Alpha Process Controls (APC), part of the GT Group, said its 4-inch marine emergency breakaway coupling for use in LNG transfer has received class approval from the classification society, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, known as ClassNK.
APC said in its statement that ClassNK undertook independent testing of the ERC system, which, besides LNG, can also be employed for the transfer of hazardous chemicals, cryogenic liquids and gas.
John Lamb, the managing director of APC said the increase in LNG demand, in part due to its application as a fuel for ships and ferries, has caused an increase in focus on the importance of safe and efficient transfer.
APC couplings feature an emergency release system featuring a two-stage operation that enables the controlled shutdown of internal valves before instigating a coupling separation.
Through controlled shutdown of the ERC coupling, even at high flow rates, pressure surges are maintained to a level without compromising pipework or pumps in the event of a vessel drift-away.
LNG World News Staff