The Subsea Enclosure Aluminum Tube is machined to tight tolerances for seamless integration with Blu-Sub’s modular flange and sealing components. Its rigid cylindrical structure resists deformation under pressure, enabling consistent O-ring compression and long-term watertight performance in subsea environments. This design forms the foundation of an engineered pressure vessel (PV) system capable of maintaining stability under extreme underwater conditions.
Aluminum's high thermal conductivity makes this enclosure well-suited for systems that generate internal heat. Unlike plastic or acrylic housings, it functions effectively as an underwater pressure housing, facilitating passive heat dissipation to the surrounding water, helping protect sensitive electronics and improving overall thermal stability in sealed systems.
When securing the Subsea Aluminum Flange or any other flange/end-cap assembly to the tube, be sure to thoroughly lubricate all flange O-rings using O-Ring Lubricant – MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound. Do not force the flanges into position, as inadequate lubrication can cause damage to the O-rings and/or the flange interface, compromising the pressure vessel (PV) seal integrity.
The tube is most commonly sealed using the Subsea Aluminum Flange paired with either the Subsea Aluminum End-Cap for high depth-rated deployments, or the Subsea Acrylic End-Cap for cost-effective, transparent builds where internal visibility is required (shallower use). For 115 mm systems, additional integrated options include the Subsea Polymer Flange & End-Cap 115mm, Subsea Optical Dome Flange & End-Cap 115mm, and Subsea Optical Glass Flange & End-Cap 115mm.
With no transparent surfaces or light-transmitting properties, this enclosure type is preferred for systems where visual access is unnecessary or where shielding from light, biofouling, or EMI is advantageous. As part of Blu-Sub’s modular subsea system, it performs as a dependable engineered pressure vessel for deep-ocean electronics and long-duration deployments.
| Item | Material | Depth Rating | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 115 Aluminum Tube / 150 Length | Black Anodized Aluminum | 1,000 meters / 3,281 ft | 832 g |
| 115 Aluminum Tube / 200 Length | Black Anodized Aluminum | 1,000 meters / 3,281 ft | 1,116 g |
| 115 Aluminum Tube / 250 Length | Black Anodized Aluminum | 1,000 meters / 3,281 ft | 1,435 g |
| 115 Aluminum Tube / 300 Length | Black Anodized Aluminum | 1,000 meters / 3,281 ft | 1,715 g |
| 115 Aluminum Tube / 350 Length | Black Anodized Aluminum | 1,000 meters / 3,281 ft | 2,020 g |
| 115 Aluminum Tube / 400 Length | Black Anodized Aluminum | 1,000 meters / 3,281 ft | 2,307 g |
| 115 Aluminum Tube / 450 Length | Black Anodized Aluminum | 1,000 meters / 3,281 ft | 2670 g |
| 115 Aluminum Tube / 500 Length | Black Anodized Aluminum | 1,000 meters / 3,281 ft | 2965 g |
NOTE: There may be some white residue or discoloration at both ends due to the anodization process. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect waterproofing or sealing performance.
| Item | Inner Diameter (A) | Outer Diameter (B) | Length (C) | Arca-Swiss Interface (D) | Interface Distance (E) | Piston Hole Depth (F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 Aluminum Tube | 104 mm | 115 mm | Total Length ±0.5 mm | 38.1 mm | 119 mm | 28 mm |
Can it still be used if the O-ring contact surface is scratched?
No. Any damage to the O-ring contact surface may compromise sealing and poses a risk of leakage. The enclosure should not be used if the sealing surface is scratched, as even minor imperfections can affect the watertight integrity of the pressure vessel (PV).
Can custom lengths be requested?
Yes, custom lengths are available upon request for an additional fee. Please note that longer tubes may have lower pressure resistance, and lead times may vary based on the length and order quantity. Custom dimensions are often used in specialized engineered pressure vessel builds and underwater pressure housings for research and industrial applications.
Are other diameter sizes available?
Yes, other internal and external diameter configurations are in development. Contact us if you require a specific size for your system or for integration into a modular pressure vessel (PV) assembly.
Are they compatible with Blu-Sub Acrylic Tubes?
Yes, Blu-Sub Subsea Aluminum Enclosure Tubes are designed to be compatible with Blu-Sub Acrylic Tubes and can be interchanged. Minor differences in internal volume or fit may apply due to material differences, but both function as underwater pressure housings within Blu-Sub’s modular subsea enclosure system.
What are the four holes on the side of the tube for?
These holes align with threaded holes on the flange body and are intended for optional mechanical locking using set screws. While not required for operation, they provide added protection against flange separation. Unlike acrylic tubes, aluminum tubes do not rely on vacuum retention and are mechanically lockable by design—ensuring structural reliability under engineered pressure vessel conditions.