Hello,
We’ve found an issue with the latest version of aluminum tubes that reduces their rated depth. These tubes can be identified by the two large grooves cut into the inner diameter of the tube. Aluminum tubes are temporarily derated to 50% of their original rating until redesigned tubes are available.
Please refer to this technical bulletin for complete information and service instructions if your tubes are affected.
Well, I took my 3” housing to 349 m earlier this week in a step-wise plan for exploring deeper in the Redondo Canyon (and it didn’t fail), but now I’m stuck. Whether I start a return for the money or a replacement housing depends on two things: 1) Will the flange caps and end caps of the current design and the external clamps all function unmodified with the new design, and 2) When do you anticipate the new housings are going to be available (roughly).
Hi @Kansas -
Yes - the new design isn’t going to change anything about the flange caps - the reason for the derating is the “racking groove”, which reduces the diameter of the tube in some regions along its length, so that it can be suspended during anodization. The fix is just adjusting this, not our seal geometry!
Unless your tube is 400m long, or you anticipate going deeper than 350m,/450m/500m you may be ok?
We’ll be sure to update with an expected availability date as soon as we have it!
Tony, it is a 3” housing. The goal is to sample the entire Redondo Canyon, out to its mouth at ~640 m, so, sorry, but no, I ‘m definitely not “OK” with this. The decision I have to make is whether to return yours for a refund and buy a competitor’s housing and therefore do a lot of rework, or to wait for your new housing. Thanks.
Understood @Kansas -
I was simply wondering what length you were dealing with. If 240mm long or shorter, you could at least get 500/640m, before a replacement with proper depth rating becomes available. Apologies for the hassle!
@Kansas I just want to step in here and apologize for this issue. I see that it’s preventing you from completing your project and I’m sorry about that. We’re doing our best to fix the issue quickly and be transparent about the issue so it doesn’t lead to a bigger problem (like an implosion in the Redondo Canyon!)
Our team is working hard to expedite replacements and get this fixed.
