1. Functions of LNG Breakaway Valves

• Emergency isolation to prevent leakage: In case of unexpected incidents such as accidental pulling, collision, or excessive tension on the LNG transfer hose (or pipeline) during loading, unloading, or transportation, the valve can automatically and quickly disconnect at the preset breaking point. This immediate separation effectively isolates the LNG source from the downstream system, minimizing or preventing large-scale LNG leakage.
• Protection of equipment and personnel safety: By stopping the flow of LNG promptly when a hazard occurs, the valve avoids potential risks caused by leakage, such as low-temperature damage to surrounding equipment, frostbite to on-site personnel, and even more severe accidents like fires or explosions triggered by LNG vaporization and ignition.
• Maintenance of system operational stability: In non-emergency scenarios, the valve maintains a tight seal in the connected state, ensuring the normal and stable flow of LNG in the transfer pipeline, thus guaranteeing the smooth progress of LNG loading, unloading, or supply operations.

2. Operational Precautions for LNG Breakaway Valves

• Pre-operation inspection:
  • Visually check the valve body, connecting parts, and sealing components for damage, corrosion, or deformation. Ensure there are no cracks, scratches, or signs of wear that could affect sealing performance.
  • Verify that the valve's breaking tension (or pressure) setting is consistent with the design requirements of the LNG transfer system. Do not adjust the preset parameters without authorization.
  • Confirm that the valve's indicator (if equipped) shows a normal "connected" status, and check that the manual operation handle (if any) is in the correct position.
• During operation monitoring:
  • During LNG transfer operations (loading/unloading), continuously monitor the valve's working status through the system's pressure gauge, flow meter, or dedicated monitoring equipment. Pay attention to whether there is abnormal pressure fluctuation or flow interruption.
  • Prohibit any unauthorized tapping, knocking, or mechanical impact on the valve body to avoid damaging the internal structure or causing false triggering of the breaking function.
  • Ensure that the area around the valve is unobstructed. No irrelevant personnel or objects should be placed nearby to facilitate emergency response and valve maintenance if an incident occurs.
• Post-operation and maintenance requirements:
  • After the completion of each LNG transfer operation, conduct a secondary inspection of the valve. Check for any LNG residue, frost, or leakage at the connection points, and clean the valve surface if necessary.
  • Perform regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications (e.g., quarterly or annually). This includes disassembling and inspecting internal components (such as springs, seals, and check valves), replacing worn parts, and re-calibrating the breaking tension (or pressure) to ensure the valve remains in good working condition.
  • If the valve has been triggered to break in an emergency, it must be inspected and tested by professional technicians before reuse. Do not reconnect and use the valve without confirmation of its integrity and performance.
  • Keep detailed records of the valve's inspection, maintenance, and emergency activation, including dates, operation personnel, detected issues, and handling measures, for traceability and system safety management.