Testing

Aquasign Testing

Aquasign® markers and their fixings have been vigorously tested since their initial launch and we continue to develop their performance. 

New raw materials and production techniques are frequently assessed, and improvements adopted to ensure high performance and exceptionally long life for our anti-fouling subsea marker systems.

Anti-Fouling Marker Systems

Our anti-fouling marker systems were originally developed by Shell at their Thornton Research Centre back in the 1970s.

Taking inspiration from nature they looked to develop a material that mimicked fish skin – and they did it…. Aquasign’s unique oil release mechanism creates a slippery non-toxic surface difficult for marine growth to attach to.

Our global raft tests prove that it is not as simple as adding letters to silicone; the slightest change to the chemistry can affect the anti-fouling performance.

Environmental

Aquasign® is an environmentally friendly marker system, superseding the traditional use of toxic biocides or metallic compounds used to prevent bio-fouling. The proprietary oils exuding from the marker are completely non-toxic, therefore has no impact on the marine habitat.  3rd party toxicity test reports qualify the use of our marker and fixing systems in every marine environment.

Being non-toxic is one requirement, however a salt water marine environment is a tough one, we have therefore put our marking and fixing materials through various external tests to ensure it will last the life span of your project.  These tests include;

Offshore and subsea environments are salt laden and vary dramatically in temperature geographically.  Aquasign systems have been installed all over the world. To gain this specification we have qualified both our marking material and fixing systems through external exposure testing such as;

  • Salt spray
  • Environmental Temperatures
  • Weathering 

Want to learn more, contact us for more details and full external reports.

Mechanical

We guarantee the performance of our anti-fouling material as well as our fixings.  To do so we have qualified these materials to ensure they can withstand both the impacts and pressures of installation and long-term immersion even in deep water.

Our extensive testing programs include;

  • Pressure
  • Slam loading
  • Vibration
  • Damage tolerance
  • Jet washing
  • Aggressive immersion
  • Cathodic Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Aquasign anti-fouling subsea markers, and the proprietary oil they exude, are completely non-toxic. They have been certified by a 3rd party as having no impact on the surrounding marine habitat. 

 3rd party test report and certificate available  contact us for more details.

Aquasign subsea markers are clearly visible by artificial light. Our markers are black on yellow – the most effective combination for underwater visibility, according to third-party tests – and can be viewed clearly by ROV camera. 

Aquasign markers conform to NORSOK Standard U-CR-008, which specifies that signs should be clearly visible in artificial light from five metres away. 

Contact us for further details on Aquasign and our visibility testing.

ID markers need to undergo a range of tests before they can be classified as suitable for use in underwater application. When considering deepwater applications, there are 3 key areas of performance that are particularly important:

  • Pressure
  • Environment
  • Visibility

 

3rd party test reports available for all of these categories – contact us for more details.

Cathodic protection is a technique used to protect underwater metal structures such as oil and gas pipes by making them act as an electrical cathode. 

Aquasign subsea markers have been third-party tested to ensure they, and their accessories/adhesives, don’t suffer damage or deterioration when attached to CP assets. Aquasign® adhesive fixings were tested on an ICCP system operation between 800-1050mV. Both samples were unaffected.

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