About Saturation Systems
Saturation systems are multi component systems comprised of the following:
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Deck Decompression Chamber
The DDC, typically known as the main chamber, contains the main lock which serves as the living area for the divers. This chamber is located on the dive vessel’s deck, and it is maintained at a pressure equal to the work site depth. Divers will spend their non-working hours in this chamber for the duration of their rotation, usually 30 days.
Transfer Lock
The transfer lock, referred to as the "wet pot" is the pressurized area between
the main lock and the dive bell that prevents cross contamination of the two.
It contains the main toilet and shower facilities. The TL can either be located
inside the DDC, or as a separate chamber connected to the DDC via a hatch.
Hyperbaric Rescue Chamber
The HRC is a dual purpose chamber utilized as supplemental living quarters
or as a standalone chamber for rescue purposes. A special quick release mechanism
is used to secure the HRC to the DDC for use in an emergency disengagement.
Under most circumstances the HRC is positively buoyant or can be easily tossed
in emergency conditions. Other configurations allow for emergency transfer out
of buildings and other work locations.
The HRC has a designated control van called the HRC Intervention Van. It is capable of operating autonomously from a designated support vessel or an independent location. The HRC I.V. contains an emergency umbilical and complete control panel.
Submersible Decompression Chamber
The SDC, typically known as the dive bell, acts as a transport vessel moving divers between their living quarters and the worksite. During crew rotations the bell is lifted into and out of the water and connected to the Transfer Lock. This connection forms an outer seal; once secured the divers open the inner seal and pass from one chamber to the next.
Dive bells are self contained, and they can be used as a standalone decompression chamber under emergency conditions. They are outfitted with emergency lighting, battery power, thermal protection, gas supply, and wireless through water communications.
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LARS front view
LARS rear view
Launch and Recovery System
The “LARS” system allows the dive bell to be raised and lowered in to and out of the water. It is comprised of an A frame and two hydraulic winches that hoist the bell to the surface, pivot, then lowers the dive bell next to or on top of the DDC for crew transfers
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Umbilical – The umbilical is the life support of the saturation system. This package of cables and hoses supply the dive bell, HRC, and divers with breathing gas, hot water, communications, etc.
Control vans — Support personnel manage the divers life support functions. They supply breathing gases, manage atmospheric pressure, monitor health and sanitation, and many other vital functions.
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• SAT System Control Van – houses the dive bell control, chamber control, gas control, depth recording, communications, environmental control, power, video
• ECU Van – monitors and regulates the DDC and HRC environment including heating, cooling, and freshwater supplies
• SAT Tech Van – contains equipment and spares to support the SAT system
• Reclaim Van – contains a system that economizes the usage of diver breathing gases. Exhaled gases are channeled to a filtration system, re-oxygenized, pressurized, and returned to the storage tanks for later use.
• HRC Intervention Van - emergency support, has ability to communicate with the HRC, and contains an extra umbilical and retrieval hookup; located onshore or separate vessel
• Power Distribution Van – creates power for the entire system. Can be powered by an emergency generator
• Dive Locker Van – stores dive equipment and spare parts
• Surface Dive Van – supports surface diving operations; includes surface diver DDC
• Tool Van – contains a workbench, requisite tools, and spare parts
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• A typical 6 man SAT operation requires up to 17 additional personnel working around the clock to support both the diving operations and the divers life support needs.
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Safety is of the utmost importance during any Global diving project. All systems have multiple redundancy features. There are contingent systems available for gas supply, communications, bell recovery, lighting, etc.
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3840 West Marginal Way SW
Seattle, WA 98106
Phone: (206) 623-0621
Fax: (206) 932-9036
Email Us
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