The design of a new hydraulic manifold to control a traveling spud, (far upright in picture below) required precise control with the spud weighting in at over 80-tons and standing 90-feet tall. An 85-gpm proportional control valve is used to start, stop and control the winch drive moving this spud. Of the three spuds aboard ship, only the forward traveling spud moves horizontally used in re-positioning the dredge position for digging.
Due to the size and weight of this spud, absolute control is required for safety and positioning. Normally we would have an electronic board somewhere within the electrical control boxes located throughout the ship. We decided to try something new and contacted PWM Controls Inc located in Ontario Canada. They provided information on their proportional valve driver PVD3DIN, which we reviewed very carefully. This would save space, easy to adjust and provide the electrical control we were looking to accomplish.
As you can see, Western Dynamics did installed two (one for each direction or coil) and were very happy with the results. Simple to install, adjust and provided us with the adjustments and control we needed.
Some pictures below show the final installation of the manifold and PVD3 drivers. It is all about control, new technology and keeping the Megan-Renee dredge with the most advanced electrical and hydraulic systems in use today.
If your requirements need a proportional control valve driver, consider PWM Controls, Inc.
