Replacing The Fuel Pump's Breakway: A Step-By-Step Guide

A breakaway fitting is a safety measure used to prevent high costs and damage caused by drive-away incidents at fuel stations. When a motorist forgets to remove the nozzle from their tank and drives away, the breakaway fitting disconnects the nozzle from the dispenser, preventing the dispenser from being pulled over and avoiding fuel spills. This guide will explain how to change the breakaway fitting on a fuel pump, a process that involves selecting the appropriate breakaway model and ensuring proper installation to maintain safety standards at fuel stations.

Breakaway connectors prevent costly repairs and fuel loss

Breakaway connectors are an essential safety measure at gasoline stations, designed to prevent costly repairs, fuel loss, and potential disasters. They are installed on the hose, between the nozzle and dispenser, acting as a safety break in the event of a drive-away incident. When a motorist accidentally leaves the nozzle inserted in their fuel tank and drives away, the breakaway connector pulls apart, preventing the dispenser from being pulled over and causing fuel spills. This simple mechanism can save gasoline stations and motorists from expensive repairs and hazardous fuel leaks.

The breakaway connector's functionality lies in its ability to separate when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the hose. Typically, when 250 pounds of force is exerted, the connector's two parts separate, and valves instantly close in each section. This swift action halts the flow of fuel from both parted ends of the hose, minimizing fuel loss and the risk of fire. The breakaway connector also ensures that the dispenser remains intact, avoiding the need for costly repairs or replacements.

The importance of breakaway connectors becomes evident when considering the potential consequences of their absence. Without them, a motorist driving away with the nozzle still inserted could pull the entire gasoline dispenser off the pump island. This scenario can lead to expensive repairs, as the dispenser and hose assembly may require extensive work. Moreover, if the impact valve beneath the dispenser malfunctions, the results could be catastrophic. Gasoline could spew out from the dispenser piping under pressure, creating a severe fire hazard.

To mitigate these risks, gasoline stations can choose from a range of breakaway connectors available in the market. These include single-use and reconnectable options, with the latter offering the convenience of snapping the connector back together after an incident. Some advanced options, like the Catlow CAM TWIST Magnetic In-Line Breakaway, offer preventative testing while installed. This feature eliminates the need for a removal date, as the connector can be easily inspected for damage, corrosion, or wear.

In conclusion, breakaway connectors play a crucial role in maintaining safety and preventing costly repairs and fuel loss at gasoline stations. By installing these safety breaks, stations can minimize the impact of drive-away incidents, protect their equipment, and reduce the chances of fuel spills and potential fires. With a range of options available, gasoline stations can choose the most suitable breakaway connectors to ensure the well-being of their customers and staff while maintaining the integrity of their fueling operations.

Breakaway couplings prevent dispensers from being pulled over

Breakaway couplings are an essential safety feature at fuel stations, preventing dispensers from being pulled over and avoiding fuel spills. They are designed to prevent high costs resulting from drive-away incidents at fuel stations. When a vehicle drives away from the pump with the nozzle still inserted, the breakaway coupling is activated, disconnecting the hose and preventing the dispenser from being pulled over. This safety mechanism is crucial to protect both the vehicle and the fuel station infrastructure.

The breakaway coupling consists of two main components: the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion. The upper housing portion is typically bolted or attached to the dispensing unit at the fuel station, while the lower housing portion is connected to the upper housing. The connection between the two housing portions is designed to withstand a certain amount of force but will break away if a predetermined force is exceeded. This force threshold is set to ensure that the coupling can withstand normal usage while also providing a safety release when necessary.

Within the breakaway coupling, there are sealing members and springs that work together to control the flow of fuel. The sealing members are cylindrical in shape and have tapered surfaces that correspond to each other. The springs apply opposing forces on the sealing members, maintaining them in a slightly spaced position, allowing fuel to flow through the coupling. When the coupling disconnects due to excessive force, the sealing members are no longer engaged, and the springs urge the sealing members into sealing engagement, blocking the flow of fuel and preventing spills.

The breakaway coupling can be reassembled after an incident by replacing the broken components, such as the breaking bolts or the retaining collar. It is important to inspect and test the coupling thoroughly before resuming its usage to ensure it functions correctly and safely.

Breakaway couplings are designed to prevent accidents and mitigate the consequences of drive-away incidents at fuel stations. By incorporating this safety feature, fuel stations can minimize the risk of damage to their equipment and reduce the potential for fuel spills, enhancing the overall safety of their operations.

Breakaway valves prevent fuel spills

Breakaway valves are an essential safety feature in fuel transfer systems, designed to prevent fuel spills in the event of an extreme separation load. They are commonly used in aircraft refuelling and automotive refuelling to avoid the high costs associated with drive-away incidents. These valves are designed to fracture when a specific amount of lateral stress is applied, minimising spills and preventing expensive equipment from being damaged or destroyed.

