A hoisting apparatus 100 comprising winch 101, drum 103 to extend/retract cable 15 wrapped therearound and a capstan 105 including one or more pulleys 107, the capstan adapted to move the cable by rotation of the pulleys. The apparatus further comprising a tension sensor 211a to measure tension of the cable, one or more sensors 213b (fig.3) adapted to measure one or more process variables. A power pack 109 is further provided to drive the winch or winch and capstan. A winch control system 121 is also adapted to control the power pack at least partially in response to a command signal, tension sensor readings and the one or more process variables, thereby coordinating movement of the winch and capstan. The control system may be a closed loop and coordinate the winch and capstan such that the cable tension is generally stable. The power pack and controller may be configured so the capstan may be removed from the system when not needed. The apparatus may be driven by hydraulic motor, coupled to a hydraulic pump 113a (fig.2), powered by a prime mover 117 (fig.2). Additional sensors may include a speed controller, hydraulic oil pressure and temperature sensors.
Control system for winch and capstan
2016-11-09
Patent
Electronic Resource
English