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The hyperbaric testing tanks
The hyperbaric testing tanks allow the immersion simulation up to 10000 metres. Due to their dimensions (1 metre
in diameter – 2 metres in height), capabilities and associated means, they are unique in Europe.
They can be filled with fresh water or natural sea water and the temperature and
the level of dissolved gas can be
regulated.
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The hyperbaric testing tanks have the following characteristics:
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Tanks type
Characteristics
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1000 bar ACB |
2400 bar |
1000 bar TDI |
600 bar EM |
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Max. Pressure |
1000 bar |
2400 bar |
1000 bar |
600 bar |
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Useful height |
2 m |
2,1 m |
1,2 m |
1,65 m |
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Useful diameter |
1 m |
0,535 m |
0,3 m |
0,3 m |
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Pressure cycling |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Temperature |
Ambient to 2°C |
Ambient to 55°C |
From 2°C to 70°C |
From 2°C to 55°C |
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Connectors |
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- electric |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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- hydraulic |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Compressed fluid |
Fresh water |
Fresh water |
Fresh water |
Fresh/Sea water |
The 4 hyperbaric testing tanks are managed and
operated by the Metrology and Testing Laboratory team, which consists of 11 engineers and
technicians.
The principal following means are associated:
- Monitoring, recording and real time processing of extensometric measurements
under pressure.
- Real time display by video camera up to 1000 bar.
- Hydraulic, electric, optical connections watertight up to 600 bar and more.
- Actuators of rotation, traction, inflection...operating under high pressure.
- Weighing of material under pressure - measurement of the variation of buoyancy...
The main activities which are carried out:
- Development, qualification, control of containers
- Study of the behaviour under pressure of composite material containers (breaking
point,
cycling, creep..).
- Tests on underwater electric and electro-optical cables; measurements of insulation, dielectric rigidity, optical
attenuation...
- Qualification of electric and optical high pressure connectors.
- Behaviour under pressure of buoys (syntactic foams, floating ropes, fishing floats ...), measurement of
buoyancy variation.
- Combined influence of pressure and temperature on the behaviour
at great depth of heat insulating
materials.
- Influence of parameters such as pressure, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen rate, marine fouling
on the ageing of materials.
Contacts :
Philippe Warnier
Yvon Le Guen
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Marine Environment Tests and Research Infrastructure
