60
event of damage or design alterations. Pure foam systems represent the high performance end of the market and are therefore typically used in more demanding service conditions such as extreme depths and/or service criticality.
The company’s portfolio includes its flagship low density foam (LDF) with depth ratings to 7000msw and a 10,000msw foam currently in development. The performance of this particular ultra- low density material is understood to be unique in that the buoyancy does not progressively reduce due to hydrostatic compression as the ROV flies into deeper waters. This is because the bulk modulus – compressibility under hydrostatic pressure – of the foam is marginally less than sea water.
Balmoral LDF’s unique performance derives from the use of a completely different thermoset resin system to all other syntactic foams on the market. Please refer to Table 3.
ROV/AUV external finishing
The selection of a barrier coating on buoyancy modules of any type is a critical issue. These coatings provide a high visibility, smooth gloss finish. The most common finish is a 3-5mm sprayed polyurethane elastomer applied to all external surfaces to give a highly effective impact and abrasion resistant coating for work class ROVs. Standard pigmentation is yellow, orange, red or white although other colours can be provided to match project parameters.
Hydrostatic testing
Balmoral’s Subsea Test Centre offers a comprehensive range of procedures including hydrostatic, mechanical and laboratory testing and represents a multi-million pound investment for the company.
Table 1
Composite foam material values Typical operating Typical core density kg/m3 depth ft/msw 1500/457 2000/620 3000/915 4000/1220 5000/1524 6000/1829 7000/2134 8000/2439 9000/2744 10000/3049
GRE 346 358 385 417 455 479 514 535 565 586
Carbon - - -
403 432 450 476 491 515 530
Table 2
Pure foam standard range (PFS) Typical operating Typical core density kg/m3 depth ft/msw 5750/1750 8200/2500 10000/3000 15000/4500 20000/6000 23000/7000
560 585 610 635 660 710
A unique custom-made pressure test vessel, thought to be the largest commercially available unit in Europe, forms the centrepiece of the purpose-built centre.
Installed vertically with an internal diameter of 1.83m (72”) an internal length of 9m (29.5’) and a maximum operating pressure of 410bar (6000psi), the vessel is fitted with penetration flanges to allow the connection of hydraulic and electrical lines. The quick closure flange on the vessel lid aids prompt turnaround times. “It is vital that subsea equipment performs as expected in the field”, says Balmoral’s engineering and projects manager, Fraser Milne. “When deployed many of our products are the final link in the subsea chain therefore end-users and installers must have the confidence that the products are entirely fit for purpose. Using this industry-leading facility ensures through-life performance for the products achieving certification.”
Other tests carried out at the test centre include uplift determination, water ingress, bulk modulus, compression and creep. All equipment is fitted with or linked to the latest software to provide highly detailed results.
Global deployment
David Clayton, sales director at Balmoral said: “Relationships with a number of leading manufacturers have seen 'preferred supplier' status being gained for 3000msw and deeper rated flotation. In the last 12 months we have supplied dozens of work class ROV buoyancy sets as well as intervention tooling packs destined for the deeper waters of Brazil, Gulf of Mexico and West Africa. “Ultra deep dive research applications for 5000msw+ have seen buoyancy packs shipped to France, Italy, the USA and Japan.”
Table 3
Pure foam ultra-low density range (LDF) Typical operating Typical core density kg/m3 depth ft/msw 5000/1500 6500/2000 10000/3000 16500/5000 23000/7000
400 430 450 510 520
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