Diving Deep: Supporting Deep Sea Expeditions With Safe High-Pressure Equipment

Under the Pole

In 2010, a group of divers, engineers, mechanics, biologists, scientists and researchers set off with a full production crew on an exploration of the unknown—the Under the Pole expedition. Aiming to drive innovation while performing educational and scientific undersea expeditions, Under the Pole (UTP) has gained worldwide recognition for its bold approach and captivating storytelling.

To perform accurate scientific research in the undersea environment between the North Pole and the Arctic Circle while capturing the images that have gained them so much attention, the UTP team would push the limits of polar diving. Diving under ice caps presents a challenge to secure diving because of the possibility of pressure regulators and other equipment frosting over.

Despite challenges, Under the Pole I was a success and the team reached their objectives. They quickly set their sights on the next mission—Under the Pole II.

The second installment of UTP was set west and north of Greenland, spanning 21 months from January 2014 to October 2015. The team's systematic exploration of the seafloor included 300 dives and was conducted between the surface and a depth of 112 meters. In order to survive the extreme weather conditions and dive to the greatest depths accessible to humans, UTP needed reliable equipment. [watch their video to get more expedition details.]

With Haskel's reputation for quality and safety, a partnership was formed to support the UTP team with a portable oxygen gas booster system. Haskel's portable charging unit allowed the divers to maintain safe diving conditions and easily reach the depths needed to conduct their research.

The gas booster supplied was a double-acting, single stage booster designed to boost clean, dry, and contaminant-free oxygen gas from standard commercial cylinders into divers' bottles at a pressure of 205 bar(g).

Under the Pole portable oxygen charging unit

The donated gas booster included Monel gas sections for maximum safety while boosting oxygen. Understanding the conditions of the dive, Haskel designed the gas booster in a lightweight aluminum frame with a selection of hoses to aid connection between the supply and outlet cylinders. Knowing how critical time savings and efficiency were to the UTP team, Haskel ensured the gas booster was sized so that divers' cylinders could be charged in a matter of minutes.

Haskel is pleased to have had the opportunity to support such an innovative mission like Under the Pole. With a mutual commitment to innovation, safety and quality, the UTP and Haskel partnership was one focused on success. Haskel's custom-designed portable oxygen charging unit allowed the expedition team to make record dives safely and efficiently.


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