In aircraft refuelling, breakaway valves are crucial for safety. They are used when a tanker pulls up to an airplane to refuel or at a pumping station. The valves are designed to break away from the fuel line, sealing it and preventing fuel spills. This is especially important considering the large fuel capacity of airplanes, such as the Boeing 747, which can hold over 63,000 gallons of highly flammable fuel.

Breakaway valves consist of several internal parts, including a fuse and a valve. The fuse is designed to break under extreme separation loads, while the valve is responsible for sealing the fuel line to prevent fuel spills. By default, the valves are open to allow fuel transfer, but they will close and break away from the fuel line in the event of an extreme load, such as when an airplane pulls away from the tanker or pumping station.

In automotive refuelling, breakaway valves, also known as break-away couplings or fuel nozzle breakaways, serve a similar purpose. They prevent dispensers from being pulled over and avoid fuel spills during drive-away incidents. These valves are designed to fracture under lateral stress, separating into two Dry Break components. This minimises spills, prevents fires, and protects refuelling equipment from being damaged or dragged away during a drive-away incident.

Overall, breakaway valves are a critical component in fuel transfer systems, ensuring safety and minimising the environmental impact of fuel spills. By breaking away and sealing the fuel line, they help prevent accidents, fires, and costly equipment damage.

Disconnecting the breakaway hose

First, it is crucial to understand the function of a breakaway hose. A breakaway connector is a safety device installed on gasoline station hoses to prevent accidents and fuel spills. It is designed to separate when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the hose, typically around 200-250 pounds of pull force. This separation activates valves that immediately stop the flow of fuel, preventing it from leaking out of the hose.

Now, let's walk through the process of disconnecting the breakaway hose:

• Prepare the necessary tools: You will need a pair of wrenches or similar tools to loosen and separate the breakaway coupling. It is also recommended to wear safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to safeguard against any fuel exposure.
• Locate the breakaway connector: The breakaway connector is usually installed between the nozzle and the dispenser, or between the nozzle and the cable hose clamp if the hose is suspended from a hose retriever.
• Apply wrenches to the breakaway coupling: Place the wrenches at opposite ends of the breakaway connector and apply a twisting motion. This will create tension and begin to separate the two halves of the coupling.
• Seal the internal components: As you continue to twist, the unique design of the breakaway connector will seal the internal components, preventing any exposure to fuel and reducing the risk of spills.
• Complete the separation: Keep applying force with the wrenches until the breakaway connector separates into two parts. Ensure that the valves within each separated section are closed, preventing any fuel from flowing out.
• Inspect the breakaway connector: Before reconnecting or disposing of the breakaway, inspect it for any damage, corrosion, or wear. This step is crucial to ensure the breakaway connector functions properly during its next use.
• Dispose of or reconnect the breakaway: If you are using a single-use breakaway, dispose of it safely and responsibly. If you have a reconnectable breakaway, you can proceed to the next step.
• Reconnect the breakaway connector: For reconnectable breakaways, alignment and reconnection are generally straightforward. Simply align the two halves of the connector and push them back together. In some cases, magnetic snap-back technology may be used, making the reconnection process even easier.

Remember, it is essential to use a whip hose along with the breakaway connector to ensure proper functionality. This will help the breakaway pull apart smoothly and minimise damage to the equipment.

Reconnecting the breakaway hose

Reconnecting a breakaway hose is a simple process and can be done in a few steps. Firstly, it is important to note that breakaway couplings are safety mechanisms designed to prevent dispensers from being pulled over and to prevent fuel spills. They are usually installed on the hose, between the nozzle and dispenser, and will pull apart when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the hose. This activation of the breakaway coupling will cause a valve to close in each of the two now-separate parts, preventing fuel from flowing out.

To reconnect the breakaway hose, you will need to separate the two halves of the coupling. This can be done by applying two wrenches to opposite ends of the breakaway and twisting, as seen in the Catlow Cam Twist Magnetic Breakaway design. This motion will mechanically separate the unit while sealing the internal components to reduce any exposure to the product.

Once the two halves are separated, you can begin the process of reconnecting. For the Catlow Cam Twist design, simply align the two halves together, and the magnets will snap back together, ensuring an easy and secure connection.

Other breakaway models, such as the OPW 66REC Dry Reconnectable Breakaway, will require a few additional steps. When reconnecting the two separated halves, ensure that the O-ring is sealed tightly before the poppet stems engage to open the valve. This step is crucial for proper operation, especially for high-hanging hoses.

By following these steps, you can securely reconnect your breakaway hose, ensuring that your fuel pump is safe and functional once again.

Frequently asked questions