Dantech, the Ortec Group’s innovation center

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In an industrial context marked by multiple shifts (economic, societal, regulatory, environmental, etc.), the Ortec Group opts for a daring approach, research and development to challenge existing industrial solutions, improving and adapting them to its clients’ needs.

By placing innovation at the heart of its business strategy, the Group has adopted a continuous improvement approach to its services.

For Ortec, innovation must be operational. It must be grounded in practical experience. It must focus on improving safety, optimizing industrial performance and preserving natural resources. Dantech is an excellent example of this approach.

This technical innovation center based in Durtal (Maine-et-Loire) works on a daily basis to meet the needs of field teams. It is the heart of the Ortec Group’s R&D ecosystem, which makes innovation a priority. Dantech designs and develops new technical and technological solutions, from prototype to serial production.

Dantech is an integrated workshop with over forty trades (engineering, operations, mechanics, assembly, etc.), covering the entire lifecycle of high-value equipment.

Our innovative solutions focus on two key areas: personal safety and reducing the environmental impact of the Group's activities.

Séverin Kister, Director of Dantech

Dantech's objectives

Dantech’s activities are divided into three main axes, which combine to form the DNA of the entire structure.

1. Constantly improving equipment: Revamping

Repair, modification and innovation of Ortec equipment and vehicles

Revamping involves a wide range of maintenance and upkeep processes adapted to each piece of equipment in the Ortec fleet.

Customized solutions give the equipment a new life, with the objective to improve performance, ensure reliable operating conditions and safety, and actively engage in the energy transition.

2. Building a new fleet: Development

Development of new custom vehicles and equipment

The expertise of Dantech’s teams gives us the ability to build new “Made by Ortec” equipment, meeting efficiency, safety and environmental challenges.

These achievements bring a new dimension to Ortec’s activities and expertise. The Elo vehicle range is a perfect illustration of this.

These 100% electric vehicles dedicated to sanitation work provide more precise, quieter, environmentally friendly and high-performance services.

3. Envisioning the future of trades and techniques: Research, Design and Patents

Design and development of specific equipment

Passionate and constantly seeking innovation, Dantech’s experts are the driving force behind the workshop’s cutting-edge approach.

This commitment to innovation is expressed through prototyping. Design and development allows the Group to broaden its range of activities, enter new markets and support new clients.

At Dantech, creating new tools and improving current technologies means anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.

Dantech at the service of Ortec's climate policy

Reducing the environmental impact of its activities is a major priority for the Ortec Group. Beyond compliance measures, the Group is implementing a proactive policy to reduce emissions and consumption. The Group is committed to limiting the energy impact of its facilities and clients, as demonstrated by the O’Climat plan launched by Ortec in the summer of 2022.

In order to define the most appropriate solutions for reducing energy consumption in its bagencies (in operational, technological and economic terms), the Ortec Group has designated Dantech as its pilot site. Investments are made and solutions for energy mix and consumption optimization are tested.

In 2023, Dantech is taking on a new dimension and consolidating its role as Ortec’s innovation hub. The teams are mobilized on multiple R&D projects, pursuing the objectives of the O’Climat plan. Several challenges are being addressed:

The Durtal site features administrative, social and technical facilities using geothermal energy, as well as an area dedicated to vehicle testing for revamping operations. Electric charging stations have also been installed.

This showcase project is intended to be repeated at other agencies, so that they become high places that combine innovation, consideration of societal issues and the application of low-carbon practices.

Dantech is a place for reflection, research, innovation and implementation. Several fields of activity are explored to fulfill its original purpose: creating connections between client concerns, societal challenges, innovation and quality of service.

Solar energy

Elaboration of standards required for the installation of solar panels on rooftops of the Group’s warehouses and buildings. Objective: energy autonomy for the Group’s agencies.

Energy control

Optimization of energy management systems at Ortec sites and preparation for the transition to electric mobility. Objective: defining technical standards for the installation of reliable and efficient charging stations.

Deep geothermal energy

Implementation of a geothermal energy system to reduce the energy footprint of Ortec sites.

Lighting

Installation of low energy lighting sources.

Insulation

Use of specific materials for walls, doors and roofs.

This commitment to responsible sustainable development practices goes hand in hand with an equally proactive approach to personal safety and facility security: innovation at the service of safety, which is the Group’s top priority.

Equipment designed, developed and revamped at Dantech

ELO: a range of electric and hybrid vehicles

Working in close collaboration with Ortec’s agencies, Dantech supplies vehicles tailored to the needs of specialized environmental service teams (sanitation, cleaning, etc.) in urban areas. “ELO”, a range of hydro-cleaning trucks, offers innovative and flexible features in terms of energy and resource consumption. This HP pumping and cleaning technology ensures sanitation interventions that respect local residents and the environment.

Piccolo

100% electric (engine and equipment)
Capacity: 300 liters of water
Flow / Pressure: 30 liters per minute / 250 bar

Advantages: No emissions – Low equipment noise – Optimized ergonomics – Self-regulating HP pumps

Cello

Electrically-powered equipment
Capacity: 300 liters of water
Flow / Pressure: 30 liters per minute / 250 bar

Advantages: Low equipment noise – Optimized ergonomics – Self-regulating HP pumps

Presto

Capacity: 320 liters of water
Flow / Pressure: 35 liters per minute / 200 bar

Advantages: Optimized ergonomics – Long HP working autonomy

Mezzo

3.5 tons
Hybrid operation (heat engine, electric equipment)

Advantages: Self-regulating HP pumps (reduced water and energy consumption) – Optimized sizing and payload – No CO₂ emissions from equipment

Alto

14 tons
Thermal operation

Advantages: Self-regulating HP pumps (reduced water and energy consumption) – Optimized sizing and payload – No CO₂ emissions from equipment

ATEX hydro-cleaning truck with VOC reduction - Pumping of hazardous products

A pumping system that reduces VOC emissions and ensures the safety of hydrocarbon pumping operations.

Revamping hydro-cleaning trucks - Preserving equipment

Mid-life revamping of all the Group’s hydro-cleaning trucks to maintain the fleet in optimal working condition, use equipment adapted to evolving business needs, optimize costs and control environmental impact.

Connected hydro-cleaning truck

Installation of control points on the vehicle to identify various types of information (CO₂ emission level, malfunction detection, energy consumption regulation) and help improve service performance conditions.

NT-4 robotic VHP condenser descaler

Mechanized solution dedicated to nuclear sites, for critical and non-critical descaling of condenser tubes. Optimized intervention time for shorter shutdowns.