High Pressure Test Facility
Parent Body: Southampton Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH

Principal Functions
Pressure testing of equipment.

Subsidiary Functions
Measurement of material properties under high pressure.

General Details
The facility consists of a large vessel and associated computerised control equipment which provides the means by which oceanographic instruments, engineering components and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) sub-assemblies are subjected to simulated deep ocean hydrostatic pressure. In addition, the vessel pressure may be controlled to simulate either descent or ascent rates for AUV’s and free-fall instruments, or to undertake accelerated life testing of components and materials. The pressurising medium is usually fresh water, although provision can be made to use standard seawater instead, but with a consequent modest reduction of the internal volume of the vessel.

Specification
The vessel’s internal dimensions are 0.9m dia × 1.2m deep with provision for external electrical and hydraulic connections to components under test. The maximum pressurisation is 690 bar within a maximum period of 7 minutes. At present, the maximum pressurisation is restricted to 410 bar, although it is hoped that the 690 bar limit will be reintroduced.

Special Features
Support staff for the operation of the facility are provided.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. Any time not needed for the Institute’s research programme is available for other users.

Charging Basis
Published charging rates are available, but these can be subject to negotiation. There is the possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement. The minimum hire period for the facility is half a day, the maximum period is subject to negotiation.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Keith Birch
Business Development
Ocean Technology Division
Southampton Oceanography Centre
Empress Dock
Southampton
SO14 3ZH
Telephone:  +44 (0)23 8059 6105   Fax +44 (0)23 8059 6149
Mobile:        077 1865 6294
Email:        kgb@soc.soton.ac.uk
Web site:   www@soc.soton.ac.uk