Identifying the best fluid transfer coupling for the job

Paul Boughton

Selecting the right Dry Break coupling for your hose can be a challenging task, but equally having the correct coupling can boost performance and bring enhanced benefits to a company’s operation
 
With an assortment of different Dry Break Couplings to choose from, it is often confusing to know which choice would be best suited for a specific application. This article discusses the options available for fluid transfer connections and suggests which are best for specific uses.
 
In an age where safety and the environment are at the forefront of many companies operations, great care needs to be taken in considering secure, reliable components that ensure the integrity of product, the safety of individuals and the environment.  Dry Break Couplings are critical components in industries that use and transfer hazardous or expensive product. Selecting the right coupling can ultimately determine the success or failure of a hose line. More importantly, taking the necessary design precautions up front can help prevent costs due to later component failure and ensure improved, on-going operator safety.
 
Impact

Recent high profile environmental incidents involving spillage of hazardous materials have highlighted the need for reliable, precision-engineered Dry Break Coupling systems. Many companies are still using basic non-valved quick release coupling systems where the risks of spills on inadvertent coupling disconnection are high, this resulting in major environmental damage that could possibly be dangerous, and expensive to rectify.
 
Using a Dry Break Coupling system can minimise or in the case of DRY LINK and PARKER SNAP-TITE SERIES 71 products, can minimise or even eliminate spillage and general transfer risks measurably. No more expenses on spill kits or spill contractors! No more putting employees, clients and the environment at risk. Dry Break Coupling systems are precision engineered to add value and minimise risk. Although a slightly higher level of investment is initially required, the long-term benefits are far greater in providing peace of mind, safety in the workplace and reduced total running costs.
 
Assessing the Selection

 
The key to selecting the correct Dry Break Coupling system is to match the application, operating conditions, product and budget to risk and environmental considerations.
 
Action-Sealtite can provide you with expert technical guidance in this respect. We provide a range Dry Break Couplings that convey product in a safe and cost effective manor without fear of damage to the environment or putting the operator at risk.
 
Dry Break Coupling systems are growing in popularity among many of the industries today, including chemical, pharmaceutical, offshore and industrial.  
 
A Dry Break Coupling system will be dictated by the client, taking into account the cost and what level of spillage is acceptable. The selection process is simple; if the client’s requirements is to have no spillage, selection can be made from DRY LINK, PARKER SNAP-TITE 71 SERIES or CLEANBREAK ranges. Where minimal non-hazardous amounts of spillage are tolerable, our PARKER SNAP-TITE’s 72 SERIES or DRY-MATE ranges provide a lower cost option. The choice is yours.
 
* Users: Dry Break Couplings cover a wide range of applications, primarily where the product being conveyed is either hazardous or expensive, or both. Markets include Chemical, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics.
 
* Maintenance: With frequently used mechanical accessories such as couplings, maintenance is a key factor. Too often these couplings are fitted and inadvertently expected to operate without any maintenance or regular inspection. Having a maintenance programme in place will secure the investment and increase the life cycle of the fitting.
 
* Ensuring safety: Dry Break Coupling systems as opposed to earlier concepts, will greatly enhance the safe working conditions of employees, require minimal operator intervention and reduce the risk of product loss and consequent environmental impact.

Conclusion
 
Dry Break Coupling systems are available to suit most applications. They bring increased overall value to the application by offering features that make operations simpler, safer and reliable. The somewhat higher initial investment will spare you the costs of future expensive environmental clean-up operations.  
 
By consulting with experts in the early phases of plant design and upgrades, you can ensure that the optimum connections are specified for all applications and prevent functionality and safety issues later.   
 
Action Sealtite Ltd is based in Didcot, Oxon, UK.