CRP Subsea, an AIS company, has enhanced its hydrostatic testing capability at its Skelmersdale facility with the installation of four new state-of-the-art pressure vessels within its Hydrostatic Test Centre.
The investment reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to in-house testing capability, operational efficiency, and delivering the highest standards of quality, performance, and assurance for customers operating in demanding subsea environments.
The four new IBL (Instrumented Buoyancy Loss) pressure vessels have been designed to enhance hydrostatic testing capability and efficiency. The vessels, measuring 420mm x 1350mm, are designed for sample testing to API 17L and operate at pressures of up to 700 bar, with temperature control ranging from 0°C to 30°C. Each vessel is equipped with a quick-acting closure system, reducing sample loading time from 3.5 hours to just 10 minutes, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Ian McKay, Test and Development Supervisor at CRP Subsea, states:
“This investment represents a significant step forward for our hydrostatic testing capability in Skelmersdale. The new IBL vessels significantly improve efficiency and overall testing capability, while automation and data logging strengthen our ability to deliver high-integrity, fully traceable testing in-house for our customers.”
Hydrostatic pressure testing plays a critical role in simulating deep-water conditions and validating product performance prior to offshore deployment. It enables accurate assessment of instrumented buoyancy loss over time at service depth, as well as resistance to hydrostatic crush pressures.
The Hydrostatic Test Centre in Skelmersdale already operates advanced pressure testing systems capable of testing full-scale products and simulating conditions equivalent to approximately 7 kilometres of seawater depth. The addition of the new pressure vessels further strengthens the company’s in-house testing capability and supports continued compliance with global industry standards.
By continuing to invest in advanced testing infrastructure, AIS is further enhancing its ability to deliver reliable, high-performance subsea solutions to customers worldwide.
