Description
The Water Pressure Testing Chamber – 10 MPa / 20 L is a professional-grade hydrostatic testing apparatus constructed from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel. It allows engineers and technicians to safely simulate water pressures up to 10 MPa—equivalent to a depth of 1,000 meters—making it ideal for validating the pressure integrity of underwater equipment including enclosures, cable penetrators, and connectors.
The chamber includes a manual hydraulic pump, a high-capacity 20 L stainless steel pressure vessel, and a precision-machined hatch cover with 18 penetrator-compatible openings. These ports enable real-time electrical or data connections to devices under test. The hatch cover also features high-strength handles and a rotating lock mechanism with safety ratchets for secure operation during pressure cycling.
The chamber is equipped with quick couplings for easy pressure connections and supports a pressure range of 0–10 MPa with a gauge and pump capable of 0–16 MPa, as well as 8 fulcrum wheels to assist with mobility on level ground. Due to its substantial weight (~200 kg), it must be lifted using appropriate mechanical assistance such as a crane.
Pressure Equipment Compliance & Documentation:
This Water Pressure Testing Chamber is designed as professional hydrostatic pressure-testing equipment for water-filled operation. It is intended for controlled pressure testing of underwater, subsea, and ROV components using water as the test medium.
For use in the European Union, this equipment falls under Sound Engineering Practice for pressure equipment, based on its water-filled hydrostatic design, pressure rating, internal volume, pressure medium, and intended use. Under this classification, CE marking under the Pressure Equipment Directive is not applicable and the equipment should not be CE marked as pressure equipment.
Equipment supplied under Sound Engineering Practice may be placed into use in the EU when it is designed and manufactured according to recognized engineering principles and supplied with appropriate information for safe operation. Blu-Sub provides supporting documentation for this purpose, including safety and operating instructions, product identification, pressure rating information, and relevant pressure-test documentation where applicable.
Local requirements may still apply depending on the country, facility, and intended use. These may include workplace-safety rules, local registration, inspection, approval, or periodic examination requirements. The end user is ultimately responsible for confirming and meeting any local requirements before use.
Blu-Sub can provide reasonable technical documentation and product information to support customer-led internal reviews and local compliance assessments.
This equipment is suitable for pressure testing of subsea products in R&D, QA, and prototyping workflows. It requires basic hydraulic knowledge and safe handling practices. A pressure relief penetrator tool (HOP6 hex wrench) is recommended for maintenance. Operators should also be aware of the recommended water fill level (~25 L total capacity) and must dry steel bolts after use to prevent corrosion.
Important: This device is intended for professional use only. Pressure should never exceed the rated 10 MPa. Any visible deformation, unusual force required during operation, or fluid leakage indicates the need to stop immediately. Operators are responsible for understanding hydraulic safety protocols and for preventing water damage to surrounding environments or damage to test items due to overpressurization.
SHIPPING LIST
Technical Specifications
| Chamber Internal Height | 455 |
| Chamber Inner Diameter | 250 |
| Chamber Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Hatch Cover Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Openings in Hatch Cover | 18 Openings |
| Rated Load of Hatch Handle | 200 kgf / 1960 N per handle |
| Medium | Pure Water |
| Rated Pressure | 10 MPa (1,000 meters depth) |
| Pressure Range of Manual Hydraulic Pump | 0–16 MPa |
| Pressure Gauge Range | 0–16 MPa |
| Pressure Connection Method | Quick Coupling |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50 ℃ |
| Chamber Total Weight | ≈200 kg |
| Fulcrum Wheels | 8 pcs |
Disclaimer:
This equipment is intended for professional use. Operators must have a fundamental understanding of hydraulic safety principles and must operate, handle, and maintain the chamber in accordance with the provided operating instructions and applicable local safety requirements. Safe operation, including appropriate risk controls and supervision, remains the responsibility of the end user.
Examples of situations that can result in damage, injury, or property loss include (but are not limited to):
1. Damage caused by misuse, improper setup, unauthorized modification, disassembly, or failure to follow the operating instructions.
