Breakaway Coupler Actuation for Rapid Valve Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems lack a reliable and safe mechanism for quick disconnection during emergency situations, such as vessel drift, which can lead to damage and product spillage.
Innovation Solution
An emergency release system featuring a breakaway coupler mechanism and an actuator mechanism with a dual rod and piston-cylinder assembly that simultaneously closes valves and disengages the coupler, allowing for safe and rapid disconnection of loading arms from vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a quick disconnection mechanism is implemented, then the speed of emergency release is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated emergency release system that simultaneously closes both valves and disengages the coupler mechanism through one actuator operation. This merging of functions achieves quick disconnection while managing complexity by coordinating all safety actions through a unified mechanism rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the coupler mechanism and valve actuators in ready states. The breakaway coupler is designed with pre-loaded springs and the valve actuators are positioned to enable immediate closure upon activation, eliminating the need for sequential operations and achieving rapid disconnection.
2Reliability
If a reliable emergency release system is implemented, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency release system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the breakaway coupler mechanism with spring-loaded arms, the dual valve closure system, and the actuator mechanism. Each module independently performs its safety function, and the modular design allows for easier maintenance and verification of reliability without requiring the entire system to be redesigned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates spring-loaded cushioning elements in the breakaway coupler mechanism that are pre-charged to provide immediate force during emergency release. These springs act as energy storage devices that are charged during normal operation and automatically deploy to facilitate rapid disconnection when needed, ensuring reliable operation without adding complex active control systems.
3Loss of substance
If simultaneous valve closure and coupler disengagement is implemented, then the product spillage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is designed to merge the functions of valve closure and coupler disengagement into a single coordinated operation. The dual rod actuator simultaneously pushes both valve actuators to close the valves while the breakaway coupler mechanism responds to the same actuation force to disengage the connection, achieving minimal product spillage through synchronized action.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates a single input force into multiple coordinated outputs. The dual rod actuator distributes force to both valve actuators and the coupler release mechanism, coordinating their actions to achieve simultaneous valve closure and disengagement, thereby minimizing product loss without requiring independent control systems for each function.
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 system ensures safe and rapid disconnection with minimal product spillage, effectively addressing the risk of vessel movement and other emergency conditions by securely engaging and disengaging the valves and coupler mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a piston-cylinder assembly configured to engage the actuator mechanism to selectively and simultaneously close the first and second valves
Implementation Method 2
an actuator mechanism defined by a dual rod having a first rod member and a second rod member releaseably attached to the first rod member by a latch
Data Source
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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.