Cattron ensures smooth running

Citation

(1999), "Cattron ensures smooth running", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771fab.004

Cattron ensures smooth running

Keywords Cattron, Aero engines, Testing

Cattron has supplied the GE90 Scheme at Caerphilly with four portable remote control systems (PRCS) to enable the safe control of multiple carriers within the company's aircraft engine servicing facility (Plate 2).

Plate 2 Cattron's portable remote control system autoclave

The new facility at Caerphilly comprises two buildings that have been joined to make an area for servicing and testing large commercial aircraft engines. CTI Systems of Luxembourg were awarded the contract to provide the facility with an engine handling and transportation system. However, it needed to find a way safely and accurately to control the equipment within the test cell.

The system probably has the highest handling capacity of any system in the world. Reportedly it can handle engines up to 35 tonnes in weight and comprises the main 35 tonne carrier, a 15 tonne carrier, two 5 tonne carriers, two carrier bridges, a turntable and swivel beam and several hundred metres of monorail.

Because of the high value of the equipment being handled - $15 million each - the system chosen needed to ensure operator safety and be robust, reliable and easy to operate. Due to the operational requirements and the height of the system, it was not possible to use pendant control. After careful consideration, Cattron was selected to provide a radio remote control system for the test facility.

Cattron's AT and MP PRCs are used to transport the engines within the facility via one of the four carriers. Each carrier unit has a dedicated controller and is able to operate either of two bridges. The carriers and bridges enable engines to be transported to one of the many test and assembly and repair bays, including the main engine test area, via the turntable. Control, precision and mutually exclusive operation are vital. Each PRC controls its own carrier and either of the two bridges. To enable the bridges to operate from one controller, the decoders operate on multiple frequencies and addresses. The bridges constantly scan the frequencies for a valid CATTRON signal and, once received, will lock on to the controller and ignore all others until the operation is complete.

A MP96 PRC has been installed on the principal 35 tonne carrier to provide the highest level of security and make available status indication (Talkback) on the controller.The Talkback feature also allows the operator to verify that the locking pins are in place before the engine is lifted from its static cradle. An uninterruptable power supply has also been built into the decoder to enable a continuous operation whilst the decoder is held on an unpowered turntable.

When conveying the engines through the engine testing facility, reliable control is vital. The PRCs installed at GE90 have been designed specifically for the facility to provide total control in this hi-tech environment.

The company provides a range of standard equipment, but is also able to design controllers for individual installations, such as the GE90 Scheme. All equipment is supplied with full maintenance and repairs support nationwide.

Details available from Cattron (UK) Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1923 247 511; Fax: +44 (0) 1 932 220 937.