Situation
Tyne Pressure Testing partnered with a cable manufacturer to carry out ingress and electrical tests on 15 data and electrical cable reels for a defence manufacturer.
The ingress tests took place in hyperbaric chamber TPT 2 because of its ability to simulate waters depths down to 1,000 metres. The cable reels were tested over a four week period to ensure they could perform as designed once installed into various defence projects.
Approach
Hyperbaric ingress and electrical testing under service conditions validates a product’s ability to function as specification and ensures that it is fit for purpose when installed. Tyne Pressure Testing carried out a series of pressure and electrical tests in hyperbaric chamber TPT 2 including isolation resistance (IR) testing at 1,000 volts to ensure the cable would not malfunction in service, a 10 hour hold at 70 Bar to replicate 700 meters of water depth service, and 200 pressure cycles at 41 Bar replicating 400 meters of water depth.
To pass the acceptance criteria the cables must have, under service conditions, a minimum insulation resistance reading of 1 gigaohm per kilometre of cable tested at 1,000 volts. The shields on the cable, which are used to protect the cable from electrical interference, were also tested to ensure that they were working as specified. Calculations were made against the test results to determine if the cables could be passed.
Prior to the test, our engineers were trained by the client to carry out the testing therefore a client electrical technician was not needed on-site during the test, saving them resources and budget. This is a great example of how we can adapt and work to meet our clients’ needs.
Result
The cables passed the ingress and insulation resistance tests and have been approved for use in service.
Paul Smith, CEO at Tyne Pressure Testing, said: “Prior to the test, our engineers were trained by the client to carry out the testing therefore a client electrical technician was not needed on-site during the test, saving them resources and budget. This is a great example of how we can adapt and work to meet our clients’ needs.”