillage in such a situation has detrimental environmental effects and could entail heavy fines for transgressors, both oil companies and supply boat owners have responded positively to the new development, reports Area Sales Man-ager Magnus Staaf. In addition, damage to hose strings, vessel, and platform equipment is prevented, and there are safety benefits for crew and platform personnel.
The breakaway coupling is designed as the weak point in the transfer connection, so that if, for example, the supply boat drifts out of position, the coupling breaks apart before the integrity of the hose is threatened. Inside the coupling are break-pins that come under pressure as force is exerted to break the coupling. At a set load the pins break, activating closure of the valves on either side of the coupling so that no spillage takes place. The Todo coupling differs from some other designs in ensuring that both sides of the line are fully sealed prior to disconnection, Staaf says.
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At present, sizes up to 3-in. are available, but larger sizes are under development. The products come in 316L stainless steel as standard, and in a full range of elastomeric seals. They comply fully with the European Pressure Equipment Directive.
The dry-break couplings for which Todo is well known have the environmental benefit of ensuring zero spillage. They are used widely in the offshore industry. In addition to the safety aspects, the dry-break coupling is lightweight and simple to use, Staaf says. Compared with bolted or threaded couplings, it is much easier and quicker to connect and disconnect.
Onshore users such as Shell Chemicals have testified to its benefits, noting that connection is made in a matter of seconds compared with 30 min for couplings with bolted flanges, and that vapor emissions are virtually eliminated.
The coupling contains valves consisting of pistons that are automatically displaced to the open position only when the coupling has been fully connected. Conversely, the pistons automatically revert to the closed position, excluding any media from the space between them, before disconnection can take place.
For more information, contact Magnus Staaf, Todo. Tel +46 506 199 40, fax +46 506 199 44. [email protected], www.todo.se.
