HAUX-LIFE-SUPPORT GmbH
HAUX-LIFE-SUPPORT develops specialized diving systems for research, operations, and rescue under demanding conditions.
- Customized Solutions: Mobile and compact systems for platforms, pontoons, and ships.
- Diverse Applications: Research, diving operations, and rescue missions in a wide range of climatic conditions.
- Technological Expertise: Specialization in medical technology, diving technology, and high-altitude physiology
The project
Innovative Diving Bell System for the New WSA Ship Archimedes
HAUX-LIFE-SUPPORT is supplying the diving bell system for the ship Archimedes for the Waterways and Shipping Office (WSA) Rhine, Duisburg. The new diving bell vessel will replace the old ship, Carl Straat, which has been operated by WSA Duisburg-Rhine on the Rhine since 1963.
The modern diving bell system developed by HAUX-LIFE-SUPPORT integrates a hoist solution from J.D. Neuhaus, enabling the operator to navigate the Rhine and its tributaries and work with pressurized chambers without lowering the water level. Using the vessel, mooring of buoys in gravel or rock areas will be carried out, as well as sample collection through drilling and structural inspections of locks and weirs. The contract for constructing the Archimedes was awarded to the Dutch shipyard “Damen Shipyards” in Gorinchem, with delivery to WSA Rhine scheduled for the third quarter of 2021.
The Challenge
Unique Diving Bell Design for the Archimedes
The design of the diving bell system for the Archimedes is unique worldwide. To ensure maximum safety for the operator and the personnel inside the diving bell, lateral forces must be avoided when lowering the bell. Furthermore, the diving bell offers limited space for positioning a hoist solution while ensuring smooth operation and sufficient movement freedom for personnel within the system. In addition, a flawless design and development process with the various parties had to be ensured to meet the ship’s delivery date.
- Safety
- Special Operational Requirement
- Project Management
The solution
A Long-Standing Relationship
Inside the diving bell, JDN hoists – a PROFI 1TI LMFZ and a PROFI 2TI LMFZ – are installed. The LMFZ trolleys combined with the PROFI hoists provide an extremely low installation height. In particular, the custom solution for positioning the rack-and-pinion drive on top of – rather than below – the beam enables safe and space-saving handling of waste, debris, or tools within the diving bell. The pneumatic drive, as well as the materials used in the JDN hoists, are also ideally suited for operation in high humidity. This provides an optimal hoist solution for reliable and safe operation on all riverbeds in Europe.
The goal-oriented and collaborative partnership between the teams at HAUX-LIFE-SUPPORT and JDN enabled a smooth project workflow in developing the diving bell solution.
Shipyards & Maritime
Heavy loads, precise positioning – the shipyard and maritime industry is one of the core sectors for JDN solutions. Extremely heavy ship components such as hull sections, engines, drive systems, or sh [..]
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