Glass Flotation Spheres
The Model G6600 deep ocean flotation
module incorporates three 12" borosilicate glass spheres in a
through-center, symmetric hard hat housing. This configuration provides
a steady and reliable distribution of buoyancy along a mooring independent
of current direction and cable twist.
McLane also offers conventional,
flange mount hard hats (G2200) and a four-sphere module (G8800).
The G6600 produces 66 lbs (30 kg) of positive buoyancy, which is 18% greater
than a conventional 17" glass sphere, and has a comparable weight-in-air
of 46 lbs (21 kg). As the G6600 offers greater buoyancy, fewer floats are
required on a mooring which results in greater overall efficiency.
The G6600 is pressure tested to 7,000 m. This rating should
be compared to 17" glass spheres, which are rated to 6,700 m. The
G6600 allows deeper deployments and larger safety margins. Our G2200 and
G8800 are also rated to 7000 m.
Larger flotation modules, based on the 3 sphere G6600 and retaining the
through-center, symmetric feature, are also part of our standard product
line.
Pictured to the left are a 3 sphere G6600, a 6 sphere G6600-2, a 9
sphere G6600-3, and two G2200, one with the hard hat opened to expose the
12" borosilicate glass sphere
