Hydroid Unveils Subsea Hyperbaric Testing System
Hydroid has installed a subsea hyperbaric testing system (HTS) at its manufacturing facility in Pocasset, USA. The testing system simulates hydrostatic pressures found at depths up to 6,000m and will be used to test Hydroid’s autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and other marine robotics products to ensure their integrity at rated depth. This testing was previously performed at third-party facilities. Bringing this capability in-house will allow for faster response times and customised testing routines.
The hyperbaric testing system, manufactured by Telemark Technologies AS, Notodden, Norway (ASME Certified), provides unrivalled safety and capability. The system is 10,000psig Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) and is capable of testing equipment designed for use in ocean depths of up to 6,000m. The innovative features of the new system include built-in safeties with secondary pressure containment, rapid turnaround time and full electrical and hydraulic interfaces to test the assemblies while at pressure. The internal vessel dimensions are 1m in diameter and 2.2m in height. This means the chamber can accommodate testing of Hydroid’s complete family of AUVs, including the REMUS 100, New Generation REMUS 100, REMUS 600 and REMUS 6000, which can dive to 100m, 600m and 6,000m, respectively.
