Ensuring Your Subsea Drilling Operation Integrity With PCB Pressure Testing

In the realm of drilling operations, the meticulous calibration and oversight of each mechanical and electrical component is non-negotiable. Central to this operation is the Printed Circuit Board (PCB), an integral element responsible for the drill’s electrical modulation and performance.

However, to ascertain the reliability of the PCB under varying operational demands, systematic and PCB pressure testing is imperative. This article delves into the technical nuances of high-pressure drill PCB testing, assessing common malfunctions and finding solutions to them.

What Types of Pressure Tests Are There?

There were three types of pressure tests that should be performed to monitor the drill’s printed circuit board (PCB), which involves electrically monitoring the devices in an oil-filled pressure chamber while varying the pressure in various ways. The PCB should be tested to pressures of 5000msw and should be placed into a pressure chamber capable of testing to pressures up to and in excess of 7300psi (or 503 bar).

Here are the different types of pressure testing procedures:

1. Stepped Test: The circuit operation is monitored while the pressure is increased in steps of 1000psi at a time up to 7300psi, after which it is then reduced in 1000psi declines.
2. Cycle Test: The pressure is repeatedly increased and decreased in the chamber, taking approximately one minute to go from 0 to 7300psi and back again.
3. Endurance Test: The chamber is pressurised at 7300psi for at least 7 hours, during which the circuit operation is tested occasionally.

Why Does Your Subsea Drilling Operation Show a High Failure Rate?

If your circuit operation module is showing a high failure rate during these tests, this could be a fault of the PCB-mounted DC/DC converter. This component converts a source of direct current from one voltage level to another, and for this application, is usually a step up in power from input to output.

However, the shape of the coil inside the DC/DC converter makes a crucial difference. If the coil is toroid-shaped, this can create tiny air bubbles trapped in the coil which can then expand under pressure and blow up the DC/DC converter.

Ideal Power’s DC/DC Converters Offer a Better Solution

To solve this problem of trapped air bubbles in the drill’s PCB, you should instead use a DC/DC Converter with a rectangle coil built-in. This alteration reduces the chances of air bubbles being trapped to almost zero, meaning that the test success rate will improve dramatically.

Ideal Power has a collection of rectangular-coiled DC/DC converters that mount onto the PCB l to reduce failure rate. Plus, these converters can produce up to 600W of output power, so if you wish to reduce the number of failures you are experiencing in high-pressure environments, start by speaking with us today. High-quality electrical components are Ideal Power’s specialty, and we offer many varieties of PCB-mount DC/DC converters with very high reliability & MTBF. Use our comparison tool to build up a shortlist and contrast the various options. It allows you to select up to four PSUs and have all the relevant information – from power output and output current to input voltage and standards qualification – in one single page to easily find the most suitable PCB-mounted DC/DC converter. To request a quote or get more information, grab a virtual coffee with our sales and technical experts today.