RUD TECDOS chain drive technology enables the precise and reliable movement of 35-tonne movable roof sections in a demanding bulk handling environment. Designed for durability in dusty conditions, the system ensures smooth operation and improved efficiency at a European port facility.

Bulk material handling requires more than just storage space. Operators must ensure easy access for loading and unloading while protecting stored materials from weather. A project at the Enns port precinct in Europe demonstrates how engineered chain drive technology can help. By incorporating an automated sliding roof system powered by RUD TECDOS chain drive technology, the handling hall at Danubia Speicherei provides operational flexibility while maintaining durability in demanding industrial conditions.

A Storage Facility Designed for Efficient Material Handling

The handling hall, operational for over a year, was designed for loose bulk goods such as animal feed. Strategically located with road, rail, and waterway access, the facility serves as a key logistics hub. It includes three reinforced concrete storage bays, each approximately 33 metres long, 10 metres wide and over 12 metres high.

Above each bay is a movable roof section measuring 33 x 10 metres. Unlike conventional roofs, these open and close automatically, allowing loading from above using cranes. Each roof weighs about 35 tonnes and can be controlled independently via a wireless remote, enabling separate access to all bays and improving operational flexibility.

Engineering the Movable Roof Concept

From the planning stage, Danubia Speicherei saw the advantages of a movable roof. The roof’s size and weight made design more complex than conventional buildings. They partnered with an engineering specialist experienced in lifting and mechanical handling technology, responsible for the drive system, control technology and mechanical integration. The company worked closely with RUD Germany to deliver a reliable drive solution for heavy loads.

TECDOS Chain Drive Technology for Heavy Loads

The roof system is powered by the RUD TECDOS Pi-Gamma Drive System, a compact chain drive solution for demanding industrial applications. Each roof section uses four drive units working together for smooth operation.

The Pi-Gamma system combines a fixed 180-degree chain deflection (Pi configuration) and a variable deflection between 90 and 180 degrees (Gamma configuration), allowing efficient operation in horizontal and vertical applications. The system uses a high strength round steel chain on a specially designed drive shaft, minimising mechanical forces while ensuring reliable power transmission. The TECDOS chain drive system is suitable for heavy industrial applications, including bulk handling infrastructure and large mechanical installations.

Each storage bay uses a 33m long round steel chain (TEC12), supported by rollers at two metre intervals to ensure smooth movement and reduce sagging.

Built for Harsh Bulk Handling Environments

Bulk storage environments pose challenges for mechanical equipment due to high dust levels. Chain drive technology was selected for its reliability in such conditions. Heavy duty chains resist dust contamination and require minimal maintenance. The system is also durable and corrosion resistant, suitable for outdoor exposure.

The Pi-Gamma system is compact, with TEC12 drive units having a pitch circle diameter of 82.3 millimetres and weighing around 12 kilograms, yet capable of moving extremely heavy loads.

Managing Wind and Weather Conditions

At over 12 metres tall, the roof structures are subject to wind forces. Engineers designed the system to withstand pressures up to 120 N/m². Roof sections can be mechanically locked during adverse weather. Narrow roof gaps prevent water entry, protecting stored materials. Snowfall can add up to 15 tonnes per roof, but the drive system can move loads of approximately 50 tonnes horizontally, ensuring reliable year round operation.

Designed with Future Expansion in Mind

Danubia Speicherei operates multiple facilities in the Enns port precinct. The new hall allows expansion by duplicating the layout, effectively doubling storage capacity while maintaining performance and efficiency using the same movable roof concept and chain drive technology.

Engineered Drive Solutions for Industrial Infrastructure

The Enns port installation highlights how modern drive technology supports large scale industrial infrastructure. By combining robust mechanical design with compact high performance chain drives, TECDOS Pi-Gamma systems provide reliable motion control for heavy structural components. For bulk handling facilities, ports and logistics operations, RUD’s engineered solutions deliver durability, flexibility and efficiency.

