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Contenuto archiviato il 2022-12-27

ARGYRONETE

Obiettivo

Development of new technology necessary for the realisation of the first long-range autonomous lock-out submarine, SAGA (ex ARGYRONETE ).
SAGA is the prototype of a new generation of industrial submarines capable of carrying out underwater operations using divers and robots at close proximity to the work site without surface assistance.
This new concept of operations from the seabed overcomes surface -related difficulties encountered by specialised surface support vessels.
- H. P. Gas cylinders (pressure : 400 bar) : qualification programme using models and prototypes completed. Set of prototype cylinders (length :1. 80, 3. 0 and 6. 0 m, diameter 443 mm) manufactured and installed onboard.
- Composite pressure tanks (variable buoyancy tanks of the sub, pressure both sides : 60 bar) : qualification programme accepted
. Acceptance tests passed. Installed onboard.
- Lightweight fairing : manufactured and assembled onboard.
- Cryogenic oxygen tanks and associated evaporation system : acceptance tests passed, installed onboard.
- Prototype diver breathing system : qualification programme in pressure chamber : completed, prototypes manufactured.
- Low energy heating system : reclaim circuit assembled onboard and tested, specific diver suit qualified in pressure chamber and tested omboard.
The installation of these innovations omboard was completed mid 1987. Launching of the submarine took place in October 1987. Verification trials and demonstration for potential users are programmed until mid 1990.
Main characteristics of SAGA :
- Length overall : 28. 06
-Submerged deplacement : 545 T
-Depth capability for diver lock-out : 450 m
- Typical submerged autonomy : 3 weeks
- Crew atmospheric compartment : 6 men
-Divers in hyperbaric chamber : 4 to 6
Technological innovations of the project
The high autonomy of SAGA is mainly obtained by two air-independent closed cycle STIRLING engines.
- Development of specific composite material, very advantageous on board submarines with regard to their weight in water, in particular : high pressure hooped gas cylinders, buoyant fairing, pressure tanks.
- Cryogenic storage of oxygen : the majority of efficient underwater power sources requires storage of oxygen. The best weight/volume ratio is achieved with cryogenic storage.
- Deep diving system : reduction of diving gas consumption increases the divers' intervention autonomy. As existing systems are unsatisfactory at great depth a specific closed circuit diving system has been developed.
- Diver heating system : heating of divers in chamber or locked-out is very energy consuming for an autonomous submarine. Work carried out involved the development of an efficient hot water suit and a reclaim system of the heat dissipated by the STIRLING engines.

Invito a presentare proposte

Data not available

Meccanismo di finanziamento

DEM - Demonstration contracts

Coordinatore

STOLT COMEX SEAWAY SA
Contributo UE
Nessun dato
Indirizzo
CHEMIN DU LITTORAL 467 - B.P. 69
13321 Marseille Cedex
Francia

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Costo totale
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