Ground Support Worldwide - 32

PRODUCT PROFILE

A Reel Solution for PCA Hose Storage
Reelcraft's PCA Hose Reels increase safety, efficiency and productivity for
workers on the ramp.

Photo courtesy
of Reelcraft

By Eavan McGrath

roper care for pre-conditioned air (PCA)
units and hoses is essential to produce clean,
comfortable air for passengers boarding aircraft. To help ensure this, Reelcraft makes
PCA Hose Reels to protect the hose from damage
as well as lengthening the viability of the hose so
passengers can avoid dusty, unfiltered air.
"Reelcraft was approached with this need to manage the hoses in such a way to increase the safety,
efficiency and productivity of the workers on the
tarmac," Kevin Eubanks, technical services engineer
at Reelcraft, says. "Because of this we have been
designing PCA Hose Reels since 2006 and have
established ergonomic handling of PCA ducting."
The hose reels help extend the life of the hoses
themselves, saving time and money for the airports that rely on them, Eubanks notes.
"The design keeps the ducting
protected and reduces the wear
and tear on the hoses," he adds.
The reels also help keep
PCA hoses organized and
stored out of the way while
not in use. By increasing
the safety and the productivity of the PCA
Hose Reels it shortens
the time workers are on
the tarmac, so planes can
get turned around faster.
There are two types of
style of PCA Hose Reels,
either motor driven or
hand crank rewind.
The motorized PCA reels
are available with either
50 hz or 60 hz motors and a
variety of voltages to accommodate the airports power supply,
Eubanks explains.
"All flow path seems are sealed for maximum
sealed air transfer and thermal efficiency," he says.
The reels are also available with a fixed based

32 GROUND SUPPORT WORLDWIDE

APRIL 2020

or swivel bracket. They offer stainless-steel hardware with an aluminum frame with individually powder coated components. The reels also
come with an optional mounting bracket with a
340-degree swivel base, a 400 V AC motor and
a chain and sprocket drive system with complete
motorized retraction. The lightweight, motorized
reels weigh 120 kg without the hose.
"The motorized hose reels are welded aluminum, have a lightweight design, a mechanical limit
switch, a 14" flow path and an oversized rolled
edge for hose protection," Eubanks says. "Because
the reels are made from aluminum, they can be
offered with a powder coat finish for added corrosion resistance."
The reel will accommodate up to 100' of lay flat
14" inside diameter PCA ducting, Eubanks notes.
The reel reduces friction with a self-lubricating
14" bearing.
"Zinc-plated steel tie-rods span from flange
to flange to offer superior structural support,"
Eubanks adds.
The overhang edges are rolled to guard the expensive ducting during daily use. A spring-loaded pin
lock keeps the ducting from unwinding while not
in operation on the hand crank units. The pin lock
is oversized, so it is easy to use with gloves, accommodating operations in all weather conditions.
"The durable chain guard promotes safety and
protects the internal working components from
the elements," Eubanks adds.
The inlet is permanently attached to the main
PCA source so that the reel provides fast and safe
payout in crank return.
"The tethered hand crank is removable and
can be changed out with a hand wheel nob as an
optional accessory," Eubanks says. "Models are
available with right- or left-side inlets to accommodate to right- and left-hand bridge installations."
The reels can either be stationary or equipped
with wheels - operating automatically or manually.
"The manual PCA reels are on wheels and provide an easy transport of the hoses," Eubanks

Ground Support Worldwide

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