WOODWARD 8928-7334

The search results indicate that WOODWARD 8928-7334 is a Servo Position Controller (SPC). This is a crucial component in control systems, especially for turbines, as it translates electrical commands into precise physical movements of actuators like fuel valves.

Here’s what the search results tell us about its key characteristics:

• Function: It is a servo-valve driver that accepts a DeviceNet or 4-20 mA based position demand signal from a system controller. Its primary role is to accurately position proportional or integrating servo-valves/actuators.
• Applications: It’s specifically highlighted for its use in steam or gas turbine fuel valve control, where high accuracy, responsiveness, and redundancy are critical.
• Communication: It functions as a DeviceNet slave device (Group II) for control, with a 4-20 mA input signal as an alternative or backup.
• Feedback: It’s designed to accept position feedback signals from one or two (redundant) AC devices (like LVDTs or RVDTs) or one DC device. It can handle various voltage or current feedback signals.
• Redundancy: The SPC can be configured to accept redundant position commands and redundant servo position feedback signals, and it has the capability to switch to a healthy feedback signal if one fails, enhancing reliability.
• Configuration: It is a field-programmable servo-driver.
• Physical Characteristics: It’s a compact digital driver suitable for bulkhead mounting in IP20 locations, designed for heavy industrial environments.
• Protection: Includes protection and alarm indication for various faults like DeviceNet communication time-out, analog input out-of-range, feedback issues (open-wire, voltage out-of-range), etc.
• Power: Operates within an 18 to 32 Vdc voltage range.

In essence, WOODWARD 8928-7334 is a specialized electronic module that provides the precise and reliable interface between a digital control system and the physical actuators that govern critical functions, such as fuel flow in a turbine.

WOODWARD 8928-7334: Servo Position Controller (SPC) with DeviceNet Communication

The WOODWARD 8928-7334 is a highly specialized and critical component in industrial control systems, serving as a Servo Position Controller (SPC). This sophisticated module acts as an intelligent bridge, translating the digital commands from a main control system into precise, real-world movements of hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, such as those controlling fuel valves in large turbines. Its design emphasizes accuracy, responsiveness, and robust redundancy for applications where failure is not an option.

Key Features and Benefits

• Precision Actuator Control: At its core, the 8928-7334 is designed to accurately position proportional or integrating servo-valves and actuators. This precise control is vital for maintaining optimal operating parameters in dynamic industrial processes.
• DeviceNet Communication: This SPC integrates seamlessly into modern networked control architectures via DeviceNet™. It functions as a DeviceNet (Group II only) slave device, receiving position demand signals digitally, which simplifies wiring and enhances data integrity across the system.
• Flexible Command Input (4-20 mA Backup): While DeviceNet is its primary communication method, the 8928-7334 also accepts a 4-20 mA input signal as an alternative or backup for position command. This provides a crucial layer of redundancy and compatibility with various industrial standards.
• Redundant Position Feedback: For enhanced reliability, the controller can accept feedback signals from one or two (redundant) AC feedback devices (such as LVDTs or RVDTs) or a single DC device. In a redundant configuration, it can automatically switch to a healthy feedback signal if one fails, ensuring continuous and accurate position monitoring.
• Comprehensive Protection and Diagnostics: The 8928-7334 is built for demanding industrial environments. It includes extensive protection features and alarm indications for a range of faults, including communication time-outs, analog input out-of-range, feedback open-wire/voltage issues, and internal SPC faults. This robust diagnostic capability minimizes downtime and facilitates efficient troubleshooting.
• Field-Programmable and Configurable: This SPC is a field-programmable device, allowing for customization to suit specific actuator types and application requirements. This flexibility means it can be fine-tuned for optimal performance within diverse control loops.
• Robust and Compact Design: Classified for heavy industrial environments, the 8928-7334 is a compact digital driver that can be easily bulkhead mounted in IP20 locations, saving valuable space in control cabinets while ensuring durability.

Technical Specifications (Typical)

Application Areas

The WOODWARD 8928-7334 is indispensable in critical industrial sectors where precise and fault-tolerant actuator control is paramount:

• Power Generation: Essential for accurate control of fuel valves, steam admission valves, or variable geometry components on large gas and steam turbines, ensuring precise speed, load, and emission control.
• Oil & Gas Industry: Utilized in processes requiring precise valve positioning, such as anti-surge valves on compressors or critical flow control in pipelines and refineries.
• Petrochemical and Chemical Plants: For managing complex fluid dynamics and reactions through accurate control of proportional valves.
• Marine Propulsion: In large marine engines and propulsion systems where precise fuel delivery and speed control are critical for performance and safety.
• Industrial Process Control: Applicable in any heavy industrial setting that relies on high-accuracy, high-response servo-actuation.

Related Products

The WOODWARD 8928-7334 integrates seamlessly within a larger control ecosystem, often working in conjunction with:

• Woodward Control Systems (e.g., 505XT, Flex500, MicroNet Plus, NetCon): These are the primary controllers that would issue the DeviceNet or 4-20 mA position demand signals to the SPC.
• Proportional and Integrating Servo-Valves/Actuators: The physical devices that the 8928-7334 directly drives and positions (e.g., various hydraulic or electric proportional valves).
• Position Feedback Devices: LVDTs, RVDTs, or potentiometers that provide real-time position feedback to the SPC for closed-loop control.
• DeviceNet Network Infrastructure: Cables, terminators, and DeviceNet masters that form the communication backbone for the SPC.
• Woodward Control System Software: Software packages used to configure and program the main controllers that interact with the 8928-7334.