Custom umbilical winches for F-Technix

Branche: Infra, Marine, Specials

F-Technix specializes in robotics and control technology for offshore projects. Using a specialized robot, underwater concrete deterioration is detected and repaired in the port of Molo7 in Trieste, on the Italian coast. For this project, DROMEC developed two umbilical winch systems to supply eight power cables, including an AI camera cable and three 3,000-volt cables.

Product link: EPU-1280 EOTPFY

Renovation project

In ports, pontoons are mounted on monopiles. Due to constant exposure to seawater, severe corrosion occurs, leading to concrete degradation at various locations. To prevent further deterioration, F-Technix was commissioned to renovate the concrete using a specialized robot. This so-called RoboGo, powered by an umbilical with an AI camera, identifies damaged areas underwater. The same robot is then used to clean the affected concrete and carry out the necessary repairs.

Umbilical winches

For this project, DROMEC developed two umbilical winches that supply the RoboGo with power and data. The winches are installed on a pontoon connected to a vessel. With a 400-meter cable, the robot can access the entire pontoon. Operating under Constant Tension, the electric winches pay out the cable while maintaining continuous tension. This allows the robot to float beneath the pontoon and inspect the monopiles. Thanks to the Constant Tension control, the cable is guided precisely and never overloaded — essential given the high voltages within the system.

High-voltage cables

The umbilical winches power the RoboGo via eight supply cables bundled in a hose with a diameter of 75 mm. A distinctive feature of this project is the high voltage involved: the umbilical includes three 3,000-volt conductors and two fiber-optic grounding lines. In addition, it contains an AI detection camera cable and various data cables. From the control room, the operator can assess the concrete damage and accurately control the robot during operations.

Container frame and spooling system

A custom frame was built around the winch systems, fitting within a standard 10-foot container. This allows the winches to be easily transported by truck, significantly simplifying handling. The winches can be secured at four anchoring points. The umbilical winches are equipped with a specialized spooling system with pressure rollers, ensuring that the thick umbilical is wound and unwound tightly and evenly. This prevents cable twisting and guarantees reliable operation.

Collaboration

Gijs, Sales at DROMEC: “This project with F-Technix went exceptionally well. The collaboration during development was very positive, and the customer is extremely satisfied. We will certainly be working together again on future projects.”

What winch application did F-Technix request from DROMEC?

F-Technix required a reliable solution to safely supply an underwater robot with power and data, including high voltage, while allowing the robot to move freely beneath a pontoon without cable load or twisting.

Which winches did DROMEC develop for this purpose?

DROMEC developed two custom-built electric umbilical winches with Constant Tension control, enabling controlled pay-out and retrieval of the cable while ensuring constant and safe tension.

What were the technical specifics of this project?

The solution includes CT-controlled winches for a 75 mm high-voltage umbilical (3 × 3000 V), a special level-wind system with pressure rollers, all integrated into a transportable 10-foot container frame.