The Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube provides a simple visual method for checking the sealing performance of threaded bulkhead components during hydrostatic pressure testing. Test samples, cable penetrators, connectors, sensors, or blanking plugs are installed into the matching threaded openings at both ends of the tube. The complete assembly is then placed inside a compatible water pressure testing chamber and pressurized according to the customer’s test procedure.
After testing, the tube can be removed from the chamber and inspected for water ingress. Because the body is transparent acrylic, internal leakage is easier to identify than with an opaque fixture. This makes the tube useful for R&D, QA, production screening, and troubleshooting of subsea sealing interfaces.
The long and short versions support different test setups. The Long Version provides more internal space for cable harnesses, wiring, or longer test assemblies. The Short Version reduces occupied volume inside the chamber, which can be useful when testing multiple assemblies or working in limited chamber space.
Each standard version has the same thread type on both ends. Select the tube that matches the thread of the test sample and use matching components or blanking plugs to seal all openings before pressure testing. Any installed test sample, blanking plug, O-ring, connector, cable penetrator, or mating component must be correctly installed and appropriately rated for the intended pressure. The lowest-rated component in the complete test assembly sets the usable pressure limit of the test setup.
The tube is rated for hydrostatic pressure testing to 10 MPa / 1,000m. A maximum pressure reference of 12 MPa is listed for the tube, but the recommended rated-depth reference for product selection and repeated testing should remain 10 MPa / 1,000m unless a specific test procedure and all installed components are confirmed suitable for higher pressure.
Custom versions may be available for specialized test setups, including alternate tube lengths, custom body sizes, and non-standard thread options. Additional lead time and pricing may apply for custom configurations. Please contact Blu-Sub to review your test requirements.
This product is a consumable component. Frequent disassembly, reassembly, and pressure cycling can wear the sealing faces over time. Before each reuse, inspect the end faces for smoothness and inspect the acrylic body for cracks, visible stress marks, chips, or other damage. Continued use should be based on actual inspection condition and test history.
Important: Do not expose the acrylic tube to alcohol, alcohol derivatives, solvents, or incompatible cleaning chemicals. These chemicals may cause acrylic cracking and can make the tube unsafe for pressure testing.
| Variant | Blu-Sub SKU | Thread at Both Ends | Length Version | Material | Rated Depth | Maximum Pressure Reference | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube - Long Version - M10×1 | BS-SSC-PTEST-ACR-10LV | M10×1 | Long (270 mm) | Transparent acrylic | 10 MPa / 1,000m | 12 MPa | 142 g |
| Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube - Short Version - M10×1 | BS-SSC-PTEST-ACR-10SV | M10×1 | Short (100 mm) | Transparent acrylic | 10 MPa / 1,000m | 12 MPa | 52 g |
| Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube - Long Version - M14×1.5 | BS-SSC-PTEST-ACR-14LV | M14×1.5 | Long (270 mm) | Transparent acrylic | 10 MPa / 1,000m | 12 MPa | 142 g |
| Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube - Short Version - M14×1.5 | BS-SSC-PTEST-ACR-14SV | M14×1.5 | Short (100 mm) | Transparent acrylic | 10 MPa / 1,000m | 12 MPa | 52 g |
| Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube - Long Version - 7/16-20 UNF | BS-SSC-PTEST-ACR-716L | 7/16-20 UNF | Long (270 mm) | Transparent acrylic | 10 MPa / 1,000m | 12 MPa | 142 g |
| Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube - Short Version - 7/16-20 UNF | BS-SSC-PTEST-ACR-716S | 7/16-20 UNF | Short (100 mm) | Transparent acrylic | 10 MPa / 1,000m | 12 MPa | 52 g |
| Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube - Long Version - 1/2-20 UNF | BS-SSC-PTEST-ACR-12LV | 1/2-20 UNF | Long (270 mm) | Transparent acrylic | 10 MPa / 1,000m | 12 MPa | 142 g |
| Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube - Short Version - 1/2-20 UNF | BS-SSC-PTEST-ACR-12SV | 1/2-20 UNF | Short (100 mm) | Transparent acrylic | 10 MPa / 1,000m | 12 MPa | 52 g |
Pressure Rating Note: The rated operating reference for product selection is 10 MPa / 1,000m. A maximum pressure reference of 12 MPa is listed for the tube. Do not exceed the pressure rating of the lowest-rated component in the complete test assembly, including plugs, O-rings, penetrators, connectors, sensors, and the pressure chamber itself.
