Inquiries & Help
In the 1970s and 1980s, ASCO ventured into an area that one would hardly associate with carbon dioxide: the development of electrically ignited underwater lances. Together with engineer Ernst Brandenberger, a novel technology was developed that made it possible to cut steel and concrete even underwater—something that had previously been considered virtually impossible.
During a demonstration on the Rhine near Hemishofen, ASCO showed how effectively the so-called oxygen core lances work: sparks rose from the depths as steel girders of a bridge were precisely cut away. The process was not only faster and safer than previous methods, but also significantly more environmentally friendly, as it did not require the use of harmful PVC coatings.
Just a few years later, the technology reached a new dimension: ASCO tested an autonomous deep-sea cutting station in Lake Constance for the first time, which could operate independently of supply boats at depths of up to 300 meters. Even the Royal Navy followed the tests with great interest – the system managed to pierce 65-millimeter-thick chrome-nickel steel in just seven seconds.
What began as a technical challenge became an international success: ASCO underwater lances were used in bridge demolition, the offshore industry, and disaster relief operations. Today, underwater technology is long gone – but it impressively demonstrates the innovative power with which ASCO was already breaking new ground back then.