RUD offers reliable conveying and hoisting equipment for industrial applications. Click here for a complete overview of our Conveyor Systems and Hoist Chains. 

This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are used for illustration only.

RUD TECDOS drive technology provides precise and reliable control of sluice gates in dams, reservoirs and industrial applications. By ensuring safe, consistent operation in critical water management systems, it supports compliance, protects infrastructure and improves long-term performance.

The Risk in Traditional Sluice Gate Drives

Many old sluice gates still use non-calibrated lifting chains and non-standard pocket wheels that were never designed to operate efficiently as a single unit. In such gates, lifting chains and pocket wheels are sourced from different manufacturers. These components may appear compatible, but they are not calibrated to operate together. As the non-calibrated chain articulates over a non-matching pocket wheel, misalignment can occur, resulting in pinging, jolting, and uneven load transfer.

Over time, this can accelerate wear and tear, increase vibration and place stress on the drive system. In the worst-case scenario, the chain can fail to sit correctly on the pocket wheel, preventing the gate from opening or closing when required. During high water flow or floods, this type of failure can have serious consequences, including flooding, plant shutdowns, or unplanned downtime for repairs. The issue is simple: non-calibrated lifting chains are not suited to precision sluice gate applications, particularly when paired with pocket wheels manufactured to different tolerances and standards.

RUD Precision Engineering

RUD is a world leader in drive technology. We provide solutions through a fully integrated approach to chain and drive technology. RUD lifting chains are 100% calibrated using state-of-the-art manufacturing and measurement technology. The matching pocket wheels are designed and produced to the same exact tolerances, ensuring smooth articulation, correct load distribution and reliable operation.

Both the chain and the pocket wheel are manufactured in Germany, in the same facility, drawing on more than 150 years of chain engineering expertise. This single-source manufacturing model eliminates compatibility risks and delivers precision not achievable with mixed-component systems.

TECDOS Drive Technology for Sluice Gates

The TECDOS Drive Technology builds on this foundation of calibrated chain engineering to deliver a robust, mechanical drive solution specifically suited to challenging sluice gate environments. TECDOS is a modular drive system that transmits force via a high-strength round-steel chain and precision-engineered drive units, such as the PI-GAMMA and OMEGA drives.

Unlike friction-based mechanisms or hydraulic systems, TECDOS relies on positive mechanical engagement. This ensures predictable, controlled movement under high static loads, variable operating conditions and frequent start-stop cycles, which are common in sluice gate applications. The cold-formed round steel chain offers exceptional strength, fatigue resistance and wear performance, making it ideal for wet, abrasive and corrosive environments found in water and wastewater infrastructure.

TECDOS is Ideal in Sluice Gate Applications

Sluice gates are hard on drive systems. Constant exposure to moisture, sediment, and challenging weather events can degrade standard rack-and-pinion drives, wire rope systems or hydraulic cylinders. These systems depend on friction surfaces, seals or fluid pressure, which can lead to variability, leakage and higher maintenance requirements over time.

TECDOS drive systems are engineered to minimise these failings. With fewer wear-prone interfaces and a mechanical load path, the system ensures consistent performance throughout its life. This is valuable in remote or difficult to access installations where maintenance opportunities are limited and downtime is costly. TECDOS systems are suitable for vertical lift gates, horizontal slide gates, isolation gates and flood protection gates and support linear, vertical, horizontal or inclined movements.

Technical Overview

TECDOS® Drive Technology - Key Characteristics

Comparison with Traditional Sluice Gate Drives

Extending Asset Life Through Refurbishment

An advantage of RUD products is the ability to refurbish existing sluice gate systems with minimal changes. In many cases, TECDOS drive technology and calibrated chain systems can be integrated into existing gate designs, improving reliability without the cost of full replacement. This can help extend the operational life of sluice gate assets by 10 to 15 years and maximise whole-of-life cost savings while improving safety and performance.

