WOODWARD 8300-717

WOODWARD 8300-717: ProAct™ Gen 1 Actuator / Driver System (Old Version)

 

The Woodward 8300-717 refers to a top-level part number for an actuator/driver system from Woodward’s earlier ProAct™ Generation 1 product line. This means it represents a complete functional unit that includes both the electromechanical actuator and its dedicated driver module.

 

Product Overview

 

  • Product Type: Actuator / Driver System (Integrated Function)
  • Manufacturer: Woodward
  • Series: ProAct™ Gen 1
  • Function: This system is designed for the precise control of prime movers (engines or turbines) by adjusting fuel or air flow. The driver module powers and receives command signals for the actuator, which then performs the mechanical movement.
  • Key Feature: It belongs to the “Gen 1” of ProAct systems, which signifies an older generation. A critical note associated with this part number is that old actuators and drivers (like those within the 8300-717 system) are not interchangeable with the new actuators and drivers. Both the actuator and driver must be replaced at the same time to ensure compatibility.
  • Replacement Context: Often mentioned in documentation as a system that has been updated or for which newer, non-interchangeable replacements exist.
التصنيف:

الوصف

The Woodward 8300-717 is a specific part number that identifies a component within the ProAct™ Gen 1 (Generation 1) series, specifically related to an actuator/driver system. It’s important to note that this part number is for an older system and is not interchangeable with newer ProAct actuators and drivers.


 

WOODWARD 8300-717: ProAct™ Gen 1 Actuator / Driver System (Old Version)

 

The Woodward 8300-717 refers to a top-level part number for an actuator/driver system from Woodward’s earlier ProAct™ Generation 1 product line. This means it represents a complete functional unit that includes both the electromechanical actuator and its dedicated driver module.

 

Product Overview

 

  • Product Type: Actuator / Driver System (Integrated Function)
  • Manufacturer: Woodward
  • Series: ProAct™ Gen 1
  • Function: This system is designed for the precise control of prime movers (engines or turbines) by adjusting fuel or air flow. The driver module powers and receives command signals for the actuator, which then performs the mechanical movement.
  • Key Feature: It belongs to the “Gen 1” of ProAct systems, which signifies an older generation. A critical note associated with this part number is that old actuators and drivers (like those within the 8300-717 system) are not interchangeable with the new actuators and drivers. Both the actuator and driver must be replaced at the same time to ensure compatibility.
  • Replacement Context: Often mentioned in documentation as a system that has been updated or for which newer, non-interchangeable replacements exist.

 

Detailed Description

 

The ProAct systems from Woodward are known for their digital precision in controlling prime mover speed, load, or position. The 8300-717 represents an earlier iteration of this technology, where the actuator and its specific driver module were designed as a tightly integrated pair.

Key characteristics and implications of the 8300-717 system:

  • Integrated System (Actuator + Driver): Unlike newer modular ProAct systems where drivers and actuators might be sold or replaced separately (though still needing compatibility), the 8300-717 implies a pre-matched actuator and driver from the ProAct Gen 1 era. The driver is the electronic brain that receives commands from a higher-level controller (e.g., a speed controller) and then powers and precisely positions the actuator. The actuator is the electromechanical device that physically moves the fuel rack, throttle, or other control linkage on the engine.
  • Gen 1 Technology: This designation indicates it’s from the first generation of ProAct systems. While highly effective in its time, technology has evolved, leading to newer, often more efficient or feature-rich, and certainly non-interchangeable, replacements.
  • Non-Interchangeability: The explicit warning that “Old actuators and drivers are not interchangeable with the new actuators and drivers. Both the actuator and driver must be replaced at the same time in order to work together” is crucial for anyone maintaining or troubleshooting a system with an 8300-717. This means you cannot simply swap out the actuator or the driver portion individually with a modern equivalent; the entire system needs to be considered for replacement.
  • Application-Specific: ProAct systems are generally tailored for precise speed and load control of industrial engines and turbines, especially in power generation, compression, and marine applications.

 

Applications

 

Given its nature as an actuator/driver system for prime mover control, the Woodward 8300-717 would have been used in:

  • Power Generation: For controlling the speed and load of engine-driven generator sets to maintain stable electrical frequency.
  • Industrial Engines: On various industrial diesel or gaseous engines driving pumps, compressors, or fans where precise speed or load regulation was required.
  • Marine Propulsion: In some older marine engine control systems.

 

Replacement Considerations

 

If you encounter a Woodward 8300-717 system in an operational environment and require maintenance or replacement, it is absolutely critical to:

  1. Identify the exact current system: Confirm both the actuator and driver part numbers.
  2. Consult Woodward Documentation: Refer to the latest Woodward application notes and product bulletins regarding “ProAct Gen 1 Position Sensor Update” or similar documents, which often detail the transition from older to newer part numbers and compatibility issues.
  3. Plan for System Replacement: Be prepared to replace both the actuator and the driver as a matched set with a newer, compatible ProAct system (e.g., from the ProAct Model II or later generations, which use part numbers like 8256-series actuators with 8400-series drivers such as 8400-704 or 8400-011).