Alpha Process Controls International (APC) has developed a family of ground-breaking couplings systems for the transfer of hazardous cargos, including Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) across key industrial sectors.
APC, a member of the GT Group, has established a reputation as a world leader in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke engineering systems for the safe transfer of hazardous chemicals, cryogenic liquids and gases.
The company, which boasts more than 30 years’ experience, has developed and launched a portfolio of coupling systems aimed at industries including marine, offshore and onshore transport.
APC’s family of couplers include Safety Breakaway Couplings, Drybreak Couplings, and Emergency Release Collar breakaway couplings.
The couplers’ concept follows five years’ extensive research and development, which has involved substantial investment by APC.
As well as delivering Marine LNG transfer solutions, APC’s equipment is employed in the onshore vehicle-based transfer of chemicals and other products.
Its products handle cargo including Liquefied Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Vinyl Chloride Monomer, Liquid Oxygen, Nitrogen and many other hazardous liquids and gases.
Intensive product testing at its base in the North East of England, means that APC’s range of couplings not only meet the rigorous standards demanded by industry, but also achieve peak performance.
To achieve this, APC has invested £1 million in an in-house test centre to support its family of ground-breaking couplings.
This utilises a pressurised water system, which is calibrated to supply water at a comparable rate to products that will be transferred using the couplings to ensure they deliver optimum performance and meet stringent industry standards.
APC also employs advanced 3D solid modelling and virtual reality programmes which enable it to offer fast-track solutions that are developed collaboratively with its customers.
John Lamb, Managing Director of APC, said: “APC has forged a solid reputation of developing technologically advanced solutions to meet the changing needs and challenges of a range of industries.
“APC is adept at capitalising on emerging opportunities in expanding markets such as LNG, which is forecast to be the fastest-growing fuel source during the next 20 years.”
Geoff Turnbull, Chairman of GT Group, said: “APC’s innovative engineering solutions are driven by keeping abreast of market intelligence and being ahead of the evolving needs of the sector.
“Our emphasis on research and development also is crucial to the creation of high quality, technologically advanced products, such as the family of new couplers.
“This strong focus on a continual programme of research and development ensures APC’s products and services retain their lead position in the worldwide marketplace.”
Alpha’s family of couplers comprises:
- Safety Breakaway Couplings which are located between terminal pipe-work and flexible loading hoses. They are used to safely transfer bulk hazardous liquids and gases, including cryogenics. The couplings are typically used in the liquid transfer between terminals and road tankers, rail tankers and ships. Breakaway Couplings are also used in ship-to-ship transfer as well as supply vessel to drilling platform / oil drilling rigs and off shore applications.
- Marine breakaway couplings which come in sizes from 4″ to 10″ in stainless steel with a wide range of seal trims available to suit specific applications.
- Their features include an innovative inbuilt damping system to reduce the effects of pressure spikes should the coupling be called upon to separate during full flow transfer. The couplings also can be easily reassembled after a drift-away incident.
- Cryogenic breakaway couplings incorporating unique sealing technology and are able to operate at extremely low temperatures.
- Fluiseal quick connect drybreak coupling is a high quality, reliable valve coupling that is used in the loading of flammable, toxic, and corrosive products into tanker vehicles road, rail, barge or supply vessel to oil rig.
- Hose and coupling packages – Alpha Process Controls can provide these as a complete hose breakaway coupling package saving customers time and money.