After Sales Support

RUD’s commitment does not end with the supply of components. Customers benefit from local after-sales support in Australia, backed by experienced engineers who understand both the mechanical and operational challenges of sluice gate applications. From system selection and design support through to refurbishment planning and ongoing service, RUD works as a long-term partner.

A Future Ready Solution for Critical Infrastructure

As water and wastewater infrastructure move toward longer maintenance cycles, increased automation, and higher reliability expectations, it is essential to have credible mechanical solutions. TECDOS® Drive Technology provides a dependable, precision-engineered solution that integrates with modern control systems while maintaining mechanical simplicity.

By eliminating the risks associated with non-calibrated chains and mismatched pocket wheels and by offering a robust, serviceable drive solution, RUD sets a new benchmark for reliability in sluice gate applications.

Key Installation: In 2003, the Panama Canal Authority replaced the old mechanical drives with TECDOS OMEGA Drive for higher resistance to corrosion and shock loads. 

RUD offers reliable conveying and hoisting equipment for industrial applications. Click here for a complete overview of our Conveyor Systems and Hoist Chains. 

This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are used for illustration only.

RUD will display the TECDOS MSB (Multi Station Bench) at the Nonnenmann booth at the Molding Expo in Stuttgart from 6 to 9 May 2025. Nonnenmann is a reputable provider of mould solutions, and the Moulding Expo serves as a key gathering for companies across the tool, modelling, and mould-making industries.

Designed as an all-in-one solution, the TECDOS MSB simplifies the maintenance process for tools and moulds.

"This is brand new to the market: a single device capable of performing all the crucial steps in handling moulds and tools weighing up to 2.5 tonnes - including opening, turning, maintenance, and testing. While similar comprehensive solutions have existed, they were previously only available for heavy-weight categories," explains Anne Kühling, Product Manager for Conveyor and Drive Systems at RUD. "The new MSB station fills this gap, catering specifically to lighter, more compact tools and moulds."

All-in-One Tool Handling

The RUD TECDOS MSB maintenance station is based on the robust RUD TECDOS TMB industrial workbench, featuring an integrated turning table (120 x 80 cm). This design ensures that the tools are safe and ergonomic, turning up to a 2.5-tonne capacity, achievable with just a standard cordless screwdriver. Adding an opening function and a testing device transforms it into a comprehensive, all-in-one maintenance station. T-slot rails attached to one side of the tool turner securely hold the tool halves during manipulation.

A pneumatically supported plate allows operators to move moulds and tools weighing up to 2.5 tonnes easily and safely at the push of a button, enabling direct processing on the maintenance station. "The air cushion significantly facilitates the often-challenging initial opening of tools and moulds. Furthermore, the optional hydraulic unit for ejector tests allows even tool assemblies with backpressure pins to be opened," explains Jochen Schwegler, Application Technology Consultant at Nonnenmann GmbH, RUD's development and sales partner for the new station.

Streamlined Testing and Quality Control

The compact unit integrates easily into any factory or workshop. "Our experience and market feedback indicate that, due to time constraints, many moulds are installed directly into the machine without prior testing. If malfunctions occur later, for example, blocked temperature control channels, the entire mould must be removed for repair. This results in significant downtime and costs," emphasises Anne Kühling.

To prevent costly interruptions in injection moulding operations, the RUD TECDOS MSB allows operators to perform essential checks easily and quickly. This includes conducting ejector tests and leak tests of the temperature control channels directly on the station before machine installation.

Increased Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

Operating the TECDOS MSB is both ergonomic and safe, facilitating work practices that are compliant with stringent Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations. "Dragging heavy loads across the factory floor with a crane or pulling them manually at awkward angles is not only unsafe but also contravenes fundamental WHS principles and safe work procedures," says Kühling. The RUD TECDOS MSB provides a safer alternative, reducing reliance on cranes, ropes, and potentially hazardous manual methods like using chisels for separation.

