What is ISO 21173 - Hydrostatic pressure test of the pressure hull and buoyancy materials about?
ISO 21173 specifies a test method for the hydrostatic pressure test for pressure hull and buoyancy materials of submersibles. The test sequence comprises a tightness test and the hydrostatic pressure test itself. It can also include continuous pressurization and depressurization tests, long-term static load, and cycling external pressure tests.
Note1: ISO 21173 is applicable to the pressure structure of manned submersibles and unmanned submersibles, including the pressure hull, its accessories (such as viewports, hatches, and connectors), and buoyancy materials.
Note2: The long-term static load and cycling external pressure tests are only applicable to buoyancy material.
Note3: ISO 21173 is not applicable to submarines and other submersibles parking or operating underwater for more than one week.
Who is ISO 21173 - Hydrostatic pressure test of the pressure hull and buoyancy materials for?
ISO 21132 on pressure hull and buoyancy material is useful for:
- Pressure hull and buoyancy materials manufacturers
- Maintenance department
- Quality control personnel
Why should you use ISO 21173 - Hydrostatic pressure test of the pressure hull and buoyancy materials?
The pressure hull of a ship maintains structural integrity with the difference between outside and inside pressure at depth. The assessment of a ship's ability to withstand environmental loads is very crucial.
ISO 21173 provides a unified specification for the hydrostatic pressure test method applicable to the pressure hull and buoyancy materials of submersibles to confirm that their pressure resistance performance is normal prior to assembly.