Smart-Hose Break-away protects tank, loading rack systems

June 1, 2012
Smart-Hose Technologies has a patented and engineered safety system that can be integrated into almost any type of hose assembly. In the event of a catastrophic

Smart-Hose Technologies has a patented and engineered safety system that can be integrated into almost any type of hose assembly. In the event of a catastrophic hose failure, Smart-Hose Technology is designed to instantaneously stop the flow of material in both directions.

The Smart-Hose Safety System represents a passive safety device and therefore, needs no human intervention to activate. “We manufacture our Smart-Hose assemblies for quarter-inch high-pressure hoses up to eight-inch barge hoses,” says Dean Theodos with Smart-Hose. “Any Hose, any fitting, any application, Smart-Hose Technologies can make your transfer operation safer.”

Typically, hose assemblies represent the weak-link in any transfer operation, according to Theodos. One exception is a pull-away accident. During a pull-away incident a 2” textile braided hose assembly can be exposed to 12,000+ pounds of pull force before it fails. Under these circumstances, the hose assembly may not be the weak-link and can lead to additional damage to plant piping, bulkheads, and tank truck piping which can result in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical.

The Smart-Hose Break-away Safety System is designed with an engineered break point that has been integrated within the Smart-Hose fitting. In the event of a pull-away incident the Smart-Hose Break-away safety system is designed to fail at an engineered pull force and works in conjunction with the Smart-Hose safety system.

During a pull-away incident the hose assembly stretches to an unsafe condition at which point the Smart-Hose Safety system/valves engage (close in both directions) in order to eliminate the potential for an uncontrolled release. To minimize the potential damage to plant piping and tank car piping, the Smart-Hose Break-away Safety System is designed to break.