Broad Product Portfolio

The RUD TECDOS MSB maintenance station is the fifth significant development from RUD in mould handling within just a few years. "This rapid innovation highlights the considerable industry need for process optimisation and enhanced occupational safety, particularly in injection moulding," Kühling emphasises. The current TECDOS range includes the TECDOS Tool Mover, the TECDOS TSB and the TECDOS TSB for the mould handling industry.

References:

• Original article credit to K-Aktuell - https://www.k-aktuell.de/technologie/rud-komfortable-werkzeugwartung-520501/
• K-PROFI International English magazine - https://www.k-aktuell.de/magazine/k-profi-international/

The article has been rewritten in English from the original German article. Copyright to RUD and K-Profi Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.

Ensuring a safe and controlled operation is critical in the challenging conditions of marine projects. Marine environments are corrosive and heavily influenced by currents and tides. Hence, it is paramount that all factors are considered before installation to ensure long-term performance.

This article discusses the reasons why the RUD TECDOS drive solution was ideal for the Brisbane River Ferry Terminals.

The Challenge: Decoupling Walkway in a Marine Environment

International Consulting Engineering company Aurecon approached RUD seeking a drive solution to decouple the Brisbane River Ferry Terminal walkways. The biggest challenge was enabling controlled release and rotation of the walkway undercurrents and tides and preventing damage caused by the ebb and recess of the water flow.

Why TECDOS? Addressing Key Requirements

RUD invited Aurecon to a site visit to the Brisbane factory to demonstrate and showcase the capabilities of the RUD TECDOS system.

RUD TECDOS possessed several benefits that aligned with the project's specific requirements:

• Corrosion Resistance: The zinc-coated RUD TECDOS chain is specially designed to withstand challenging marine environments, ensuring long-lasting performance without rusting even in a static position.
• 3D Flexibility: The inherent flexibility of the TECDOS chain allows for smooth and controlled movement of the walkway, accommodating slight misalignments while maintaining structural integrity. This is crucial for ensuring proper engagement and release during operation.
• Compact Design: Compared to conventional wire rope cables, the TECDOS system utilises compact wheels with six pocket teeth, minimising space constraints within the terminal design.
• Static Functionality: The system is designed to remain idle in a static position until decoupling is required. This ensures minimal wear and tear on the components during normal operation, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.
• Accurately Rated Load Capacity: The TECDOS system offers accurately rated load capacities, ensuring the safe and reliable handling of the walkway under various load conditions, including potential debris accumulation or high water levels.

Click for more details of TECDOS Pi-Gamma Drive and Omega Drive technology and why RUD is the world leader in drive technology based on the RUD round steel chain mechanism for horizontal, vertical and rotational applications.

The RUD Solution: A Controlled and Safe Decoupling Mechanism

The implemented solution leverages the TECDOS chain drive system to achieve a controlled and safe decoupling process:

• Chain Release with Damping: The mechanism utilises the TECDOS chain to control and lift the rotating gangway (walkway support structure) away from its cradle through a dampener system. This dampener ensures smooth lifting motion, preventing sudden movements and potential damage.
• Controlled Decoupling and Rotation: The control arm is integrated with the TECDOS chain to facilitate the lifting and subsequent release of the walkway. This allows the walkway to rotate controlled, aligning it with the downstream river flow to prevent damage during high tides, which increase water levels.

The Result: A Proven and Replicable Solution

The success of the RUD TECDOS implementation at the Brisbane River Ferry Terminal is evident by:

• Multiple Installations: We have installed the TECDOS drive solution in seven ferry terminals across Brisbane. Each terminal uses nine TECDOS six-tooth pocket wheels, chains, and terminations per unit. Each unit features a fixed pocket wheel connected to the dampener for controlled speed and additional wheels facilitating lifting and releasing the gangway.
• Operational Success: The fully fabricated and controlled system is operational across all seven ferry terminals, demonstrating its effectiveness in safely managing walkway decoupling during high tides and debris during flooding.