Consumable Fixture Note: This tube is a consumable test fixture. Frequent disassembly, reassembly, and pressure cycling can wear the sealing faces. Inspect the acrylic body and end faces before each reuse.
Chemical Compatibility Warning: Alcohol and alcohol derivatives are strictly prohibited. Contact with incompatible chemicals may cause acrylic cracking and can make the tube unsafe for pressure testing.
Custom Configuration Note: Custom tube sizes, lengths, thread types, and fixture configurations may be available upon request. Additional lead time and pricing may apply. Please contact Blu-Sub to discuss custom requirements.
What is the Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube used for?
It is used as a transparent hydrostatic test fixture for checking the sealing performance of threaded bulkhead components, cable penetrators, connectors, sensors, blanking plugs, and similar subsea hardware. After pressure testing, the transparent acrylic body allows visual inspection for water ingress.
Does it have to be used with the Blu-Sub Water Pressure Testing Chamber?
No. The tube is commonly used with compatible water pressure testing chambers, including the Water Pressure Testing Chamber, but it may also be used in customer-supplied hydrostatic test chambers. The chamber, test fixture, installed samples, plugs, seals, and test procedure must all be suitable for the intended pressure.
What is the difference between the Long Version and Short Version?
The Long Version provides more internal space for cable harnesses, wiring, or longer test assemblies. The Short Version occupies less chamber space and is useful for batch testing or compact test setups where internal chamber volume is limited.
Which thread options are available?
Standard versions are available with matching threads at both ends in M10×1, M14×1.5, 7/16-20 UNF, and 1/2-20 UNF. Select the version that matches the test sample, connector, penetrator, sensor, or blanking plug being installed.
Can custom sizes, lengths, or thread options be supplied?
Yes. Custom tube sizes, lengths, thread types, and test-fixture configurations may be available upon request for specialized hydrostatic testing setups. Additional lead time and pricing may apply. Please contact Blu-Sub to discuss your requirements.
Are plugs, penetrators, connectors, or test samples included?
No. Each variant includes only the selected Bulkhead Pressure Testing Tube. Test samples, blanking plugs, O-rings, cable penetrators, connectors, sensors, and other sealing components are sold separately unless specifically listed otherwise.
What pressure is the tube rated for?
The tube is rated for hydrostatic pressure testing to 10 MPa / 1,000m. A maximum pressure reference of 12 MPa is listed for the tube, but all testing should be limited by the lowest-rated component in the complete test assembly.
How many times can it be reused?
The tube can generally withstand approximately one year of service or 50 rated-depth cycles, but service life depends on actual use, disassembly frequency, sealing-face wear, pressure cycling, and inspection condition. Inspect the acrylic body and sealing faces before reuse.
What should be checked before reuse?
Check that the sealing faces are smooth and undamaged, and inspect the acrylic body for cracks, chips, visible stress marks, or other damage. Do not reuse a tube if damage is observed.
Can the acrylic tube be cleaned with alcohol?
No. Contact with alcohol or alcohol derivatives is strictly prohibited because these chemicals can cause acrylic cracking. Use only cleaning methods compatible with transparent acrylic and the test procedure.
How is leakage checked after testing?
After the pressure test is complete and the chamber has been safely depressurized, remove the test tube assembly and inspect the inside of the transparent acrylic body for water ingress.