PETROVIETNAM TECHNICAL SERVICES CORPORATION

PTSC PRODUCTION SERVICES JSC

MARINE BREAKAWAY COUPLING (MBC)

INFORMATION

Vung Tau City, 12th January 2018

 PETROVIETNAM TECHNICAL SERVICES CORPORATION
PTSC PRODUCTION SERVICES JSC

AGENDA OVERVIEW

I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC
II. PURPOSE OF A MBC
III.WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A MBC
IV. INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE OF A MBC
V. PROCEDURE FOR REFURBISHMENT
 I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC

What is MBC ?

MBC is a device fitted within a flexible hose string that will part when subjected to an
axial load i.e. a pull of a certain force along the hose string, and/or when subjected to a
rapid internal pressure rise, i.e. a surge pressure of a certain value.
 I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC

What is the structure of a MBC ?

MBC is generally comprise of a unit joined in two halves incorporating a shut
off valve(s) which requires no external power or control source to activate.
The valve(s) are mechanically locked in the open position and fail safe to close
when activated. The two halves of the unit will part on load/surge and separation
initiates the closure of the valve(s). Once the unit separates, flow of the liquid
being transferred is stopped and contained within each part of the separated
hose.
 I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC

How many types of MBC ?

There are 2 types of MBC:
1. Flip-Flap Valve Marine Breakaway Coupling
2. Petal Valve Marine Breakaway Couplings

Flip-Flap Valve Petal Valve Marine

 I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC

Main Components of Flip-Flap Valve MBC

 I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC

Main Components of Flip-Flap Valve MBC

 I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC

Main Components of Petal Valve MBC

 I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC

Main Components of Petal Valve MBC

 I. DESCRIPTION OF A MBC

Where is the MBC installed ?

The recommendation for installation position of MBC at an FPSO/ FSO, between 3rd
and 4th hoses from Tanker Manifold.
 II. PURPOSE OF A MBC

Why the MBC should be fitted ?

Without an MBC fitted in the hose string, a tanker breakout incident could potentially
cause loss of integrity of the transfer hose and significant pollution could result.
MBC is fitted to mitigate the consequences of:
1. Primarily (Linear overload) - The MBC will part on linear overload. This may
occur due to a tanker moving off station due to a maneuvering fault, an unexpected
wave, wind or general inclement weather conditions.
2. Secondarily (Flow pressure surge) - The MBC will activate where an extreme
internal pressure surge occurs: caused by an unusual event such as an inadvertent
sudden valve closure downstream of the breakaway coupling.
MBCs are configured in accordance with the requirements of the terminal:
 Standard unit: The Standard Unit will activate in two circumstances.
 Stabilized unit: The Stabilized unit will activate in one circumstance.
 III. WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A MBC

How the Flip-Flap Valve MBC works ?

Stage 1: Normal Condition

 Two flaps interlock with minimum head-loss

Break Studs

Stage 2: Breakaway Load Exceeded

 The break studs elongate and the flaps are
released and rotate through a controlled arc.
 III. WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A MBC

How the Flip-Flap Valve MBC works ?

Stage 3: Closed
 Two flaps have moved 90 degrees, where they
snap onto their seat prior to the breakaway
coupling fully separating

Stage 4: Breakaway
 With 100% shut-off achieved the two halves
of the breakaway coupling then separate
completely.
 III. WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A MBC

How the Flip-Flap Valve MBC works ?

 III. WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A MBC

How the Petal Valve MBC works ?

Stage 1: Normal Condition

 The MBC is in the un-activated condition with
no restrictions through the bore.

Break Studs
Stage 2: Activate
 An axial pull or pressure surge event causes the
break studs to fracture and the coupling to part
with the upstream half activating and the first
two to four petals, as the operating parameter
dictate, closing instantaneously.
 III. WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A MBC

How the Petal Valve MBC works ?

Stage 3: Upstream Closed

 The remaining petals close in a control
manner, shutting off product flow whilst
limiting surge to a determined safe lever. The
downstream half of the coupling breaks the
sleeve retaining bolts and starts to move free

Stage 4: Down Stream Closed and Breakaway

 Once the downstream petals become free, they
close instantaneously shutting the bore and
blocking any further product release/backflow
III. WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A MBC

How the Petal Valve MBC works ?

 VI. INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE OF A MBC

INSPECTION
Inspection of Marine Breakaway Coupling is carried out at the same time as the
periodic inspection of the hose string.
This should include, but not be limited to:
1. Inspection of the MBC for impact damage.
2. Inspection of the MBC and adjacent hose string for marine growth.
3. Inspection of the exterior coating of the MBC for marine growth or corrosion.
4. Inspection for stressing around the ‘parting line’. If gaps of greater than
0.3mm are found between the unit’s body halves, Maker must be consulted.
5. Inspection for leakage around the ‘parting line’.
 VI. INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE OF A MBC

MAINTENANCE

Due to absence of moving parts, MBC no require the periodical maintenance or

inspection to be carried out while the unit in service.
Recommendation for refurbishment:
1. Petal valve MBC: MBC should return to Service Base for refurbishment after
36 months (3 years) service.
2. Flip Flap valve MBC: MBC should return to Service Base for refurbishment
after 3-5 years.
 V. PROCEDURE FOR REFURBISHMENT

How to refurbishment a MBC?

1. Blasting clean 9. Reassembly of MBC halves

2. Removal of breakstud assembly 10.Arrange third party inspection (if required)
3. Removal of stop ring (petal valve only) 11.Closure tests as with new unit
4. Removal of sleeve (petal valve only) 12.Reassembly of complete unit
5. Complete disassembly of valve 13.Breakstud destructive batch testing
components
14.Body integrity test
6. Detail inspection of all components
15.Systems pressure test
and body halves
16.Reinstallation of breakstud assembly
7. Replacement of all springs
17.Painting
8. Replacement of all seals
18.Boxing up
Thank you