Large pressure vessels and platforms were fabricated by Bassett Mechanical for this 10-man saturation diving system. Divers can live in the system for up to 45 days while they work on projects such as pipeline construction or repair.

The team fabricated four large pressure vessels and corresponding platforms that are part of a new 10-man saturation diving system. When connected, the four vessels serve as a work station for divers. Three of the four tanks remain on deck while the fourth, a bell, lowers to a working depth of 650 feet below the surface.

"Bassett Mechanical has extensive experience in pressure-vessel fabrication for industrial applications," said Bill Bassett, president of the Kaukauna, Wis.-based company. "Our fabrication team appreciated the opportunity to apply their skills to such a unique and important project."

The divers in these systems work on underwater engineering and construction projects such as pipeline construction or repair, according to Bassett. The company has made other equipment for diving but this is the first saturation system the company has been involved with.

Bassett Mechanical designed and fabricated the tanks for Aqua-Air Industries Inc., a commercial and offshore diving supply specialist located in Louisiana and designer of the system. The tanks were fabricated using 3/4-inch and 7/8-inch thick carbon steel and stainless steel in Bassett's fabrication facility.