Abstract: A breakaway coupling for joining together two pipes the coupling having at least two separable parts, through which a conduit extends along which fluid is to be conveyed, one part being adapted for connection to one pipe and the other part being adapted for connection to the other pipe, the two separable parts being secured together by frangible means, the parts defining therebetween a fluid chamber in fluid pressure communication with the conduit, the chamber serving to subject the parts to a fluid pressure force for urging the parts together.

Abstract: A breakaway pipe coupling which, in use, is located in the pipeline extending between a movable tanker, such as a sea vessel, and a storage tank. The purpose of the coupling is to provide a weakness in the pipeline so that a pull be exerted on the pipeline which exceeds a predetermined value, the coupling will break and quickly close off the pipeline to prevent spillage.The coupling includes a main body portion (31) and a breakaway portion (20), valve means (60) in the main body for closing the conduit (14) passing through the coupling, actuation means (70) being provided for operating the valve means to close the conduit (14) on removal of the breakaway portion from the main body portion and dampening means (76, 80) for controlling the rate at which the valve means closes the conduit.