New deepwater simulator expands HP/HT testing threshold

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) recently unveiled a new hyperbaric test chamber for equipment that requires high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) testing. The deepwater ocean simulator is capable of attaining pressures of 30,000 psig at a rated temperature of 500°F, making it suitable for testing subsea technologies that will be used for the deepest and hottest subsea wells.

With an interior length of 10 ft, an inner diameter of 16 in., and a wall thickness of 11 in., the cylindrical simulator is crafted of SA-508-Grade 4N Class 2 material that has a tensile strength of 100,000 psi. SwRI designed and built the simulator in accordance with Section VIII-Division 2 rules of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

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