Hydroid Unveils Subsea Hyperbaric Testing System
Manufacturer of marine robotic systems Hydroid, Inc. has installed a new subsea Hyperbaric Testing System (HTS) at its manufacturing facility in Pocasset, Mass. in order to assess and ensure rated depth integrity of its autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and other marine robotics products.
Hydroid, a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime, said this testing was previously performed at third party facilities and that bringing this capability in-house will allow for faster response times and customized testing routines.
“The level of advanced testing this system provides is crucial in ensuring that our vehicles meet and exceed the highest standards for subsea missions,” explained Duane Fotheringham, president of Hydroid. “As industry leaders, it is our goal to continue to maximize our vehicles’ capabilities, and advance marine robotics technology.”
The Hyperbaric Testing System, manufactured by Telemark Technologies AS, Notodden, Norway (ASME Certified), is 10,000 psig Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP), and simulates hydrostatic pressures up to 6,000 meters.
The new system includes 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 1 meter in diameter and 2.2 meters 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 100 meters, 600 meters and 6,000 meters, respectively.
February 2024
