Refurbishment of a Containerised Decompression Chamber

Project Overview

A comprehensive refurbishment was undertaken on a containerised 1.8m decompression chamber system to extend service life, improve operability, and ensure compliance with current offshore diving expectations. The scope included full removal of the chamber from its container, structural and mechanical upgrades, environmental improvements, and the installation of modern control, monitoring, and life-support systems.

Project Objectives

• Restore and protect the decompression chamber pressure vessel
• Improve container layout, access, and ventilation
• Upgrade control and monitoring systems
• Integrate modern life‑support and gas supply infrastructure
• Deliver a fully functional, reliable, and maintainable chamber system suitable for offshore operations

Scope of Work

Chamber Refurbishment

• The decompression chamber was fully removed from the ISO container to allow unrestricted access.
• The chamber pressure vessel underwent surface preparation and full repainting, improving corrosion protection and extending service life.
• All chamber interfaces were inspected during removal to support subsequent reintegration.

Container Modifications

• The container was structurally modified to improve access, maintenance, and environmental control:
  • Installation of a new side access door to improve personnel access
  • Addition of a dedicated maintenance hatch for service access
  • Installation of a ventilation hatch to support airflow and heat management
• Structural modifications were engineered to maintain container integrity while accommodating new systems.

Environmental & Interior Upgrades

• Installation of new internal wall panels, improving durability and cleanability
• Installation of a new floor system designed for heavy equipment loads and ease of maintenance
• Preparation of the container for installation of an air conditioning unit, including mounting provisions and airflow routing

Systems Installation & Integration

Chamber Reinstallation

• The refurbished decompression chamber was refitted into the modified container, with precise alignment and secure mounting.
• Interfaces between the chamber and container were reinstated with improved access for maintenance.

Pipework & Life‑Support Systems

• New pipework was installed throughout the system, improving reliability, layout, and maintainability.
• Pipe routing was optimised for clarity, accessibility, and ease of inspection.

Control & Monitoring System

• A new chamber control panel was designed and installed.
• The panel was configured as a LightTraceTMsystem, incorporating:
  • Modern instrumentation
  • DigiGauge pressure displays, providing accurate digital pressure monitoring
• The new panel improved operational clarity, fault‑finding capability, and operator confidence.

CCTV & Monitoring

• Chamber CCTV was installed to allow continuous internal monitoring from the control position, enhancing safety and operational oversight.

Gas Supply & Compression

• Installation of a dedicated compressor system suitable for chamber operations
• Integration of a gas bank, providing secure and reliable breathing gas storage and management
• The gas system was configured to support normal operations, emergencies, and maintenance activities.

Challenges

• Managing structural container modifications while maintaining ISO integrity
• Coordinating chamber removal and re‑installation without compromising pressure system interfaces
• Integrating new systems into an existing footprint while improving access and maintainability
• Designing a control system that met modern expectations while remaining intuitive for operators

Outcome

The refurbishment delivered a fully upgraded containerised decompression chamber system with improved safety, operability, and maintainability. Key outcomes included:

• Extended service life of the container and chamber pressure vessel
• Significantly improved container access and environmental control
• Modernised control and monitoring via LightTrace and DigiGauge technology
• Modernised components including chamber scrubber, lighting and built-in breathing system (BIBS)
• Enhanced life‑support capability through new pipework, compressor, and gas bank
• Improved operational oversight via chamber CCTV

The refurbished system now provides a robust, modern platform suitable for offshore diving operations and future operational demands.