A safe transfer from shipto platform Hydrauvision and Technotron have joined forces to develop a Failsafe Hydro Unit forAmpelmann

Day-to-day work in the offshore sector involves staff being transferred

from ships to offshore constructions. This is often done under severe

weather conditions. Unpredictable weather conditions and big waves

limit the options for safe transportation of people. The Ampelmann is

a movement compensation platform that enables simple, safe, quick

access from a moving ship to an offshore construction. In partnership

with Hydrauvision, Technotron developed a Failsafe Hydro Unit to

power the platform.

Technotron stands out in this field for:

• Innovative systems using mechatronics

• Superior drive technology

• Knowledge of hydraulic systems

• Being a reliable and professional partner

• User-friendly PLC control systems

Our challengeThe Ampelmann makes it possible for employees to get on and off offshore

platforms and windmills safely and quickly. The Ampelmann is based on the well-

known flight simulator approach, which uses six cylinders to imitate motions. The

Ampelmann uses the same six cylinders to compensate for the motions of the ship.

This makes stepping from a ship onto an offshore construction as simple as

'crossing the street'. The Ampelmann can compensate for waves of up to 2.5 metres.

Technotron PowerThe monitoring system developed by Ampelmann controls the hydraulic cylinders

directly that keep the platform in a static position relative to the ship. The movements

of the ship are detected precisely using gyrometers and rapid-response sensors.

The Hydro Unit developed by Technotron and Hydrauvision controls the necessary

oil supply to and from the cylinders. The Hydro Unit consists of three electrically

powered high-capacity hydraulic pumps connected in parallel. They are also each

other's backup. It is important to note that the Hydro Unit has been constructed in

a 'failsafe' configuration. This principle also means that at least two energy sources

(generators) are required. Together they guarantee a continuous power supply.

More about maritime solutionsThere has been a lot of interest worldwide in the innovative Ampelmann. Technotron

is also active in the maritime sector in other ways. For instance, Technotron took

on the design and construction of a radio-controlled mobile crane system for inland

shipping. Belt control ensures full wireless control of the mobile crane system.

Furthermore, Technotron built a parallel rotation device for synchronization of

hydraulic winches to an in-house design. These winches are used when lowering

an underwater inspection robot. The underwater robot can be sunk to an accuracy

of 1cm at a depth of 250 metres. It can be controlled by wireless communications

or from the bridge. The displays on the wireless unit and on the bridge show the

actual depth.

Would you like to know more?Technotron delivers customized solutions. We

would like to use our knowledge of mechatronics

for you too. You are welcome to contact us with

no obligation for any additional information you

may need about our services.

Technotron bv

Buys Ballotstraat 5

4507 DA Schoondijke (NL)

T +31 (0)117-377150

F +31 (0)117-377155

E info@technotron.nl

www.technotron.nl

Technotron designs and builds a variety of

control systems and energy systems. These

include e.g. controls for generators and

wind turbines, power distribution systems,

energy reduction systems, PLC controls and

measurement and control systems. These

systems are used worldwide in the industrial

and petrochemical sectors, mechanical

engineering, non-residential buildings and the

offshore and maritime market.

One of our strengths is that we utilize our

knowledge of mechatronics efficiently to

resolve specific operational problems. We take

account of ease of use, the long-term perspective

and current legislation and regulations, right

from the very first design.