Breakaway Coupler and Dual-Rod Valve Shutdown for Loading Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems for loading arms lack an efficient and safe mechanism for quick disconnection from vessels, which can lead to damage and product spillage due to relative movement or emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
An emergency release system is introduced, comprising a first and second valve secured by an emergency release coupler and an actuator assembly with a hydraulic cylinder, allowing for quick and safe disconnection of the loading arm from a vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a loading arm is used for fluid transfer between land and vessel, then fluid transfer capability is improved, but safety and risk of damage to personnel or property deteriorates due to lack of quick disconnection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency release system is divided into separate functional components: a coupler assembly for mechanical connection, valve assemblies for fluid isolation, and an actuator system for automated operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide safe quick disconnection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically closing the valves before physical disconnection of the loading arm. This sequence ensures fluid flow is stopped prior to separation, preventing spillage and damage during the disconnection process.
2Device complexity
If manual disconnection procedure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency release system is designed to operate automatically without human intervention. The actuator assembly detects shutdown conditions and autonomously executes the valve closure and coupler release sequence, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated actuator system that uses electrical or hydraulic signals to trigger valve closure and coupler release. This substitution reduces disconnection time while maintaining operational control through automated sensing and actuation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If quick disconnection mechanism is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency release system merges multiple functions into integrated assemblies: the coupler assembly combines mechanical connection with release mechanisms, while valve assemblies integrate flow control with actuation systems. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading arm system is designed with multi-functional components that serve both normal operation and emergency release functions. The coupler and valve assemblies are configured to operate during routine fluid transfer and automatically activate during emergency shutdown, eliminating the need for separate dedicated emergency equipment.
4Loss of time
If automated actuator assembly is implemented, then loss of time is reduced through automatic operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic actuation mechanisms to rapidly close valves and release the coupler. This approach provides fast response times with simple actuator design, leveraging fluid pressure systems that can be controlled through basic electrical or pneumatic signals without complex control electronics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The emergency release system effectively minimizes product spillage and ensures safe disconnection by automatically closing valves and releasing the coupler when predetermined shutdown conditions are met, thereby protecting personnel and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder configured to move the actuator mechanism from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
an eccentric pin selectively coupled to the latch and configured to rotate the latch when engaged by a piston of the hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An emergency release system for a fluid transfer system is disclosed. The fluid transfer system includes a first valve and a second valve that is selectively fluidly coupled to the first valve. The emergency release system includes a breakaway coupler mechanism engageable with the first valve and the second valve to releasably couple the first valve and the second valve together, an actuator mechanism defined by a dual rod having a first rod member and a second rod member releasably attached to the first rod member, the first rod member engageable with the first valve and the second rod member engageable with the second valve, and a piston-cylinder assembly configured to engage the actuator mechanism to selectively and simultaneously close the first and second valves, and to disengage the breakaway coupler mechanism from the first valve and the second valve.