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Need an automatic liferaft release device to support vessel safety? The Chiyang Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) is a maritime safety device designed to help liferafts detach automatically when a vessel sinks or becomes submerged to a specific activation depth.
The HRU operates by utilizing hydrostatic pressure from seawater. As water pressure increases due to the vessel sinking, the HRU's internal mechanism activates a cutting blade to release the liferaft's lashing from its cradle or mounting bracket. The liferaft can then float to the surface and inflate through the painter line system available on the liferaft.
The Chiyang HRU-1R product is suitable for safety requirements on merchant vessels, passenger ships, fishing vessels, workboats, offshore vessels, and various other maritime fleets. This unit has a release depth of approximately 1.5–4.0 meters and is designed for liferaft applications.
The Chiyang Hydrostatic Release Unit or HRU is an automatic release device used in the float-free arrangement system for liferafts. This device is installed on the liferaft lashing system, liferaft cradle, or the mounting bracket for vessel safety equipment.
In emergency situations, manual release of the liferaft is not always possible. Vessels may experience severe listing, fire, flooding, extreme weather, collision, or rapid sinking. In such situations, crew members may not have sufficient time to manually release the liferaft lashing.
Therefore, the Hydrostatic Release Unit functions as a backup safety system that helps ensure the liferaft can still be released and become available at the water surface. Standards for hydrostatic release units in liferaft arrangements require the device to be capable of automatically releasing the liferaft at a depth of no more than 4 meters.
The main function of the Chiyang Hydrostatic Release Unit is to assist in the automatic release of the liferaft when the vessel sinks. With this system, the liferaft does not rely solely on manual actions by the crew in emergency conditions.
The Chiyang HRU operates based on the principle of hydrostatic pressure. When a vessel sinks, the water pressure around the device increases as the vessel's depth below the sea surface increases.
For the Chiyang HRU-1R, the release mechanism is designed to operate at a depth of approximately 1.5 to 4.0 meters. Water pressure activates the internal mechanism that moves a sharp blade to cut the strong white lashing that secures the liferaft to its mounting bracket or cradle.
After the lashing is cut, the liferaft will detach from its mounting and float toward the surface. The liferaft's painter line remains temporarily secured so that when the liferaft moves away and pulls the painter line, the liferaft inflation system can activate.
Subsequently, the weak link will break when it receives a certain tensile load. This allows the inflated liferaft to separate from the sinking vessel so it can remain at the surface and be used by crew members and passengers.
The Chiyang HRU-1R Hydrostatic Release Unit is an automatic safety device designed for use on liferafts. The following are general specifications to consider before purchase and installation:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Chiyang HRU-1R |
| Product Name | Hydrostatic Release Unit |
| Release Depth | 1.5–4.0 meters below water surface |
| Release System | Manual release and automatic underwater release |
| Operating Mechanism | Hydrostatic pressure activates internal blade to cut lashing |
| Application | Liferafts with capacity of approximately 4–150 persons, depending on configuration and system compatibility |
| Ambient Temperature Range | Approximately -30°C to +65°C |
| Shelf Life | Generally 1 year from production date, following product label and documentation |
| Service Life | Generally 2 years from installation, following expiration date on unit |
Technical information for the HRU-1R from the manufacturer lists a release depth of 1.5–4.0 meters, application for 4–150 person liferafts, temperature range of approximately -30°C to +65°C, shelf life of 1 year from production, and service life of 2 years from installation.
Important note: lashing specifications, weak link, installation method, liferaft size, and classification approval must always be adjusted according to product technical documentation, liferaft type, vessel requirements, and applicable regulations. Ensure the purchased unit is compatible with the cradle and liferaft lashing system on your vessel.
Under ideal conditions, liferafts can be manually released by crew members. However, emergency situations at sea often occur very quickly and unpredictably. A vessel that is severely listing, submerged, or sinking can make access to the liferaft difficult or even impossible.
The HRU provides an automatic release mechanism so the liferaft has a greater chance of floating freely when the vessel sinks. Once the liferaft is free and the painter line is pulled, the liferaft can inflate for use as a safety device by people around the vessel.
Proper float-free arrangement is important because not only must the HRU be suitable. The cradle, lashing, painter line, weak link, liferaft capacity, and installation method must all be in the correct configuration and comply with manufacturer instructions. ISO 15734 standard also states that HRUs for float-free safety equipment must be resistant to sea conditions, have corrosion resistance, be replaceable or serviceable, and must not release prematurely when exposed to seawater spray.
The Hydrostatic Release Unit is not merely a liferaft accessory. This component is a critical part of the vessel's emergency safety system, so it needs to be inspected regularly to maintain operational readiness.
We provide the Chiyang HRU-1R Hydrostatic Release Unit to support vessel safety equipment requirements. Before placing an order, provide information regarding liferaft type, liferaft capacity, cradle type, lashing requirements, and document or certificate requirements so our team can help provide more suitable product information.
For use on vessels that must meet classification, flag state, surveyor, or international regulatory requirements, first ensure product certificate compatibility with your vessel requirements. Confirming model number, validity period, approval, and installation configuration before purchase is highly recommended.
Contact our Admin & Sales for stock information, pricing, specifications, procurement requirements, and special offers for the Chiyang Hydrostatic Release Unit.
You can also visit our official website for product information and special pricing:
Office address:
Office Complex, Jl. Taman Palem Mutiara No. 1 Block A18, RT.7/RW.14, Cengkareng Timur, Cengkareng District, West Jakarta City, Special Capital Region of Jakarta 11730.
The Chiyang Hydrostatic Release Unit functions to automatically release the liferaft when the vessel sinks and the device is at activation depth. After the liferaft is released, it can float to the surface and the painter system can trigger its inflation.
The Chiyang HRU-1R is designed to activate at a depth of approximately 1.5 to 4.0 meters below the water surface. This range aligns with the concept of automatic liferaft release at a depth of no more than 4 meters in hydrostatic release device requirements.
Not always. The HRU must be selected based on compatibility with liferaft type, liferaft capacity, cradle, lashing system, weak link, and painter line arrangement. Ensure HRU specifications match the liferaft technical documentation and vessel safety requirements before installation.
For the Chiyang HRU-1R, manufacturer information lists a general service life of approximately 2 years from installation. However, users must follow the expiration date printed on the unit and official product instructions received at purchase.
The Chiyang HRU-1R has both manual release and automatic underwater release systems. Manual release remains important if crew members still have the opportunity to lower or release the liferaft before the vessel sinks.
The liferaft will detach from the cradle and float toward the surface. The painter line will be pulled so the liferaft inflation system can work. After that, the weak link will break at a certain load so the inflated liferaft can detach from the sinking vessel.
Yes. Periodic inspection is required to check HRU validity, lashing condition, weak link, cradle, painter line, and installation accuracy. HRUs that have exceeded their service life must be replaced according to manufacturer requirements and vessel safety procedures.
To order the Chiyang HRU, contact our Admin/Sales at 0815-8888-344, 0811-1262-220, 0811-1751-503, or 0815-8683-8888. You can also visit the official websites alnindo.com and alnindo.id.
