Reel control systems with data logging
An electronic control unit may, based on received sensor data, automatically direct the operation of a reel assembly for deploying a cable, hose or umbilical connection. The electronic control unit may operate in conjunction with an electro-pneumatic drive to control the reel assembly. Sensors may measure various parameters, such as a measured line tension and/or a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection that has been deployed, and transmit the measured data to the electronic control unit. Optionally, the sensor data and/or user control inputs and system status information may be logged. The system also may use this data to control the system, such as by activating an alarm when a certain alarm limit is exceeded by the data, adjusting the pressure or other parameters of the electro-pneumatic drive, and the like. The system also may generate a visual notification for an operator when an alarm is triggered.
1. A reel assembly for accepting, holding, and deploying cable, hose, umbilical connection or the like, comprising:
a spool assembly including a frame and a drum mounted in said frame, the drum including a core and end flanges for storing said cable, hose or umbilical connection;
an air motor;
an electro-pneumatic drive unit including a plurality of pneumatic valves, electro-pneumatic valves, or both, the air motor coupled to the drum via the electro-pneumatic drive unit;
an electronic control unit coupled to the electro-pneumatic drive unit, where the electronic control unit receives a first input from a digital input device and transmits electrical signals to the electro-pneumatic drive unit to cause the electro-pneumatic drive unit to control the motor to rotate the drum, where the electronic control unit receives a second input and transmits electrical signals to the electro-pneumatic drive unit to cause the electro-pneumatic drive unit to increase or decrease an air pressure associated with the assembly.
2. The reel assembly of claim 1 , where the digital input device includes a touchscreen.
3. The reel assembly of claim 1 , where the electronic control unit is fixedly attached to the frame.
4. The reel assembly of claim 1 , where the electronic control unit displays status information.
5. The reel assembly of claim 4 further comprising a sheave coupled to one or more sensors that determine either a force applied to the sheave, a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection deployed, or both.
6. The reel assembly of claim 5 , where the sheave is coupled to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit receives information indicative of either the determined force, the length of cable, hose or umbilical connection deployed, or both.
7. The reel assembly of claim 6 , where the electronic control unit displays either a line tension value, a deployed cable, hose or umbilical connection length value, or both, based on the received information.
8. The reel assembly of claim 6 , where the electronic control unit stores a log of the received information.
9. The reel assembly of claim 6 , where the control unit controls the operation of the reel based on the received information.
10. The reel assembly of claim 6 , where the control unit includes a PID controller that processes the received information and controls the operation of the reel when the received information exceeds a predetermined target value.
11. The reel assembly of claim 6 , wherein the electronic control unit provides user interface controls for setting an alarm value for the received information and notifies a user when the preset alarm value is exceeded.
12. The reel assembly of claim 1 , where the electronic control unit includes a plurality of user accounts having associated control permissions.
13. The reel assembly of claim 1 , where the electronic control unit stores a log of received user inputs.
14. A retrofit kit for a pneumatically controlled reel assembly for accepting, holding, and deploying cable, hose, umbilical connections or the like, including a reel and a pneumatic drive unit for rotating the wheel, the kit comprising:
an electronic remote control unit for controlling one or more reel assemblies;
one or more local control units for controlling each of one or more reel assemblies;
one or more sets of electro-pneumatic valves for operatively coupling the pneumatic drive unit of the reel assembly to either the local or remote control unit of one reel assembly; and
a sheave comprising a load cell and rotary encoder for redirecting the direction of laid cable, hose, or umbilical connection and for measuring the line tension and deployed length of cable, hose, or umbilical connection, wherein the sheave is operably coupled to the local control unit, remote control unit, or both to transmit the measured line tension and deployed length.
15. The retrofit kit of claim 14 , where the local control unit displays either a line tension value, a deployed cable, hose or umbilical connection value, or both, based on the received information.
16. The retrofit kit of claim 14 , where the local control unit controls the operation of the reel based on the received information.
17. The retrofit kit of claim 14 , where the remote control unit controls the operation of the reel based on the received information.
18. The retrofit kit of claim 14 , wherein the local control unit provides user interface controls for setting an alarm value for the received information and notifies a user when the preset alarm value is exceeded.
19. The retrofit kit of claim 14 , where the local control unit stores a log of the received information.