BUTADIENE. Xylene. Toluene. Sulfuric acid. Potassium hydroxide. Even the names of these hazardous chemicals sound dangerous. In addition to potentially harming the health of humans and the environment if mishandled, they have another thing in common: they are very expensive to produce.
That’s why manufacturers, processors, shippers and distributors of highly hazardous, high-value chemicals enter into a tacit agreement with their employees, the environment, and bank accounts: these incredibly volatile and valuable fluids must be handled with the utmost care, from the manufacturing plant through the railcars and tanker trucks that ship them and the bulk-storage facilities that house them, lest any damage be done to any of their constituent parties.
A key link in the chemical-processing supply chain is the equipment that is used to facilitate the transfer of volatile chemicals from the manufacturing facility to transport vehicles and then to the storage terminal. For years, the accepted technology for the dry disconnect couplings that would enable the connection of hoses to storage tanks and transport vehicles has featured a poppet-style design.
The use of poppets, however, can compromise safety and create potential problems for the handler who is looking to ensure the safety of employees and the environment because the shape of the poppets inside the coupler housing form areas where chemicals can nest, meaning that there will always be the possibility that some type of product spill can occur when the couplings are disconnected. This is not a big issue if the fluid being handled is non-hazardous and inexpensive, but a potential problem when handling hazardous and high-value fluids.
Fortunately for the handlers of dangerous chemicals, there is an alternative dry-disconnect coupling technology that addresses all of the operational shortcomings that are inherent in poppet-style coupling designs. It is called the Epsilon dry disconnect coupling from OPW Engineered Systems, Lebanon, Ohio. What sets the Epsilon apart from traditional coupling technologies is the use of a ball-valve design instead of poppets to facilitate opening and closing of the coupling.
When utilizing poppet-style disconnects, liquid transfer is initiated when the poppets are opened by the operator. The liquid-transfer is completed when the operator closes the poppets. However, at this time, a small of mount of liquid can be trapped and during disconnection, it is possible that the trapped liquid can escape, leading to a minor product spill. When hazardous, high-value chemicals are being handled, this potential product spill can be harmful to site personnel and the environment.
In addition, the Epsilon coupling was also engineered for easier maintenance when compared to a poppet-style design. The Epsilon allows for quick replacement of the transfer seal without any lockout. This helps minimize downtime when replacing the seals, stems and bearings. Also, no special tools are required for replacement of the seals.
Other standard-setting features and benefits that enable the Epsilon Dry Disconnect Coupling to stand apart from the competition include:
• Straight-through fast-flow design for optimized loading/unloading times;
• Seals, stems, and bearings are easily replaced for like-new performance with minimal downtime;
• Wetted components available in 316 stainless steel or Hastelloy C;
• Spring-loaded and spring-energized PTFE, TFM, or PFA seals;
• Optional keyed interface isolates transfer lines, preventing product cross-contamination;
• Available in 1”, 2”, and 3” sizes. ♦
About the Author:
David Morrow is Director of Product Management for OPW Engineered Systems, part of Dover Corporation’s OPW division. He can be reached at (800) 547-9393 or [email protected]. For more information please go to www.opw-es.com.
