Risbridger Shear Valves Increasing Safety and Minimising Environmental Damage from Lpg Autogas Dispensers

Fitting shear valves onto lpg dispensers increases safety on forecourt installations and can minimise environmental damage, whilst enhancing safety levels in the event of dispenser displacement, says Piers Gibson, sales manager at Risbridger Ltd, a supplier of forecourt products.

“Frequently, lpg autogas vehicles manoeuvring on garage forecourts can collide with the dispenser unit and displace the pump from its proper position on its fixed base,” he said.

“Equally, it’s not uncommon for vehicles to drive away with the hose still attached to the vehicle. In order to prevent significant fuel spillages, which can be substantial in the case of a pressure-feed system, it’s usual practice to fit a shear valve into the pump delivery pipeline.”

A weakened zone in the valve will shear if the lpg autogas dispenser is subjected to lateral displacement. An automatic assembly within the valve then closes the delivery pipeline both upstream and downstream to prevent leakage of fuel to the atmosphere.

Operation of the valve poppets is controlled by a displaced ball arrangement, and a minor impact is insufficient to displace the fuel pump from its normal position and crack the valve body across its weakened zone, causing the valve to close.

Risbridger shear valves are made from a non-spark brass body which allows a flow of up to 80 litres per minute with minimal pressure drop. Both the poppets and valve seats are also brass and equipped with Nitrile seals.

“Risbridger has for many years been committed to the design and development of forecourt products that will protect the environment and make forecourts a safer place to work and visit,” said Piers. “Risbridger foresees major progress in forecourt developments and is currently working on numerous new or improved products to meet the lpg autogas industry’s needs and those of new standards and regulations.

“Non-spark brass construction provides excellent durability in harsh refuelling environments and the shear valves help to prevent damage to fuelling facilities and equipment, whilst reducing potential hazards.”

Risbridger shear valves are Sira certified and utilise a double poppet design that causes both sides to close when breakaway occurs. A dispenser mounting clamp kit is included.

“Risbridger continuously strives to ensure all products receive the nessesary certification to complement the safety requirements of the industry. Due to the high pressures involved and the dangerous nature of lpg autogas, it’s important that contractors are completely satisfied with the product being fitted, and that it has been tested and achieved the correct certification relevant to the application.”

Contact Risbridger Ltd on 08456 442323 www.risbridger.com

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