Watch the video of the engineering and design from Aurecon, which ensured an ideal option to ensure the critical ferry infrastructure is flood resilient, accessible and for travellers to enjoy and celebrate the river.

Conclusion: Addressing Marine Challenges with Innovative Solutions

The RUD TECDOS system on the Brisbane River Ferry Terminal demonstrates its versatility and effectiveness in addressing complex challenges in the marine sector. Its corrosion resistance, 3D flexibility, compact design, and precisely rated load capacity make it an ideal solution for applications requiring controlled movement and reliable operation in challenging environments.

In addition, the system's modular design and proven track record across multiple installations highlight its potential for wider implementation within the conveying and drive sectors, where accurate control, corrosion resistance, and space optimisation are critical considerations.

Article copyright to RUD Ketten and RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only

A gangway is a narrow walkway or platform that provides safe access to a ship, truck, or train. Ship gangways are used for the passage of both passengers/crew and cargo. They must move in all directions and be height-adjustable for use with different ships. The gangways must also be robust, secure and safe under challenging conditions.

RUD’s TECDOS Drive system offers an ideal solution for a gangway, using calibrated steel chains fitting into complimenting sprockets. TECDOS drive systems are an ideal replacement for pinion gear and wire rope drives because they function reliably even under the most challenging conditions.

For gangways, RUD TECDOS drive systems can include:

TECDOS PI-GAMMA DRIVE

The PI-GAMMA drive system, with a fixed 180-degree angle (PI) or a flexible 90-180-degree (GAMMA), is suited for horizontal and vertical applications. The PI-GAMMA pocket wheel block can pull the load along the round steel chain or move it to a different location.

The advantages of PI-GAMMA DRIVE:

• Ideal 2-in-1-solution.
• Light and can be used in narrow spaces.
• Can be used between a 90° and 180° redirection or a total 180° redirection.
• Multiple lifting points.
• Durable, reliable, and safe.
• Easy installation without the need for a stable mounting base.

TECDOS PREMIUM ROUND LINK CHAIN

The core component of each TECDOS drive system is a highly wear-resistant, calibrated round link chain that can be used in challenging conditions or with abrasive materials. TECDOS chains have high-grade strength to ensure maximum operating safety. The Premium Round Link Chain is case-hardened.

TECDOS END CHAIN FIXING

The chain end fixing, which connects chains to supporting structures, transfers 100% of the TECDOS chain operating forces. Because of its adjustable axis, it also ensures maximum flexibility during use.

TECDOS LIFT LIMITER

The lift limiter prevents the chain from “passing through” by limiting the unloaded sides of the chain, working as a route limiter.

The Project: 

RUD Australia was approached to build a passenger gangway for a cruise ship terminal in Western Australia. The client could not implement the standard method of using a hydraulic cylinder, as it was too expensive and not cost-efficient for the required lift height.

The Solution: 

After understanding the project's scope and the solution that best met the client's requirements, RUD developed a dual-strand loop drive component package for this project.

The Result:

RUD implemented a TECDOS 65 component package. Gear motors independently drove the Pi Drives.

The Project Inclusions:

• 2 x TECDOS 65 PI-GAMMA DRIVE
• 2 x TECDOS 65 HEBG END FASTENER
• 34m TECDOS 65 PREMIUM CHAIN
• 2 x POWERPOINT PP-VIP M36
• 2 x TECDOS 65 SPECIAL BOLT
• 2 x TECDOS 65 POCKET WHEELS

TECDOS systems are ideal for applications where materials or equipment must be swivelled, lifted, moved, or rotated safely and reliably. RUD quality is a result of years of research and development, creating bespoke drive solutions that are used by leading companies in maritime, engineering, automotive, and wind power and by military forces around the world.

Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.

For more details on how RUD can help with your crane requirements, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.

