Since 1996 the enterprise has been carrying out engineering studies on determination of the configuration of an underwater self-contained gas transfer station for deep-water, transoceanic gas mains with high flow rates. In the result of studies completed by the present time it was determined that the optimum structure of the underwater self-contained station was a station using nuclear power as the main power source.

     Nuclear Underwater Gas Transfer Station (NUGTS) is developed as applied to the accepted nuclear submarine construction technology. The results of R&D and Engineering works fulfilled by Russian military-industrial complex enterprises for the last 15 – 20 years while creating equipment for main propulsion plants for nuclear submarines and surface ships for the Navy are used in the development. The multiyear experience of equipment operation onboard nuclear submarines designed for strength, reliability and survivability under repeatable dynamic loads was also taken into account.

     As for its concept, NUGTS represents a special underwater vehicle with the watertight pressure hull of cylindrical shape designed for the ultimate diving depth of the gas line and the outer hull forming ballast tanks and superstructure.

     Systems and machinery ensuring NUGTS operation as an underwater vessel able to stay in the self-contained operational mode for a long time as well as propulsion systems that allow the station to manoeuvre in the submerged condition after its bringing to the zero buoyancy are provided in the project. The possibility of periodical visiting of the operating station by maintenance personnel is also provided as sanitary and service spaces for the maintenance personnel during their staying on the station are envisaged.

     The station will be fitted with mating units for underwater connection to the gas main line.

     The structural scheme of the nuclear underwater gas transfer station developed by the enterprise was patented by Russian Agency for Patents and Trademarks based on the Patent law of the Russian Federation and patents were issued for an invention “Nuclear Underwater Gas Transfer Station” having numbers 2154231 of August 10, 2000 and 2191321 of October 20, 2002.

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