British Engines Group company, Tyne Pressure Testing, has successfully completed its first commercial test in one of Europe’s largest commercially available hyperbaric chambers.
About Tyne Pressure Testing
Tyne Pressure Testing is a multi-million pound research and pressure testing facility.
The facility is being developed by British Engines and Newcastle University. The pressure testing facility will offer customers world-leading testing services. These services will be conducted in an integrated facility in the North East. It will operate nine hyperbaric chambers of varying specifications.
The first commercial test in Tyne Pressure Testing’s large hyperbaric chamber
Tyne Pressure Testing’s first commercial test in its largest chamber measured buoyancy loss in a subsea module. The module, measuring 2 by 0.5 metres and has been tested at pressures of 4,641 PSI. Testing has taken place over 24 hours to establish how much water the component absorbs when subject to prolonged deep-water submersion.
The largest chamber is capable of testing high pressures, whilst accommodating large objects. TSS5 has an internal length of 4.5 metres (almost 15 foot). The hyperbaric chamber can simulate water depths to 4,500 meters.
In addition, the chamber can reach pressures of 450 bar and can simulate subsea water temperatures down to -2 degrees Celsius. The chamber is unique; often bigger vessels are limited in their abilities and can only simulate low pressure ratings due to their size.
Paul Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Tyne Pressure Testing, said: “The commissioning and subsequent first commercial test in our large chamber is a real milestone for the business.”
“We have spent the last 12 months completely renovating the Killingworth site. As well as commissioning and installing the hyperbaric chambers, we have put in new office and conferencing space. In addition we have invested into automation systems and other testing equipment. We have the final two smaller vessels to install, but we are now able to offer the majority of our services to our global customers.”
What is hyperbaric testing?
Hyperbaric testing is the only way to ensure the reliability of products working under subsea conditions or performing in high pressure situations. Hyperbaric chambers simulate water depths and pressures to test and verify that products can operate safely under extreme pressurised conditions.
Who is Tyne Pressure Testing?
Tyne Pressure Testing is a local partnership pioneering the links between industry and academia. It benefits from the years of experience rooted in the North East through British Engines. As well from access to knowledge from one of the UK’s leading research universities, Newcastle University, and funding from the North East LEP.