Photograph of the high-pressure sampler unit (HPSU) in configuration of sample filling. The filling valve  is set off by the scientist on board the ship. When the filling valve is opened, the natural hydrostatic pressure pushes down the floating piston (piston flottant) and the seawater enters into the upper chamber of the HPSU. The distilled water is flushed out from the lower chamber of the syringe to the exhaust tank , through a nozzle (catheter 0.01") that acts as an hydraulic brake.

 

Presently, we are closely collaborating with Top Industry company (France) to commercialize the whole system and continue new developments.

A HPSU is composed of:

- A high-pressure bottle (HPB) fitted on a polypropylene frame fittable on a Sea-Bird Carousel.

- A pressure sensor to monitor the hydrostatic pressure inside the HPB An exhaust tank

- A pressure accumulator to compensate the deformation of materials under high hydrostatic pressure