Using a whip check on hoses makes gas loading much safer
The process industry often uses industrial gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2). Large consumers usually have their own storage tank, which is regularly refilled by the gas supplier using a tanker truck. The gases are often transferred under high pressure. This is a risky operation, as was evident during an incident at one such storage tank; things went seriously wrong.
Under high pressure
Tanker trucks are usually used to deliver gas from the factory to the customer. The gas in such a tanker is in liquid form. When gas is liquefied, much more can be transported, but it must be stored under high pressure in the tanker.
Special hoses and fittings required
Special hoses with corresponding fittings are needed to transfer gases in liquid form. If a hose under high pressure comes loose from the storage tank or tanker, it is literally catapulted. This happens with such force that the hose can cause severe damage and serious bodily injury.
Coupling came loose
One of our specialists was contacted by a company working with industrial gases. During the unloading of CO2, the hose coupling on the tanker came loose. In the process, the hose seriously injured the tanker driver. However, the company had not taken any measures to prevent the hose from dangerously whipping around—the so-called "whip effect." Although such couplings should never come loose, it happened here anyway. But it could have been prevented. The solution is very simple and also inexpensive.
The breakaway safety device
Anyone who has ever connected a trailer or caravan knows the breakaway device. It is an additional safety feature in the form of a steel cable that connects the trailer to the tow hitch. If the tow hitch coupling comes loose, the trailer remains attached to the vehicle and the trailer’s braking system is activated. The same principle is applied to hoses and is known as the "Whip Check" in industry jargon.
The Whip Check on a hose
The setup on a hose is very simple. A steel cable or chain is attached to the hose using a sleeve or clamp. A sturdy eyelet is installed next to the coupling on both the tanker and the storage tank, unless it is already integrated into the coupling itself. The steel cable is then fastened to the eyelet with, for example, a carabiner before the hose is connected. If the hose spontaneously disconnects from the tanker, the Whip Check prevents the hose from whipping dangerously. The driver can then safely shut off the gas supply without risk.
Much safer
The company that approached us immediately had all loading and unloading areas, tanker trucks, and hoses equipped with a Whip Check by us. The tanker drivers now feel much safer, and since then there have been no incidents. All this with a minimal investment.