A ground-breaking ERC Marine Breakaway Coupling System developed by Alpha Process Controls International (APC), a member of the GT Group, is due to go into full production in the first quarter of next year.
To complement the Marine ERC Coupling, APC now has expanded this family of pioneering products with the addition of a Quick Disconnect LNG Coupling.
Interest in APC’s whole range of LNG coupling systems, which will help revolutionise the ship-to-ship transfer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) across the globe, already has been shown from companies in America, Europe and the Far East ranging from major oil and gas companies to salvage operators.
APC has been fine-tuning the manufacture of the couplings, with full production due to start at its plant in the North East of England in the first quarter of 2014.
The company has developed the state-of-the-art, cost-effective solution to provide safety and security during LNG transfers with a family of coupling products specifically designed for marine applications including ship-to-shore, LNG bunkering and ship-to-ship transfer including Floating Liquefied Natural Gas FLNG.
Mr Lamb, Managing Director of APC, said: “APC is able to provide a complete LNG transfer system with companies developing their LNG bunkering facilities expressing interest in our whole LNG coupling product range.
The commercial manufacture of the couplings follows five years of extensive research and development, which has involved substantial investment.
Mr Lamb added: “Thanks to natural gas being clean-burning, abundant and reliable, it is predicted it will be the fastest-growing fuel source during the next couple of decades.
“APC is tapping into this growing market by advancing technology to create the next generation of LNG safety coupling systems to make it economical and safe to ship and transfer LNG all over the world.
“The interest that has been shown in the new system, before it is even in full production, makes us confident that our new range of LNG safety couplings has the potential to have a positive impact on and make major inroads into the LNG and marine industries.
“The pioneering and inventive engineering expertise that APC has cultivated during its four decades in business is enabling the company to embrace the opportunities emerging from the thriving LNG market.”
APC has taken the initiative to install special testing equipment due to the high future demand from the sector. Allied with the new couplers, APC has made a significant investment in procuring its own high flow/pressure testing equipment, a development which differentiates the company from its competitors.
The ERC Marine Breakaway Coupling operates in the case of an emergency, for example, when two vessels slip their moorings, and separate.
The coupling system’s revolutionary control mechanism activates the valves when the LNG is in full flow and closes the valves down at a controlled rate. This innovative system prevents spillage and damage to the LNG vessel further upstream.
The coupling system is designed to be used for LNG transfers ship to ship (STS), LNG Bunkering and LNG Bulk Breaking.
Mr Lamb added: “The increasing demand for transferring LNG at sea prompted the need for new engineering solutions. APC has employed its knowledge to create an innovative new system to meet the evolving requirements of the burgeoning LNG transport sector.”
The APC marine coupling ship to ship transfer process involves:
- When the two vessels are safely moored, hoses, couplings and control systems are connected between the vessels allowing the LNG transfer to begin.
- Adjustable hose saddles form part of the LNG transfer system that APC provides.
- The saddles support the hoses during the transfer operation helping to maintain the minimum bend radius.
- If the ships start to separate, the emergency release couplings (ERC) are activated by cables that close down the internal valves at a controlled rate.
- As the ships continue to drift apart a second cable activates the collar release mechanism and the coupling halves separate.
- The hoses and couplings are guided over the saddles with arrester cables employed to control the fall of the separated coupling.
- As the hoses fall into the sea, floating marker buoys are released to assist in their swift and safe recovery.
- The controlled closure can be achieved at full flow rates and reduces the effects of pressure spikes in the system.
- The ships sail away from each other with the LNG safely contained thanks to the APC system.
- The mechanical cable release is only one of many alternative methods of activation that can be employed to operate the APC marine ERC coupling system.
Geoff Turnbull, Chairman of GT Group, said: “As the world strives to power people’s lives and industry using environmentally acceptable, available and cost effective sources, long-term demand for natural gas is growing.
“APC’s primary business objective is to meet the demands of emerging or growing markets through its extensive research and development capabilities and the creation of high quality, innovative new products.
“GT Group, and its associated companies, including APC, pride themselves on being at the forefront of technological advancements.
“The LNG industry’s highest priority has always been safety and security with the emphasis on maintaining its enviable safety record continuing as the transport of this fuel by sea increases.
“APC has worked in partnerships with industry experts from around the world to ensure this next generation of LNG products not only meet, but surpass market and safety expectations.”
In addition, APC has seen significant interest in its small scale LNG couplings, which are used to fill road tankers.
During its 40 years in operation, APC has established a reputation as a world leader in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke engineering systems.
It focuses on the safe transfer of hazardous chemicals, liquids and gases, with a portfolio of products ranging from Safety Breakaway Couplings, Drybreak Couplings, Emergency Release Collar breakaway couplings, to loading arms and loading skids.
By using advanced 3D solid modelling, virtual reality and electronic commerce, it is able to provide solutions and innovations, which are developed collaboratively with its customers.
