The ERSOC provides a safe parting point in the marine hose transfer system for FPSO, FSO, barge applications and seawater transfer systems in anticipated emergency scenarios or in a routine hose change out.
Gall Thomson self-energised Marine Breakaway Couplings are designed to react to tanker breakout or extreme pressure surge. The Gall Thomson ERSOC provides an additional facility for applications where controlled release over the transfer system is also required.
The ERSOC therefore does not replace the MBC and the MBC must still be installed as the safeguard against immediate events such as tanker breakout.
The activation of the Emergency Release Collar (ERC), under controlled conditions when the pumps of the FPSO/FSO have been stopped, allows the hoses to be disconnected at an identified parting point therefore preventing damage to the hoses and spillage of product contained in the hoses.
Shown: ERSOC on an FPSO in West Africa
Release mechanism
Robust clamping system
The two parts of the ERSOC are held together with a clamp that can be activated remotely with a power pack either with a hydraulic ram or with an auto release nut/stud.
Activation video is available on request
Shown: close up examples of the ERSOC release mechanism
The system is manually operated via an accumulator and hand pump/hydraulic power pack arrangement connected to a Release Collar (RC).
The coupling is activated by operation of a hand valve located on the accumulator. The 2m hose between the power pack and accumulator and the 15m hose between the accumulator and collar cylinder are fitted with quick couplings at each end.
The collar is held together by the releasing tie bar which engages on the clamp locking plate and tensioned by the adjustable threaded ring. This is pre-loaded to provide the required clamping forces to overcome internal pressure in the flanges being clamped together.
Release of the collar is achieved by the hydraulic cylinder forcing the releasing tie bar off the clamp locking plate.
ERSOC version with Emergency Release Collar
Upon opening valve, nitrogen pressure in the pre-charged (by manual hydraulic hand-pump) accumulator forces hydraulic oil into the Emergency Release Collar (ERC) cylinder causing the collar to be fired free of the tapered flanges. The two halves of the shut-off coupler are then free to part, allowing each valve disc to pivot and move forward instantaneously onto its “O” ring seal effecting closure.
ERSOC version with Auto Release Nuts
Upon open opening a valve, the release operation is achieved by introducing pressure into a cavity in the containment sleeve causing it to displace axially. The axial displacement allows the male thread to push the nut inserts out of the engagement causing the load to be released. The two halves of the shut-off coupler are then free to part, allowing each valve disc to pivot and move forward instantaneously onto its “O” ring seal effecting closure.
GTAC
