CRP Subsea invests in hydrostatic testing infrastructure

(WO) — CRP Subsea has expanded its hydrostatic testing capabilities with the installation of four new pressure vessels at its Hydrostatic Test Centre in Skelmersdale, UK, strengthening its ability to qualify subsea products for deepwater applications. 

The new instrumented buoyancy loss (IBL) pressure vessels are designed for sample testing to API 17L standards and can operate at pressures of up to 700 bar. The systems also provide temperature control between 0°C and 30°C, allowing engineers to simulate subsea operating conditions and evaluate long-term product performance.

According to the company, the vessels feature quick-acting closure systems that reduce sample loading times from approximately 3.5 hours to 10 minutes, improving testing efficiency and throughput.

Hydrostatic testing is used to assess the performance of subsea materials and components under simulated deepwater pressures prior to offshore deployment. The process can be used to measure buoyancy loss over time and evaluate resistance to hydrostatic crush pressures.

“This investment represents a significant step forward for our hydrostatic testing capability in Skelmersdale,” said Ian McKay, Test and Development Supervisor at CRP Subsea. “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.”

CRP Subsea's existing Hydrostatic Test Centre is capable of testing full-scale products under pressures equivalent to approximately 7 km of seawater depth. The addition of the new vessels expands the company's in-house qualification and validation capabilities for subsea equipment operating in harsh offshore environments.