One of these is the combination of friction and storage winch for handling the very long and relatively thin measuring cables.

This allows the sensitive and expensive research cables to be spooled on the storage winch free from load.

A spooling device developed and patented by HATLAPA guarantees that rope is wound onto the storage winch in a clean and gentle manner, thereby avoiding the crossing of rope layers which results in breakage.

The storage winches have a very large drum diameter to achieve low bending radii of ropes when wound on for protecting the sensitive measuring wires within the ropes. HATLAPA can now offer winches which can handle research ropes of more than 10,000m in length without fault.

By using frequency inverter controlled motors, the speed can be infinitely variably controlled and the winches operated synchronously. Because the winches are on stand-by from zero speed to full torque, a smooth start avoids the normal demands on shipboard power supply and stresses on ropes and mechanical components.

The electric driving capacity of each winch is up to 352kW, produced by four motors of 88kW each. This increases capacity reserves while the distribution of load into the gears allows a compact construction. To dissipate the heat arising in the electric motors, water cooling has been provided instead of air cooling.

HATLAPA also supplied the incorporated high performance guiding rolls which lead the ropes from the working deck to the winch room in the ship's interior.

The single ropes can be diverted to different winches allowing high flexibility during operation.

Changing the stored research ropes on the various rope drums is possible whilst at sea with the assistance of a special rewinding winch.

During operation the played out rope length, pull and speed are measured constantly by special instruments on the winch and are indicated electronically to the operator at the control pedestal.

MJInformation No: 21906