PATCO Machine and Fab, Inc., a Houston-based machine design and fabrication facility specializing in oilfield products, recently patented the industry’s first automated electro-pneumatic Hose and Cable Reel Management Control System for use on offshore drilling ships. DMC worked with AWC Inc., R. Stahl, and PATCO to design and implement an ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 rated, Siemens-based, distributed control system.

Patco wanted to modernize their product to meet evolving industry requirements and standards, and provide added value to their clients through first in the industry capabilities. To accomplish this, DMC worked as part of a team with AWC Inc. and R. Stahl to develop a solution capable of meeting ATEX/IECEx Class 1 ratings and standing up to the extreme conditions of the offshore drilling environment. 

DMC programmed four reels and a remote station to be controlled simultaneously, enabling the operator to control any combination of hose and cable reels from either a local or remote operator interface. By implementing a distributed control architecture, DMC provided a flexible and modular system allowing PATCO to provide a variety of offerings to their client without software modifications.

By leveraging the tools available in TIA Portal, DMC was able to deliver a flexible, expandable, and cost-effective automation solution that will allow PATCO to better serve their clients.

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