Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Hydrostatic testing is probably the most common and most regular form of testing undertaken by our engineers. To assist with the thorough and comprehensive testing of buoyancy modules, we have installed one of the largest hyperbaric test chambers in Europe. Rated to 1050msw, it has an overall height of 8.8metres and internal diameter of 3 metres; enough to accommodate some of the largest buoyancy modules.
To complement this impressive test facility, we now have a second chamber rated to 3400 msw
The test requires a standard ASTM test speciment to be pressurised at a rate equivalent to an increase of 24 MPa (3500 PSI) every 60 seconds and the failure point recorded when any drop is witnessed on the testing machine's load deflection curve.
This test method is quick to perform and gives a good indication of the overall foam performance. It also provides information for predicting the usefulnes of a foam for a given hydrostatic pressure specification.