Diving bell system
DRASS designs and manufactures different types of diving bells, from 6/6.5 m3 bottom-mating buoyant or sinker, to 8 m3 sidemating sinker diving bells.
THE DIVING BELL
The traditional Diving Bell is the bottom mating 6 m3 variant successfully certified, delivered, installed, and commissioned on numerous DSVs alongside the standard DRASS 100 Series Saturation Diving System. One significant advantage is the reduced weight of the Diving Bell in air, resulting in minimal stress on the vessel’s superstructure.
Additionally, the buoyancy of the bell renders the diving system independent from the vessel’s crane for tertiary recovery means.
Designed to operate at depths of up to 300 msw with a design pressure of 31.4 bar, the Diving Bell ensures efficient and reliable performance in challenging underwater environments.
DRASS Bell is designed to comfortably accommodate three divers while ensuring maximum operability. Utilizing a 3D modeling tool based on human ergonomics studies in accordance with the most advanced regulations, the design ensures optimal comfort and functionality. The bell arrangement, a consolidated design used across various projects, is further validated by simulation studies.
Fully equipped divers can effortlessly enter and exit the bell, with features in place to minimize their exertion. The bell can be flooded up to seat level, and a diver recovery/ tool handling hoist is incorporated to facilitate the lifting of equipment or an injured diver.
Equipped with new generation DRASS LED lights, the bell provides exceptionally high illumination, surpassing the standards set by NORSOK. The focused lighting inside the stand-off area enhances visibility where tools are stored and where divers require heightened visibility during entry and exit from the Diving Bell.
BELL HANDLING SYSTEM
The handling system is a hydraulically activated mechanical setup designed to independently maneuver the diving bell and the clump weight.
Both components are fully controlled by the handling control system, comprising a console and PLC panel, which oversees the synchronized operation of the system and manages the power pack. This provides hydraulic power to the diving bell’s respective winches and trolley. Each hydraulic power pack serves its associated handling system, with the capability to power the other in emergency situations.
The newly revamped DRASS Bell Handling System, known as iLARS, is built on an IEC 61508:2010 certified PLC system, featuring data collection and transmission capabilities. Full back up functionality is ensured through manual commands accessible via the hydraulic console. The iLARS Bell Handling Control Console enables monitoring and control of all handling system equipment through an HMI touch screen interface and a video camera set.
PASSIVE HEAVE COMPENSATOR
The Passive Heave Compensator is installed to maintain the diving bell at its designated diving depth, within a specific range, respective of the vertical movement of the support vessel due to wave action. The heave compensator is automatically maintained in a central position with a simple pneumatic arrangement.
