Neutral buoyancy float launched for marine breakaway couplings

Marine couplings specialist Gall Thomson has introduced a new, neutral buoyancy float for marine breakaway couplings (MBC).

Named UltraFloat, the new float has been specifically designed to fit around the external profile of the MBC. When two are fitted to an MBC they provide neutral buoyancy, eliminating any reduction in buoyancy on the adjacent hoses.

The float has been deliberately shaped to reduce drag, and provides a simple, secure attachment. It also features four inspection windows to assist inspection of the MBC split line.

UltraFloat has been designed with the intention of increasing operational efficiency in all marine breakaway coupling applications, whether SPM, FSO, FPSO, FSU or in other offshore oil terminal production and bunker floating hose strings.

Gall Thomson is a designer and manufacturer of anti-pollution and safety marine breakaway couplings. The company’s couplings are designed to provide a safe starting point in marine hose transfer systems, automatically shutting off product flow and preventing system damage in the event of an extreme pressure surge or excessive tensile load on the hose string. The coupling solutions minimise the risk of spill and protect against operational downtime, workforce injury and damage to assets and the environment.