Submarine Pressure Chamber
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), South Arm Site, Rosyth Royal Dockyard, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, KY11 2XR

Principal Functions
Static pressure testing of models.

General Details
The Submarine Pressure Chamber is primarily intended for use in the static pressure testing of submarine models, which are attached to the chamber by means of cone-end adaptors, and may be either air or water-backed, depending on the desired operating conditions. This vessel, which uses fresh water as the pressurising medium, is mounted horizontally and so may accommodate easily asymmetric components by means of a ‘rail and trolley’ system.

Specification
The chamber is approximately 2m in diameter and has a parallel length of 7m. The maximum working pressure is 11MN/m² (1,600psi).

Special Features
Support staff for the operation of the facility are provided. A comprehensive Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) service is offered for the detection, monitoring and sizing of defects in the structures under test. A multichannel PC based datalogger is available for use with extensively instrumented models.

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. One months advance notice is required when asking for time on the facility.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation. There is the possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement. The minimum hire period for the facility is one day.

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

Contact Information
David Hitcheson
DERA South Arm
Rosyth Royal Dockyard
Dunfermline
Fife
KY11 2XR
Scotland
Telephone:  01383 435372   Fax:  01383 435237
E-mail:  dghitcheson@dera.gov.uk