We have been manufacturing syntactic foam buoyancy modules for Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) since the late 1980s. During this time, the size and complexity of modules has increased significantly, with modules of up to 10,000kg of nett buoyancy now required and with water depth requirement up from 1000m to 3000m as standard.

ROVs are robotic systems specifically designed for exploring both fresh water and marine environments. They offer a safe and reliable means to access underwater einvironments for any length of time at considerable depth. This technology is particularly well suited for deployment in limiting or high risk conditions such as under ice, in cold water, at night or where there is a need to explore depths beyond the safe limits of divers for extended periods of time
 
When working at depths in excess of 3000m, ROV reliability is an essential requirement. ROV deepwater buoyancy modules are vulnerable to handling damage, usually during deployment and recovery. Simultaneously applied impact and hydrostatic effects can compromise operational reliability.
 
To address this problem and enhance module strength, a unique "hard shell" outer skin is incorporated within all our deepwater buoyancy modules.

ㆍThe "hard shell" is homogenous within the composite core and outer layer of the polyurethane elastomer skin 
ㆍA series of impact tests proved the "hard shell" system to be 3 times stronger than a conventional  outer skin 
ㆍWe have produced well in excess of 1,000 ROV buoyancy modules; our know-how, combined with our  considerable experience, material knowledge and range of options allows us to draw on a wealth of  experience when considering the location and incorporation of metallic inserts, which are usually provided as lifting points for the attachment of additional equipment. These can make a straightforward technical issue more complicated unless dealt with correctly at the design stage.
 

We have the material technology and design experience to manufacture highly  sophisticated buoyancy modules using either a cross linked co-polymer foam, typically for water depths up to a maximum of 600m, or a syntactic foam, depth rated to over 7,000m - full ocean depth. Typical densities range from 200kg/m3 (13 lbs/ft3) up to 450 kg/m3 (28lbs/ft3)