(Ref: SO575, Equip No. 2149)
Configured horizontally, this pressure vessel is used for carrying out qualification testing and production FATs on electrical and fibre-optic connector systems for subsea power and communications.
It has the ability to simulate most subsea extreme operating conditions by heating, chilling and agitation of the testing media – seawater with sand and silt, whilst allowing the test components to be manipulated; replicating the mate/ de-mate functionality of the equipment whilst live electrical testing is performed.
For such a large pressure vessel, the bolted closure design was chosen to optimize and ensure the longevity of the vessel closure sealing element whilst maximising the available space within the vessel. A bespoke bolt tensioning device was designed and manufactured to ensure the tightening sequence and operating torque of the bolting was equally obtained and a hydraulic closure control system.
