Usage:
The Woodward 2301 Speed Control (8N1731 Speed Control Group) can easily be adapted to use as a field test instrument for troubleshooting large diesel engine installations on oil well drill rigs.
Most drill rigs are equipped with several large diesel engines which use an electronic control system. This control system can come from Caterpillar, but it is common to have a control system from a different source installed for the engines.
Some times, an engine will not operate correctly after its installation. Troubleshooting can be difficult because it is necessary to find the source of the problem. It can be a component failure, a wiring problem or incorrect (not correct) adjustment. The problem can be on the engine, in the wiring or in the control system.
The troubleshooting procedure takes time, because the actuators are tested by removal, installation and operation on different engines on the rig until the problem is found.
To adapt the Woodward 2301 Speed Control (8N1731 Speed Control Group) for troubleshooting, it is installed in a box large enough to hold a battery and all the cables necessary to connect the instrument to the engine.
The battery must have the ability to be charged again. The cables must be made long enough to connect the speed control to the junction box on the engine.
To use this tool, the serviceman disconnects the control system at the junction box on the engine and connects the adapted Woodward 2301 Speed Control. Then, he starts the engine to make sure the engine and actuator operation are trouble free.
If the engine operates correctly, the problem is in the control system or wiring and not in the engine.