Pre-Function Testing Underwater Umbilicals

Traditionally such testing requires one end of the cable to be attached to a ship on the surface, where insulation and conductor resistance and time domain reflectometry can be measured.
MacArtney designed a self-contained testing system with an electrical and fibre optic downline. The connector garage is lowered to the umbilical by winch and attached to connectors on the umbilical by ROV. Much like an underwater extension cable, the self-contained system measures insulation resistance, conductor resistance and time domain reflectometry.

The topside junction is placed and operated on the vessel and is designed to operate even during harsh weather conditions. The subsea junction box can withstand pressure of at least 50bar and can be operated at depths of at least 500 metres.

The system tests the umbilical section-by-section, pre-commissioning the entire length of the umbilical flow line system before it is taken into use.