New Wave Media

The hyperbaric testing system hasbeen delivered by Optime Subsea with an inner diameter of 635mm (25in) and a height of 2 500mm (98in). It has just beeninstalled at WHOI’s facilities in Woods Hole, MA and includes both a pressure vessel and a control system.The new test chamber is part of a grant awarded from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Massachussetts Technology Collaborativeto WHOI, to improve its test facilities and provide access to state of the art facilities for the entire Marine Robotics Sector state as a whole. Contract value is undisclosed.

 

The 20 000psi hyperbaric pressure vessel wasmanufactured by Optime Subsea in Notodden, Norway and delivered to WHOI on schedule and on budget.

 

“This system more than triples our high pressure test capacity by enableing unattended 24x7 operations.  It replaces an outdated system that is more than 50 years old with a modern system that incorporates high standards of safety and functionality.  This will provide vital test capability to WHOI and to the Marine Robotics Sector within the Commonwealth of Massachussets,” said Carl Kaiser, Program Manager at WHOI. 

 

“It has been great working with WHOI on this project, and we hope to continue the collaboration in the future.Our system solutions differ in both complexity and pricing, with this one categorized more towards the complex category. With a 20 000psi system and no welds, the system is uniquely resistant to dynamic pressue waves, which increases fatigue life and also resistance to particular events such as implosion.It basically allows for extreme pressure testing without degrading the lifetime. We also believe this deliveryconfirmsthat although it is a technically advanced system, it is very cost competitive. Whenconsidering the unique operational efficiency and increased lifetime of our system, the return on investment is quicker,” added Thor-Arne Lovland, Chief Operating Officer of Optime Subsea.