JIG Bulletin No. 3 (Feb 2005) – Hydrant Pit Valves and Couplers

The purpose of issuing this bulletin is to advise Hydrant Operators and Into-plane Services of the status of implementation of API/IP 1584 Third Edition and to confirm the need for some modifications to existing Carter Pit Valves.

Introduction

API Specification 1584 “Four Inch Hydrant System Components and Arrangements Third Edition January 2001” includes a requirement for a clean breakaway of the coupler from the pit valve adaptor when subjected to a sideways impact or load. The specification includes test procedures to ensure that in service the coupler will separate from the pit valve, when a force in the range of 4000 to 5000 pounds is applied, without damaging the ability of the pit valve poppet to close and prevent a large fuel spill.
This requirement is intended to avoid a geyser of Jet Fuel being released from the pit valve in the case of a hydrant coupler knock off caused, for example, by a service vehicle colliding with the pressurised pit valve and coupler arrangement during aircraft fuelling. If the coupler breaks away cleanly, the pit valve poppet will close rapidly thus minimising any pressurised fuel release. There will still be some spillage from the hydrant servicer hose and pipe work via the damaged coupler but this is considered significantly less hazardous than a pressurised geyser of Jet Fuel from a damaged pit valve.

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