Cryogenic Breakaway Couplings

Overview

We’re the only safety breakaway coupling manufacturer with over 40 years of proven experience of handling the risks associated with working with cryogenic liquids.

The implications of a driveaway incident on a cryogenic application can be very serious. Not only is there a risk of cold burns from the liquid and gas, but there are also other serious risks such as that of fire damage and explosion resulting from the uncontrolled release of oxygen and asphyxiation of personnel resulting from the depletion of oxygen levels in the boarding area produced by the release of gases such as nitrogen.

Our cryogenic breakaway couplings can help reduce the risks associated with driveaway incidents and provide peace of mind for your business and your employees.

APC have comprehensive on-site oxygen cleaning facilities to ensure that the couplings are supplied in the ultra-clean condition demanded by all industrial gases companies. Inspection is carried by ultraviolet light to expose any evidence of moisture, oil, grease, cleaning agents, flux or any other matter that may be present. All cryogenic breakaway couplings are rigorously pressure-tested with nitrogen gas prior to tagging, packaging and despatch.

How it Works

The breakaway coupling is normally flanged onto the terminal pipe-work at one end and at the other end to a flexible loading hose, allowing free flow of product in both directions.

During a driveaway or towaway incident, the flexible loading hose comes into tension, transmitting the load to the breakaway coupling which causes the pre-determined break bolts to snap, allowing the coupling halves to separate.

When the safety breakaway coupling is employed, each half of the coupling seals immediately, preventing major product spillage.

Benefits

Reliable operation

The simple design of the coupling ensures reliable operation even in the most demanding operations.

Positive shut off

Unidirectional valve motion without complex mechanisms

Proven design

Over 30 years’ field experience.

Accuracy

Accurate break loads engineered to specific applications.

Unique break bolt design

Break bolts designed to prevent easy substitution of a standard nut and bolt, providing increased safety.

Bespoke

Flanges are integrally cast and can be finished to customer requirements. There are no pressure-containing welds in the construction.

Range of applications

Supplied to major oil, gas and petrochemical companies throughout the world.

Rigorously tested

Nitrogen gas testing for each individual coupling.

Obtainable records

Impeccable records retention to ensure correct spares are supplied when required.

Spare parts

Spare parts held in stock.

Product trials

Numerous actual product trials at customer sites have over the years proved beyond doubt the effectiveness of the APC couplings compared to other designs.