GB2516023A - Shallow depth diving equipment housing - Google Patents

Abstract

An equipment housing 1 intended for shallow water applications such as diving in combination with an air or inert gas filled positively pressurised compensator 4. The use of such a positively pressurised compensator increases the depth rating of existing widely available commercial housings and/or reduces the required wall thickness/strength of such a housing. The compensator can take the form of a flexible membrane, a plunger within a cylinder or a rolling diaphragm within a cylinder. The use of a compensator indicates to the user when the pressure of the equipment housing has been met or exceeded. Equipment 2 used within the proposed housing is not required to be compatible with a non-conductive fluid as is common place with oil in electronics devices. Due to the housing being positively pressurised, in relation to ambient surface pressure, air will escape prior to the ingress of water in the event of a leak.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE

Shallow Depth Diving Equipment Housing

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to an equipment housing for shallow depth (water) diving which makes use of a pneumatic compensator.

Due to the proportional relationship between depth, pressure and required wall thickness of pressure vessels (equipment housings) for underwater equipment; the related cost, complexity, weight and thickness of housing increases significantly. The use of oil filled, pressure balanced housing are often not suitable as they require individual components to be compatible with an electrically non-conductive fluid; typically oil.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

To overcome this, the present invention proposes a hybrid solution whereby a thin walled pressure vessel (1) is fitted with a compensator (passive membrane, plunger or rolling diaphragm type) (4) and positively pressurised with air (above that of the surface ambient pressure). As the depth of the equipment housing is increased the internal pressure reaches equilibrium resulting in reduced mechanical strain being exerted on the housing (1). As air is compressible, this is intended for shallow water applications and not deep sea applications.

ADVANTAGES

The described method increases the depth rating of existing widely available commercial housings.

The use of a compensator (4) indicates to the user when the pressure of the equipment housing has been met or exceeded. Equipment used within the proposed housing is not required to be compatible with a non-conductive fluid. Such equipment could include cameras or optical sensors(2). External pressure is only exerted upon the housing beyond the depth at which equilibrium is achieved in comparison to a normal housing. Due to the housing being positively pressurised (in relation to ambient surface pressure) air will escape prior to the ingress of water in the event of a leak. Above equilibrium pressure this provides an increased timeframe to recover the housing to the surface in case of seal failure.

Claims (7)

1. CLAIMS1. A method for increasing the depth rating of a housing by the use of a positively pressurised compensator filled with air or inert gas (4) but not limited to a membrane diaphragm.
2. 2. The compensator (preferably a membrane diaphragm)(4) being sufficiently flexible as to allow deformation with increase in depth.
3. 3. One port fitted with a fill connector (6) as to allow the housing to be positively pressurised featuring a non-return valve as to prevent the undesired release of air.
4. 4. One port fitted with a relief valve (5) set to a suitable pressure as to ensure the housing is not over pressurised of which can be used to vent the housing as to allow safe opening when returned to ambient pressure.
5. 5. Lid (3) of which can be opaque or transparent depending on application, held in place through the use of a circular clamp or clamping arrangement.
6. 6. The use of seals or gaskets to ensure ingress protection typical with the sealing of the lid (3).
7. 7. Where required the pneumatic compensation (4) can be attached to the housing (1) remotely by means of a pipe/hose.