SUBTEC®

High-Performance, Low-Density Syntactic Buoyancy Materials

Our specialist high-performance Subtec® buoyancy materials with densities ranging from 400 – 650 kg/m3 are designed and qualified for use in seawater depths of down to 11,500 metres.

For added peace of mind, our complete range of Subtec materials has DNV Approval of Manufacture (AoM) and our Subtec 11500 material has DNV type approval (TAC).

Comprising high-grade hollow glass microspheres (HGMS) and a novel thermoset polymer matrix, our Subtec® buoyancy materials are formulated to produce ultra-high strength-to-weight characteristics with excellent water ingress resistance. This makes them the ideal solution for subsea applications including crewed and uncrewed vehicles.

Subtec® buoyancy materials are cast into standard block sizes ready for use. Each grade is colour-coded to ensure depth ratings match within buoyancy assemblies.

Finished Subtec® buoyancy modules are manufactured to exact customer specifications and drawings, with the option for the addition of a polyurethane (PU) protective coating for impact and abrasion resistance, aesthetic paint finishes and custom markings.

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APPLICATIONS

Subtec® buoyancy materials can be used for the following applications:

  • Remotely operated vehicles (ROV)
  • Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV)
  • Human-operated vehicles (HOV)
  • Trenching vehicles
  • Oceanographic exploration
  • Ancillary equipment

FEATURES & BENEFITS

  • Low density
  • Low water absorption
  • High hydrostatic crush pressure (HCP)
  • High bulk modulus
  • Suitable for multi-cyclical operation
  • Excellent chemical and hydrolysis resistance
  • Low dielectric loss
  • DNV type approval
  • DNV approval of manufacture

TECHNICAL PROPERTIES

Properties 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 11500
Colour

WHITE

PINK

VIOLET

ORANGE

BLUE

YELLOW

GREEN

NOMINAL DENSITY KG/M3400415468480495544650
MAXIMUM OPERATING DEPTH MSW @ 4 oc2,0003,0004,0005,0006,0007,00011,500
MAXIMUM OPERATING PRESSURE PSI @ 4 oc2,9004,3565,8017,2528,70210,15216,698
HYDROSTATIC CRUSH PRESSURE PSI @ 4 oc>4,900>5,445>7,350>10,000>12,000>12,500>20,000
WATER ABSORPTION % @ 4 oc<+2<+2<+2<+2<+2<+2<+2

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