Discover the robust and innovative gear box solutions from ATEK for demanding underwater applications.
What main factors determine the selection of an underwater gear box for specific applications?
Die Selection of an underwater gear box depends on the operating depth (pressure), the type of water (corrosion potential), the required performance data and the maintenance intervals . ATEK Drive Solutions provides comprehensive consultation for the design.
How does ATEK ensure the reliability of its underwater gear boxes under extreme conditions?
ATEK relies on robust designs, high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel and titanium, as well as special sealing systems und pressure-stable lubricants. Our experience ensures maximum fail-safety.
Does ATEK also offer custom underwater gear boxes for niche applications?
Yes, one of our core competencies is the development of custom special solutions. Thanks to our modular system we can quickly and efficiently realize tailored underwater gear boxes for special requirements. What role does sensor integration play in modern underwater gear boxes?
Integrated sensors enable a
continuous condition monitoring (e.g. temperature, vibration). This supports the predictive maintenance , can extend the, kann die lifespan by up to 20% and significantly increase the operational safety..
How does ATEK address the issue of sustainability in underwater gear boxes?
We focus on energy-efficient designs and use, where possible, environmentally friendly, biodegradable specialty lubricants, to minimize the impact on marine ecosystems.
What advantages does ATEK’s modular system offer for underwater gear boxes?
Our modular system allows for millions of configurations, leading to a high variety of options und and short delivery times – we can often provide specific solutions within a few weeks .
Are ATEK underwater gear boxes suitable for use in saltwater environments?
Yes, our underwater gear boxes are made from specifically selected, corrosion-resistant materials , such as stainless steel alloys (1.4571, duplex) or titanium, to ensure a long lifespan even in aggressive saltwater .
How does ATEK support the design and optimization of drives for underwater applications?
ATEK offers comprehensive technical consulting and support in the design and optimization of your drive solutions. We combine decades of experience with the latest technology to find the best solution for your specific requirements. Underwater gear boxes are
essential components for demanding marine and offshore applications that require für anspruchsvolle maritime und Offshore-Anwendungen, die highest reliability under extreme conditions such as high pressure and corrosion.
ATEK Drive Solutions, as a system provider, offers high-quality, custom underwater gear boxes through a modular system that enables fast delivery times and a high variety of options ; integrated sensors can extend the lifespan of facilities by up to 20%..
The future of underwater gear box technology lies in intelligent solutions with advanced materials, AI-based diagnostics, and a strong focus on sustainability and environmental compatibility..Learn how ATEK Drive Solutions sets new standards in performance, reliability, and longevity with state-of-the-art underwater gear boxes. Perfect for your demanding applications!
Underwater gear boxes must withstand extreme conditions. ATEK Drive Solutions offers you tailored solutions that meet even the highest demands. Are you looking for the perfect drive solution for your project? Contact us now for a non-binding contact with us!
Do you need an underwater gear box that can withstand extreme conditions?
Request a custom solution now!
Introduction to underwater gear boxes
What exactly do these specialty gear boxes accomplish?
Underwater gear boxes are precision units for reliable operation under high pressure in submerged environments. ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) require flawless functioning at a depth of 2000m (approximately 200 bar). Core task of these gear boxes for underwater applications: safe power transmission under these conditions, essential for deep-sea research/offshore applications.
The biggest challenges below the surface
Hydrostatic pressure, saltwater corrosion, and difficult maintenance require robust materials/design for such marine gear boxes. Tidal power plants (>20 years operation) require special stainless steel alloys and sealing systems. Longevity necessitates protection against water ingress/corrosion over decades – ATEK core competence. – ATEK-Kernkompetenz.Technical challenges and design aspects
Pressure compensation or hermetic sealing?
Two approaches: pressure-compensated systems (flexible membranes) adjust internal pressure to external pressure (advantage: diving robots, variable depths). Hermetically sealed systems (double mechanical seals) protect waterproof motors in fixed installations. Method selection influences the complexity/maintenance intervals of underwater drive systems; ATEK offers both solutions.; ATEK bietet beide Lösungen.
- Pressure management: Choice between pressure-compensated systems for variable depths and hermetically sealed systems for fixed installations.
- Material selection: Use of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel (e.g. 1.4571, duplex) and titanium for durability.
- Lubrication: Use of special synthetic, pressure-stable, and ideally biodegradable lubricants.
- Sealing technology: Implementation of robust sealing systems, such as double mechanical seals, to protect against water ingress.
