Subsea Friction Clamps May Provide More Precise Subsea Monitoring

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Subsea friction clamps developed by Houston-based Astro Technology may enable more precise monitoring of subsea assets in water depths of up to 10,000 feet.

Subsea friction clamps developed by Houston-based Astro Technology may enable more precise monitoring of subsea assets in water depths of up to 10,000 feet.

The clamps were recently tested by scientists at the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA). Last year, NASA and Astro partnered to develop and test subsea monitoring clamps applied to offshore platforms using a unique, proprietary underwater adhesive.

Astro and NASA are hoping to achieve the same strong coupling and high-quality monitoring without adhesives.

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Astro Technology’s newly developed friction clamps, tested at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, will enable precise, fiber-optic monitoring on a wider range of deep-sea assets. SOURCE: Astro Technology

“In an ideal situation, a pipe or platform leg is able to be cleaned and adhesive applied by a professional diver,” said Astro President and CEO David Brower in an April 7 press release. “Of course, that’s not always feasible. Our new friction clamp will allow sensory systems to monitor equipment at a greater range of depths and in various conditions.”

The clamps underwent three different kinds of tests: tensile load tests, compression tests and four-point bending tests.


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