What Are Marine Breakaway Couplings (MBC’s)?

An MBC is an engineered device that prevents oil spills and hose rupture during ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship transfers. This article will look at the function, design, and benefits of marine breakaway couplings and how they make transfers safer, cleaner, and more efficient.

Purpose of Marine Breakaway Couplings

The purpose of an MBC is to prevent hose rupture and environmental pollution from spillage, especially in the event of a tanker breakout or sudden pressure surge. These couplings will break apart at a specified tension or pressure and stop product flow instantly.

Marine Breakaway Coupling Features

The construction and components of an MBC are designed to withstand the marine environment. Here are some key features:

• Flip Flap Valves and Petal Valve Type: MBCs have flip flap valves or petal valve types, which will seal both sides of the coupling when it activates.
• Zero Headloss: These couplings are designed for zero headloss, meaning continuous operation with no significant pressure drop, allowing for high efficiency even with high-viscosity products.
• Fully Piggable Design: Many MBCs are fully piggable, meaning they can be cleaned efficiently, maintaining hygiene and operational standards within the transfer system.

Benefits of Marine Breakaway Couplings

MBCs are cost-effective and reduce the need for extensive clean-up in the event of a spill, making them an environmentally friendly addition to transfers. Here are the main benefits:

• Environmental Protection: Marine breakaway couplings protect against oil spills and environmental pollution, which can be devastating to marine life.
• Safety: MBCs reduce the risk of personnel injury and equipment damage by stopping fluid flow (oils and products) when abnormal conditions are detected.
• Operational Efficiency: MBCs allow for fluid transfer in rough seas, ensuring reliability and minimal downtime.
• Asset Protection: MBCs protect hose systems and hose strings, extend their lifespan, and reduce repair or replacement frequency.

How Do Marine Breakaway Couplings Work?

MBC activation occurs when excessive pressure or tension is detected in the hose line. The coupling’s internal mechanism will activate when these conditions are met, leading to a controlled disconnection.

Once the coupling has separated, the flip flap or petal valve seals both ends of the hose string. This is critical to contain and prevent oil spills, whether the product is low-viscosity kerosene or high-viscosity crude oil.

Marine Industry Applications

Having MBCs in the hose system makes ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship transfers more secure by reducing the risk of hose rupture or hose string overload.

Some common scenarios where marine breakaway couplings are used include:

• Offshore Terminals: Their activation will prevent hoses from bursting, even in extreme sea conditions.
• Floating Hose Strings and Catenary Hoses: MBCs are installed to protect the hose string from movement or strain.
• Ship-to-Ship Transfers: MBCs act as a safeguard against hose rupture, preventing product spills in the event of sudden movement or pressure changes.

Maintenance and Cost

Marine breakaway couplings are low-maintenance. Regular inspections are required, but their design reduces the chance of mechanical failure, making them cost-effective for marine operations.

Installation and Suitability

MBCs are installed in the hose system or attached to hose strings, catenary hoses, or floating hose systems, depending on the transfer operation requirements. They are suitable for all fluids, including high- and low-viscosity products, making them very versatile. MBCs are designed to operate under the extreme pressures and risks of marine transfers, providing a safe and controlled connection point between tankers and storage vessels.

Summary

Marine breakaway couplings (MBCs) are a key component in modern marine transfers, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. They prevent spills and oil spills during ship-to-shore transfers, protect hose systems and hose transfer systems from damage, and safeguard personnel and assets in high-risk marine environments.

Gall Thomson MBCs and others provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for industries that handle high- and low-viscosity products. The proactive approach of having MBCs in the transfer system is a significant factor in reducing environmental pollution, ensuring safe operations, and enabling continuous operation in all sea  conditions.