US-based Hydroid has installed a new subsea hyperbaric testing system (HTS), made by Telemark Technologies, at its manufacturing facility in Pocasset, Massachusetts.
Hydroid, which is a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime AUV Group, manufactures marine robotic systems.
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The newly installed testing system simulates hydrostatic pressures found at depths of 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.
Previously, the testing was conducted at third party facilities and with the installation of the HTS. Hydroid aims for faster response times and more customised testing routines than before.
Hydroid president Duane Fotheringham said: "The level of advanced testing this system provides is crucial in ensuring that our vehicles meet and exceed the highest standards for subsea missions.
"As industry leaders, it is our goal to continue to maximise our vehicles’ capabilities, and advance marine robotics technology."
The new HTS has 10,000psig maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP), and 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 1m in diameter and 2.2m in height, meaning the chamber can accommodate testing of Hydroid’s entire family of AUVs, such as the REMUS 100, new generation REMUS 100, REMUS 600 and REMUS 6000, which can dive to 100m, 600m and 6,000m, respectively.
Hydroid’s Pocasset facility, which includes a 20ft testing pool, a 6,000m rated hyperbaric test chamber and a 289kw solar array, and performs engineering, manufacturing and quality assurance operations.
The facility was opened in July last year.
