Additional design features ensure minimal amount of residual fuel at the poppet void space on disconnection; protection against ingress of foreign debris; robust yet positive ergonomic handling; 3 seal options cater for standard operation, Ethanol blends and artic conditions.
Fort Vale rigorously tests each of its robust Safeload couplers. Prior to despatch, every Safeload is pressure tested to 145 PSI (10 Bar), drop tested and side impact tested. Ongoing R&D proves that the coupler is meeting and exceeding operational expectations. The company cites a Safeload semi-automatic coupler that was inspected after 18 months hard service through two winters. The unit showed no sign of wear to the triggers or seals despite a throughput in excess of 90 million litres (24 million US gallons approx.)
The Safeload coupler is compliant with ATEX Group II Cat.2, EN13083 and API RP1004 and is already the preference of many major oil companies in the U.K. and Europe due to its superior safety features, ease of maintenance and robust construction.
To complement the Safeload couplers, Fort Vale will be introducing its 4” TTMA Check valve and 4” TTMA Volume Expansion Ring.
The 4” TTMA Check Valve fits behind the Safeload coupler and is designed to act as an independent secondary closure. This offers a major advantage to the market both in terms of saving time and saving money because it enables the Safeload coupler to be removed from the loading arm for maintenance without needing to fully drain the hose, thus preventing fuel wastage. The Check valve also puts an end to the problem of fraudulent gravity drainage and theft of fuel in the loading arm that has been experienced by some depots.
The Check valve has a standard 4” TTMA flanged connection. A choice of spring settings is available, depending upon the head of pressure in the hose. Fitted with a Viton B seal as standard, alternative seal materials are offered to cater for other conditions. An optional fluid transfer hole may be incorporated into the valve closure plate.
The 4” TTMA Volume Expansion Ring may be used in conjunction with the Check valve or it may simply be mounted between the Safeload coupler and the hose flange. It is designed for use with rigid loading arms and short hoses to facilitate closure of the Safeload coupler by accommodating displaced fuel from the coupler. The Volume Expansion Ring offers the user the advantage of saving time and makes the Safeload easier to use.
For operator safety and routine maintenance, Fort Vale offers wear gauges and proprietary tools as well as a comprehensive maintenance manual. The API adapter wear gauge checks the wear to both the outside diameter and the contact face of the API tanker nose gauge. It became mandatory in the UK in 2006 under section B.12.2 of the recognized industry standard “Safe Loading Pass for Trailers and Tank Equipment.”
Fort Vale will also be introducing their new range of Drytyt dry disconnect couplings for the safe transfer of odorous or hazardous liquids. The recent addition of a PTFE insert in the range of hose units has resulted in an even smoother operation, without the need for lubricants. A compatible firesafe-designed pressure-tight cap is available to use as a secondary or tertiary closure. It is designed to safely release any build up of pressure from the tank unit. The cap seals metal to metal when locked on to the tank unit and the integral gasket ensures a gas-tight and liquid-tight seal. Drytyt tank units and hose units can be laser etched with a customer logo and/or text identifying the dedicated product. All industry sizes are available and are compatible and interchangeable with Todo®, Mann-Tek® and Avery Hardoll® units.
Fort Vale has been established for over 40 years and is a recognised market leader in the design and manufacture of high quality components for the container tank and tank truck industry. Its U.S. subsidiary, Fort Vale Incorporated has been established since 1982 and services the U.S. OEM market as well as distributing genuine spare parts and providing expert after-market service and technical support.