Scubapro 1st Stage used in experiment works flawlessly at 3000M depth
The GEOMAR Helmholz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany, recently used Scubapro’s MK25 EVO 1st stage as part of a very interesting experiment.
The only manned submersible in Germany, JAGO, is primarily dedicated to exploration and research for the GEOMAR Helmholz Centre for Ocean Research. This submersible is usually used for research projects with up to 400m depth.
Some of the submersibles’ components and devices are located outside of the main pressurised unit in a separate chamber (thinner wall due to weight restrictions). Batteries, propulsion engines and hydraulic pumps are located here and could implode or leak when in waters deeper than 400m. To be able to use these components at depths greater than 400m, a diving regulator 1st stage can be used to balance the pressure in the components and devices to that of the ambient pressure.
As it was previously unknown to what depth this pressure compensation system would function, a test involving Scubapro’s MK25 EVO regulator was carried out in the institutes’ pressurised tank. This tank can generate a pressure of up to 1000 bar. This is equivalent to 10000m depth.
11 test cycles were carried out on the MK25 EVO 1st stage. On 10 of these test cycles a minimum pressure of 150 bar was applied (equivalent to 1500m depth) and during one of these cycles 311 bar pressure (equivalent to 3110 m depth) was applied. No malfunction was recorded. The MK25 EVO performed flawlessly. Scubapro are naturally very proud of this accomplishment!
For more information on JAGO visit the GEOMAR Helmholz Centre for Ocean Research here.
To find out more about Scubapro products, click here.
