Bosch Rexroth recently introduced an upgrade to the electrohydraulic controller used on the company’s A4VSO and A4VSG hydraulic axial piston components, which function as secondary control units in the Rexroth Active Heave Compensation (AHC) system for offshore winching applications.

Replacing the previous DS1 model, the new Rexroth DS2R electrohydraulic controller features proportional valve technology for more reliability, easier maintenance and lower cost.

The controller is fitted directly to the secondary control unit – axial piston equipment that can serve as both a pump or motor to effectively manage variations in torque on winch drives in rotary AHC systems.

As part of the overall AHC system, the secondary control unit utilizes either a Rexroth A4VSO (open loop control) or A4VSG (closed loop control) axial piston unit to provide the winch torque control when the AHC system is engaged.

Winch control is a function handled by the Rexroth AHC system. In offshore operations where loads are being lifted or lowered deep underwater, the winch wire carrying the load is routed from the workboat or rig’s towing winch through the AHC system, which actively compensates for the ship’s movements to keep the load steady in the pitch and swell of the open sea.

The new DS2R controller comes with the Rexroth 4WRPH high-response proportional valve and offers several key engineering and operational advantages. In addition, the Rexroth proportional valve included with the DS2R is capable of handling a greater range of fluid viscosities and requires less pressure drop to maintain control.

Reliability is also improved with a new Rexroth AWXF axial piston unit swivel angle sensor rated for IP67 standards, making it better suited to harsh open-sea operating conditions.