Sources:

• https://www.rud.com 

Drive Solutions for Stage and Events

Entertainment is big business. All musical and sporting events require smooth behind-the-scenes operations to create magic for the audiences. Many stadiums, opera houses and theatre buildings are constructed or renovated to accommodate a wide variety of events, from sports to live theatre, music concerts and dance performances. Hence, the stage needs to adapt quickly to new areas or shapes to accommodate the demanding requirements of such events. And the only way is by using systems such as mechanical chains that lift, lower, push, and pull equipment into a variety of configurations.

Every stage is different, which means that each component of the stage not only has to be durable and efficient but must also integrate into the whole equipment. Theatre and stage construction present technical challenges because of high loads on crossbeams, stage lighting, stage sets or entire stage platforms, which must move safely and reliably. In addition, technical equipment must operate quietly and out of sight, so as not to interfere with the performance.

A long history

RUD has been a world leader in lifting and drive technology with a history of manufacturing excellence for over 140 plus years.

The magic of a show is priceless. Many opera houses, theatres and stadiums across the world use RUD hoist chains and drive solutions that reliably raise and lower stage equipment such as crossbeams, platforms and curtains including setting up and dismantling shows. RUD chains and drive solutions also enable the smooth realignment of permanently installed lightning. Every event is unique and using RUD chains and drive technology guarantees a safe and easy process including customisation for each performance as required.

TECDOS from RUD is a drive system that combines high-quality and accurately calibrated steel chains which fit into complementing sprockets. TECDOS modules are suitable for high loads and reliable under the most challenging conditions. Every TECDOS round steel chain is stamped and issued with a standard 3.1 inspection certificate to ensure its traceability right back to the chain furnace.

Solutions for the entertainment industry:

All RUD products are finished in Galvanised Black Phosphate to blend with the stage equipment.

CASE-HARDENED ROUND STEEL CHAINS

Case-hardened RUD chains of RTS, RTD and RTB are the safe option for every electric hoist which require reliability and safety.

The benefits of RUD Case-Hardened round chains are:

• They can be used in high-wear applications as per DIN EN 818-7-T.
• They have a high vibration resistance which helps to resist fatigue fractures during operation.

D-PROFILE CHAIN

RUD D-profile chain, the round steel chain 2.0, is the leading technologically advanced round steel chain. Because of its large cross-sectional area, it has a higher maximum load, is case-hardened and designed for higher wear demands.

The benefits of RUD D-Profile chains are:

• Used for motor-driven hoists.
• Used in high wear loads in accordance with EN 818-7-T.
• Has approximately 8% higher load capacity than comparable round steel chains.

TECDOS DRIVE TECHNOLOGY

RUD TECDOS products can manage the lifting and moving of all stage elements, safely and reliably.

Some of the TECDOS products used for stage operations are:

TECDOS ROUND LINK CHAIN: The core component of every TECDOS system application is a highly wear-resistant RUD round link chain for maximum service life.

TECDOS PI-GAMMA: The 2 in 1 Pi-Gamma is suited for horizontal and vertical applications with a fixed 180 degree application, or a flexible 90 to 180 degree application. The drive system ensures greater efficiency through flexibility.

TECDOS OMEGA DRIVE: TECDOS Omega Drive with a wrap angle of 180 degrees is recommended for continuous linear (linear drive) or rotary movements.

TECDOS Pocket Wheel: TECDOS pocket wheels are optimally designed to fit round link chains for smooth running and long service life.

TECDOS Chain Connector: The highly wear-resistant chain connector forms a reliable connection system even under challenging conditions. Endless chain loops are possible by means of a simple hammer assembly.

TECDOS Chain End Fixing: The chain end fixing for connecting chains to supporting structures transfers 100% of the TECDOS chain operating forces. Due to its adjustable axis, it ensures maximum flexibility during use.

TECDOS PowerPoint Lifting Point: The PowerPoint lifting point for connection to chains, hooks, and eyes, can easily be rotated 360° and swivelled 230°. The double ball bearing ensures easy tilting, turning and rotating for drive technology.

If you want to know how the team at RUD can help you, please call 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.

Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors inadvertent or otherwise.

Sources:

• https://www.rud.com