Saturation System
The Saturation System by HydroWork
Your customized system for tunneling
A saturation system is a containerized system for tunneling that acts as a complete self-supporting unit. The saturation system is independent of other systems and provides an optimal supply of the breathing air mixture to extend the working time at high pressures. At the same time, the saturation system still guarantees the highest safety of your staff.
Customized Saturation Systems
All saturation systems are always custom made by us to meet all your specifications. For example, the available space and particularly intense pressures can be addressed. This way, we can guarantee that your construction is equipped with all the necessary components you need for your specific task and fits perfectly to your spatial conditions.
Components of the Saturation System
Typically, a saturation system consists of multiple containers, each being 20 feet in length. For later operation, the various containers are placed next to each other and connected.
A saturation system contains the following containers as components:
Highest Technical Standards for Your Safety
At Hydrowork, we place great emphasis on the correct design and technically state-of-the-art methods in all stages of the production of saturation systems. Therefore, all systems are inspected by a state-approved authority according to the latest technical regulations.
In addition, numerous experts are consulted during the design and manufacturing process to guarantee correct execution. Of course, all equipment is also built following the requirements of international certification bodies to ensure the safety of your staff.
Technical Specifications of the Saturation System
The technical specifications of the saturation system can still be extended or modified as required. Depending on the purpose of the container, however, by default, the equipment of each container varies.
Living
Hyperbaric Accommodation Chamber (habitat)
The living chamber is a 20′ high cube CSC container with double doors on both ends that is fully insulated. It is air-conditioned and has appropriate electrical equipment. An internal cylinder, divided into pre-chamber and main chamber, forms the housing unit.
Sanitary facilities (sink, shower and toilet) are located in the pre-chamber, where a maximum of two people can stay. The main chamber has a sitting bunk and four bunks for lying or sitting. Therefore, up to five people can stay here. The two chambers are equipped with fire extinguishing systems, an internal chamber life support system, and a heating/cooling system.
A round door with a ring flange is mounted in the pre-chamber as access to the habitat and connection to the shuttle system. There are also two rectangular doors in the main chamber, one as direct access to the main chamber and one as a connection between the main chamber and the pre-chamber.
Living chamber
Operation
Control Container
The control container serves as a remote control system from which up to three living chambers can be controlled. This 20′ high cube CSC container has double doors on the front and is insulated and air-conditioned. It also comes with the appropriate electrical equipment and the electrical connection cables for the connected living chambers.
Control container
Storage
Equipment Container
The equipment container is used to set up peripheral equipment, such as heating or cooling units for up to three living chambers. Other technology, including electrical connection cables or connection hoses, can also be accommodated in this container.
Like the other containers, this one is a 20′ high cube CSC container with double doors. It is also insulated and air-conditioned, with the appropriate electrical equipment.
Gas
Gas Storage Container
The gas storage container serves as a gas supply point for up to three living spaces. With double doors on both ends, the 20′ high cube CSC container is also insulated and climate controlled. Furthermore, it is equipped with the appropriate electrical equipment.
To supply the living chambers with the necessary gases, the container has various connections. These include:
- Breathing air supply (LP) 2x
- Breathing air supply (PS) 2x
- Medical oxygen supply (2x)
- Helium supply (2x)
- TRIMIX 1 supply (2x)
- TRIMIX 2 supply (2x)
- TRIMIX 3 supply (2x)
Treat
Mobile Medical Chamber
The medical chamber is available for medical emergencies. The 20’ high cube CSC container with double doors at the front houses the medical chamber. It is divided into a pre-chamber and the main chamber.
In the main chamber, there are two stretchers on which either two people can lie down or up to six people can sit. The pre-chamber can only accommodate a maximum of two people, for each of whom there is a seat.
A lateral door with a ring flange is fitted in the front chamber, providing access and connection to the shuttle system. There are two rectangular doors in the main chamber, one as direct access to the main chamber and one as a passage between the main chamber and the pre-chamber.
Both chambers are insulated, air-conditioned, and equipped with the appropriate electrical equipment. Each feature two fire extinguishing systems, breathing gas systems, and heating/cooling systems.
Unlike the living chamber, the medical chamber cannot be controlled remotely. Instead, there is a control panel right next to the entrance door and in front of the chamber.
Transport
Hyperbaric Transport Shuttle
A pressurized chamber transport shuttle is used to transport tunnel workers and divers from the living chamber to their workplace in the cutting head of the TBM, the manlock, and vice versa. There is room for up to four people in the transport shuttle.
Pressurized transport is a critical and very complex procedure, as many different steps are involved, while divers always depend on the local air supply. Therefore, the shuttle is equipped with an appropriate firefighting system, with the necessary breathing gas systems and a heating/cooling system.
The required pneumatic control panel with a connection set is mounted directly at the front end of the chamber and includes hoses/supply cables for external gas and power supply. All this, including the emergency gas supply, is arranged directly in the frame in a transport rack.
The chamber’s capacity is a maximum of five people, who can access the living chamber or the manlock of the TBM through a round door with a ring flange and U-ring clamp connection. The entire system can therefore be installed on the TBM, in the shaft, and/or on the surface.
Are You Planning a Saturation System?
We are happy to support you right from the start of the project to ensure that your project runs smoothly. Our specialists will work with you to develop custom saturation systems adapted to your specific requirements. If you have any further questions about saturation systems and how they can be used in your project, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
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