SwRI^® adds new capability for deepwater ocean simulation

For immediate release

San Antonio, Texas -- June 15, 2001 -- A new deepwater ocean simulator, capable of modeling depths of more than 13,000 feet, is now available for testing services at Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI ).

The cylindrical simulator was designed, fabricated, and built by SwRI in accordance with Section VIII- Division 2 rules of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The Institute has previously designed similar fixtures under contract to various clients.

Measuring 24 feet in length with a 50-inch inner diameter and a wall thickness of five inches, the simulator is crafted of HY100 high-strength steel. The simulator is housed in a test pit, also constructed at the Institute.

The simulator is rated to 6,000 psig, equivalent to a depth of 13,280 feet.

"We built the new simulator to enhance the many test services we already offer to the offshore oil and gas industry," says Jessie Ramon, manager of Test and Evaluation in SwRI's Mechanical and Materials Engineering Division.

"Previously our capabilities were limited to simulation depths up to 9,000 feet," he adds. "This new capability allows us to help our clients in a growing industry address the challenges of operating in a deeper environment."

The simulator can be used to test a variety of offshore components, including subsea valves, production control pods, tubular goods, pressure-resistant housings, and flotation materials.

"The new facility gives us an expanded capability for services to the U.S. Navy and marine industries as well as our traditional offshore oil and gas clients," Ramon says.

For more information, contact Jesse Ramon at (210) 522-2441 or Deborah Deffenbaugh, Communications Department, Phone: (210) 522-2046, Fax: (210) 522-3547.

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