Breakaway Valve

Proven lifesavers, Stratoflex breakaway valves separate under high loads on fluid lines exceeding a predetermined value. 

Upon separation, the valves automatically seal the fluids in the lines to effectively prevent spills. 

Breakaway valves are typically used on fuel lines, main fuel tanks, extended range aircraft auxiliary fuel tanks, air-to-air refueling systems, and fall-away external tanks. 

Tank vent lines often use the single valve versions.

The basic design incorporates a butterfly valve mounted to a cam shaft loaded by a coil spring. 

This design allows for a small envelope, lightweight, and minimum pressure drop across the coupling. 

The mechanism consists of two valve plates and/or a single plate and detent post.

These are held against each other by spring action until the fuse section separates to allow valve closure. 

An internal sealing sleeve is installed in between the interface joint of the two valve bodies and seals the fluid leakage from internal to external before valve bodies are totally separated. 

This construction permits a clean valve passage, minimizing ice formation and contamination. 

No parts are released to interfere with the valve operation during closure. 

The primary function of breakaway valves is to protect attached fuel system lines from damage due to excessive separation loads. 

Breakaway valves safely separate at the fuse area, preventing fuel line rupture while sealing the fuel lines before the attached plumbing material can be stressed to the point of failure or leakage. 

The breakaway fuse is usually designed to separate at 25 to 50 percent of the attaching structure or tubing’s normal strength, allowing controlled and safe separation in the line, and valve closure before damage occurs. 

The 21605 series Breakaway Valves are designed for 1.0 inch fuel systems with options for single or dual valve closures. 

It is available in aluminum alloy body construction. 

Component materials include stainless steel and other materials compatible with typical aviation fuel.