- Heat management: Effective cooling strategies, from utilizing ambient water to active cooling systems, to ensure performance and longevity.
- Corrosion protection: Comprehensive measures against saltwater corrosion through material selection and design.
- Maintenance aspects: Design decisions significantly influence maintenance intervals and complexity.
Materials and lubrication for eternity?
Corrosion-resistant stainless steels (e.g. 1.4571, duplex) and titanium for housings/shafts. Special synthetic, pressure-stable, ideally biodegradable oils/greases minimize environmental impact in case of leaks. Careful material pairing/optimized lubrication extends lifespan, evidenced by experience with lubricated gear boxes for marine applications.
Cooling in cold environments
Despite heat dissipation through ambient water, additional cooling may be necessary in high power density/closed systems (internal channels, external heat exchangers). In drives for underwater milling, waste heat is deliberately dissipated (overload protection). Effective heat management is critical for performance/lifespan, considered in system design.Application areas of underwater gear boxes
Offshore industry: working at great depths
Offshore oil/gas industry: gear boxes drive pumps, valves, positioning systems (drilling platforms). ROVs for inspection/maintenance (up to 3000m) require very reliable deep-sea gear boxes. Fail-safety influences economics/safety; ATEK focuses on robust, ATEK fokussiert robuste, corrosion-resistant units.
Shipbuilding: precision for maneuverability and stability
Rudders, bow thrusters, stabilization systems in ships utilize powerful Underwater gear boxes. ATEK gear boxes for applications in shipbuilding can improve maneuvering accuracy by 15%. Compact gear box-motor integration is often advantageous.
Renewable energies and research: harnessing the power of water
Tidal/wave power plants: such gear box units for the subsea area convert water movement into energy. Research: drive for sampling devices/deep-sea submarines (>6000m). Reliability under extreme conditions enables sustainable energy/discoveries, supported by specific braking systems..Innovative technologies and special solutions
Modular systems: flexibility meets efficiency
ATEK’s modular system: millions of gear box configurations, high customization for fast, specific underwater solutions (often within weeks). Stainless steel bevel gear boxes (aquaculture) delivered in 4 weeks. Flexibility/short delivery times: central strengths in the development of gear boxes for the subsea area.
- Modular systems: Enable quick configuration and delivery of tailored gear box solutions.
- Integrated sensors: Serve condition monitoring and predictive maintenance to increase operational safety.
- Environmentally friendly specialty lubricants: Minimize environmental impact in case of leaks.
- Focus on fail-safety: Consideration of redundancy and robust designs for critical applications.
- Data-driven decision making: Use of sensor data to optimize maintenance intervals and reduce costs.
- Rapid adaptability: Ability to realize specific customer requirements in short timeframes.
- Increased lifespan: Through early wear detection and optimized maintenance.
Sensor integration for predictive maintenance
Integrated sensors (temperature, vibration, oil condition) for condition monitoring/predictive maintenance (prevents failures, optimizes intervals). Early wear detection can extend the lifespan of underwater turbines by 20%. Data-driven decisions: higher operational safety, lower costs, especially in demanding underwater drive systems.
Special lubricants and fail-safety
ATEK uses environmentally friendly special lubricants (minimal marine impact in case of leaks). Fail-safety aspects (cf. SCHOTTEL Dynamic Rudderpropellers (SDRP) for worst-case scenarios) are considered in the design of underwater drives . Redundancy/robust designs are important for critical missions, relevant for low-maintenance gear boxes.Market overview and future prospects
Growth engines of underwater technology
Offshore wind expansion, deep-sea exploration, and AUV use drive demand for underwater drives. AUV market: >15% annual growth until 2028. Expansion requires powerful, reliable drives for maritime use. ATEK meets the demand.
Technological trends: intelligence and sustainability
Future gear boxes for underwater applications: lighter/stronger materials (e.g., composite materials) and AI (optimized control/self-diagnosis). Sustainability (biodegradable lubricants, efficient designs, cf. IP69K gear boxes) is central. Intelligent, environmentally friendly drives, such as modern underwater drive systems, are pioneering.
Underwater gear boxes are key components for demanding applications, from deep-sea research to energy generation. ATEK Drive Solutions continuously develops such special gear boxes to meet the increasing demands for performance, reliability, and environmental compatibility. ATEK pushes the boundaries of what is technically possible in maritime transmission technology. For specific requirements and tailor-made drive solutions for underwater use, ATEK is ready.
