Buoyancy Systems

Patent Issued for Smart Lift Buoyancy System

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Blue Water Engineering has developed and patented a computerized buoyancy control system which precisely measures and controls the buoyancy of an air-filled chamber. By controlling buoyancy the system can accurately control depth, the rate of ascent or descent, or maintain a desired buoyancy condition. This system has applications in underwater construction, commercial diving, salvage and recovery, military special ops, offshore oil-field operations, and oceanography. Likewise, the system can easily be scaled or sized for buoyancies from a few pounds to as large as several tons, or adapted to other chambers, bladders, or flexible bags.

SL-1000 is a diver operated lift system for the controlled movement of heavy objects underwater. It is the first commercial application of a computerized buoyancy system called Smart Lift, developed by BWE. The SL-1000 unit has the ability to automatically maintain a selected depth, go to a new depth, maintain a constant rate of ascent or descent, or maintain a desired buoyancy level. The unit will immediately and accurately respond to any changes in the load, depth, or other external forces. The ability to automatically perform these functions will significantly improve the safety, time, and efficiency of underwater operations, and permit the diver to concentrate on more critical tasks.

SL-1000 front panel has a simplified layout with easy push button control and large digital display of both depth and buoyancy.  Manual control of buoyancy is available to the diver at anytime.

Computerized and automated buoyancy control has broad application in underwater construction, offshore operations, and oceanographic activities.  Additional products are being considered for development that make use of the Smart Lift core system.  They include: