Chemical Engineering October 2016 - 64

unique method of operation nullify
the harmful effects.
The ball-valve design of the coupler
also enables it to offer an unrestricted
flow path (Figure 3), which
minimizes pressure drop. In other
words, a liquid-transfer system
that calls for a 2-in. hose can utilize
a 2-in. double ball-valve coupler
model without any reduction or
restriction to the required flowrate.
In addition to allowing the plant operator
to correctly size his or her
equipment, an unrestricted flow
path optimizes flowrates, resulting
in faster loading and unloading
times and a more efficient and
cost-effective operation.
Since the design of double ballvalve
couplers incorporates fewer
parts than poppet-style technologies,
they can be repaired onsite,
with no need for time-consuming
returns to the manufacturer or inthe-field
repair personnel to battle
with complicated and confusing repair
or maintenance instructions.
Secure product handling is key
operations,
the
for full containment. For extremely
product-sensitive
double ball-valve-style dry-disconnect
coupler offers a keyed interface
option that locks out and isolates
transfer lines. This means a specific
coupler can only be used with
a specific hose or loading arm. This
capability helps prevent cross-contamination
of liquids at sites where
numerous
unique
formulations
are handled extensively, and must
be transferred through common
piping systems.
Achieving safe operation and
cost-effectiveness is a day-to-day
challenge for chemical manufacturers
and handlers, especially when
both the finished products and raw
materials are hazardous and expensive.
With many production operations
requiring large tank farms
and the transfer of thousands of
gallons of raw materials and end
products on a daily basis, the type
of dry-disconnect coupler used,
and the technology's ability to optimize
reliability, safety and cost is a
critical consideration.
A careful understanding of the operational
advantages of different drydisconnect
technologies - including
leak-free product containment
and ease of repair and maintenance
- will enable manufacturers and
handlers to achieve a peace of mind
and hopefully decrease the workload
of organizations like the National
Response Center.
■
Edited by Mary Page Bailey
Author
David Morrow is a veteran designer
of bulk liquid-handling systems
presently employed as director
of product management for
OPW Engineered Systems, part of
Dover Corp.'s OPW division (2726
Henkle Drive,
Lebanon,
Ohio,
45036; Phone: 513-305-2059;
Email: David.Morrow@opwglobal.
com; Website: www.opw-es.com).
His nearly 20-year career working in difficult liquidtransfer
applications has included varied experiences
ranging from bottom-loading petroleum in China to
acids in Germany to crude oil in South Dakota. Morrow
graduated from the University of Cincinnati.
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