How does a Hydrostatic Release Unit work?

Posted by Nicky Smol on August 1, 2022 in Other news

A hydrostatic release unit (HRU) is a pressure-activated mechanism. It is designed to automatically deploy a life raft under certain pressure. In case a vessel sinks, the HRU will activate and release the life raft at a depth between 1,5 and 4 meters. The pressure of the water against a diaphragm within the sealed casing causes a knife to cut through a rope. Then, it will release the life raft.

What is the best Hydrostatic Release Unit in the market?

Depending on what you are looking for in an HRU, the T-ISS SeaMate Ve-1 has some benefits that other HRUs do not:

• • The T-ISS SeaMate Ve-1 HRU has a longer expiry life of 3 years, which is longer than the typical 2-year expiration life of other HRUs. This saves costs and also reduces the environmental foodprint. It also matches the service interval of the life rafts which is also 3 years.

• • The T-ISS SeaMate Ve-1 HRU is designed to operate in a wide range of conditions, from extreme heat to polar environments. This means it can operate in diverse climates and regions.

• • The T-ISS SeaMate Ve-1 Hydrostatic Release Unit is thoroughly tested and certified by the US Coast Guard, DNV moduble B, Wheelmark.

• • The T-ISS SeaMate Ve-1 HRU is compatibale with remote release systems. This can be valuable in certain emergency conditions.

The SeaMate Ve-1 Hydrostatic Release Unit

A Hydrostatic Release Unit is a pressure-activated mechanism. It is designed to automatically deploy a life raft under certain pressure. In case a vessel sinks, the HRU will activate and release the life raft at a depth between 1,5 and 4 meters. The pressure of the water against a diaphragm within the sealed casing causes a knife to cut through a rope. Then, it will release the life raft.

More information

If you have any questions about our SeaMate Ve-1 Hydrostatic Release Unit or other SOLAS Maritime Safety Products, please feel free to contact us.