Product Description
The B8561-697 from Woodward is a self-contained mechanical-hydraulic governor engineered for stable speed control and load sharing in steam and gas turbine systems. Built on the proven UG-8/UG-10 platform, this unit operates independently of electronic control systems, making it suitable for critical applications where reliability and simplicity are required.
By translating rotational input from the turbine shaft into proportional hydraulic output, the governor precisely positions control valves to maintain consistent turbine speed under dynamic load conditions. Its rugged construction and fail-safe architecture ensure dependable operation in both industrial and marine environments.
Technical Specifications
- Governor Architecture: Mechanical-hydraulic, UG-8 / UG-10 compatible
- Control Function: Isochronous or droop speed regulation with load control capability
- Drive Input: Direct mechanical coupling to turbine shaft (gear-driven)
- Output Signal: Hydraulic pressure to servo actuator or control valve
- Hydraulic Medium: Mineral-based turbine oil (ISO VG 32–68 recommended)
- Speed Range: Configurable based on turbine requirements (commonly up to 10,000 rpm input)
- Temperature Range: -20°C to +60°C
- Protection: Integrated mechanical overspeed trip and shutdown linkage
- Adjustment: External speed setting, droop adjustment, and compensation tuning
- Maintenance: Periodic oil quality checks, seal inspection, and calibration recommended
Key Functional Characteristics
- Fully mechanical operation eliminates dependency on external power supply
- High-response hydraulic actuation ensures stable valve positioning
- Built-in overspeed protection enhances operational safety
- Proven UG-series design widely used in legacy and retrofit turbine systems
- Robust construction suitable for harsh industrial and marine conditions
Typical Applications
- Steam turbine generator sets in utility and captive power plants
- Gas turbine-driven compressors and pumps
- Marine propulsion turbines and auxiliary drives
- Emergency or backup turbine systems requiring autonomous control
FAQ
Q: Can the B8561-697 operate without an electronic control system? A: Yes. This governor is fully mechanical-hydraulic and does not require any electronic interface, making it ideal for standalone or backup systems.
Q: What is the difference between UG-8 and UG-10 configurations? A: UG-10 units generally support higher torque output and larger actuator loads compared to UG-8, but both share similar operating principles and installation concepts.
Q: What type of oil is recommended for operation? A: Clean turbine oil with viscosity grade ISO VG 32 to 68 is typically used, depending on ambient conditions and system design.