2. Injury or damage caused by improper lifting, moving, or securing of the chamber due to its weight.
3. Damage caused by inadequate support or load-bearing capacity of the installation surface or handling equipment.
4. Injury caused by high-pressure fluid release, pressurized components, or improper connections.
5. Water leakage or spillage during filling, venting, pressurization, or depressurization causing damage to surrounding areas.
6. Damage to the test item caused by exceeding its rated pressure tolerance or improper test procedure.
Operations Guide – Water Pressure Testing Chamber
This pressure testing chamber is intended for professional hydrostatic testing only. Operators must read and understand the full Instructions for Use and Safety Manual before setup, filling, pressurization, depressurization, opening, lifting, or maintenance.
Use clean fresh water only as the test medium. Do not use salt water, seawater, compressed air, gas, oil, solvents, corrosive liquids, flammable liquids, or any medium other than fresh water.
The chamber has a maximum allowable operating pressure of 10 MPa / 100 bar, equivalent to approximately 1,000 m / 3,280 ft water depth. Although the supplied pump and pressure gauge may be capable of higher pressure, this does not increase the allowable pressure rating of the chamber. Never exceed 10 MPa.
The chamber should be operated at normal room temperature conditions. Do not operate above 40 °C, and do not allow water inside the chamber, pump, hose, fittings, or test article to freeze.
The chamber is heavy, approximately 200 kg, and must not be lifted manually. Use suitable mechanical lifting equipment and trained personnel when moving, lifting, or positioning the unit.
Before pressurization, confirm that the hatch is fully closed and locked, the safety ratchet / limit block is installed, all unused ports are sealed, the pressure gauge reads zero, and the chamber has been properly filled and vented to remove trapped air.
During operation, monitor the pressure gauge continuously and stop immediately if leakage, unusual noise, abnormal pump resistance, pressure instability, deformation, or unsafe conditions are observed. Never attempt to open, rotate, loosen, or remove the hatch while the chamber is pressurized.
After testing, depressurize the chamber slowly and confirm the pressure gauge reads zero before opening the pressure relief screw or removing the hatch. Use caution when removing failed or damaged test articles, as pressure-related failure may create sharp edges, cracked surfaces, loose fragments, or other hazards.
Please download and review the Instructions for Use and Safety Manual – Water Pressure Testing Chamber 10MPa/20L before operating this equipment.
What tool is used to remove the pressure relief penetrator?
Use a HOP6 double-ended 6 mm hex wrench. Refer to the images below for reference.
How should the chamber be moved?
On flat, level ground, the fulcrum wheels may be adjusted to assist with positioning. If the chamber cannot be moved safely by pushing, use suitable mechanical lifting equipment, such as a crane or hoist, and lift by the designated handles as shown in the images below. Do not attempt to lift the chamber manually.
What is the recommended water fill level?
Fill the chamber with clean fresh water until the water level is approximately 20 mm below the top edge. At this level, the filled volume is approximately 25 L. Refer to the images below for reference.
If the pressure slightly decreases during a holding test, does it mean water has entered the test item?
Not necessarily. Small pressure changes can occur in hydraulic systems due to temperature variation, system compliance, or normal pressure stabilization. For extended holding, the shut-off valve may be closed and reopened later to check the pressure reading. Always open the shut-off valve before releasing pressure through the pressure relief valve.
How should the chamber be maintained after use?
After each use, drain and dry the chamber, hatch cover, fittings, fasteners, threaded areas, and sealing surfaces. Proper drying and routine maintenance help preserve the chamber condition and support long-term reliable operation.
Is operating the manual pressure pump labor-intensive?
Manual pumping may require noticeable effort, especially as pressure increases toward 10 MPa. Ensure the shut-off valve is fully open during pressurization and operate the pump smoothly and gradually. Do not force the pump if abnormal resistance is felt.
Why can't the manual pressure pump generate pressure?
Check the following:
• All hatch cover penetrators, plugs, and ports are installed and sealed with O-rings.
• The pressure relief penetrator / pressure relief screw is installed and tightened.
• No visible leaks are present around the hatch, ports, fittings, or penetrators.
• The pressure relief valve is closed before pressurization.
• There is sufficient clean fresh water in the pump reservoir.
• Air has been removed from the chamber, pump, and hydraulic circuit.
