Proper 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 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 says, adding the manual reels have upgrades including a hand wheel or heavy duty casters.
The reels can be affixed to the jetway bridges for motorized versions or directly to the bogey for the manual reels, Eubanks points out. If the reel is operated automatically it is wired into the airport's electrical grid.
Minimal training is required to operate the reel. One or two people are required to operate the reel, depending on how the controls are set up.
“Light maintenance is required to keep the PCA Hose Reels in good working condition, such as lubricating chains and bearings,” Eubanks says. “Well maintained reels can last for many years.”
When purchasing a PCA Hose Reel it is important to keep in mind that low temperatures, or being in colder climates, may require a specialized motor for it to work properly at appropriate levels. Also, Eubanks notes, the reels are designed for specific lengths of hoses.
“It is important to make sure you have the correct length of hose you are managing,” Eubanks says. “Most are designed for lengths between 75’ to 100’ of hose, depending on the style of ducting.”
Primary customers of the Reelcraft PCA Hose Reels include airports throughout the globe, Eubanks notes.
With the durable structure the Reelcraft PCA Hose Reel can perform in all weather conditions with a high life expectancy working year after year, Eubanks says.
