The Woodward 8237-1006 is a high-reliability microprocessor-based controller belonging to the ProTech-GII series.
It is primarily used as an overspeed protection and safety device for critical rotating equipment such as steam, gas, and hydro turbines.
Technical Parameter Table
| Parameter | Specification |
| Model Number | 8237-1006 |
| Series | ProTech-GII |
| Architecture | Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) – 2-out-of-3 Voting |
| Input Power | Dual Inputs (Typically High Voltage/Low Voltage options) |
| Response Time | < 12 ms (Total system response) |
| Accuracy | ±0.5% of full scale |
| Speed Range | 0.5 to 32,000 rpm |
| Communication | Modbus RS-485 / Optional Ethernet (via PCT tool) |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to +60°C |
| Enclosure Rating | IP56 (Dust and Water Resistant) |
| Safety Integrity | SIL-3 Certified (IEC 61508) |
Related Models
The 8237-1006 is part of a broader family of safety controllers. Related hardware includes:
8237-1600: Standard Panel Mount ProTech-GII.
8237-1246: Bulkhead Mount version with voted relays.
ProTech-SX (e.g., 8237-1010): Simplex (Single Channel) version for less critical applications.
MicroNet Safety Module (MSM): Often used in integrated Woodward MicroNet systems.
8237-1006
Application Cases
Power Plants: Protecting massive steam turbines from catastrophic overspeed events during load rejection.
Oil & Gas Refineries: Monitoring centrifugal compressors and mechanical drive gas turbines.
Hydroelectric Dams: Managing turbine speed and preventing runaway conditions in water-driven power generation.
Nuclear Power: Used in safety-critical secondary loops due to its SIL-3 certification and seismic resilience.
8237-1006
Product Advantages and Features
Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR): Uses three independent modules. If one fails, the other two continue to provide protection, allowing for Online Repair (hot-swapping modules while the turbine is running).
High-Speed Logic: With a 12ms response time, it can trip the fuel or steam valves before a mechanical failure occurs.
Advanced Monitoring: Includes peak speed logging, acceleration detection, and integrated “First-Out” trip indication to help operators diagnose the cause of a shutdown.
Sulfur Resistance: Features conformal coating to protect internal electronics against corrosive H2S and SO2 gases common in industrial environments.
Other Models in the Same Series
The ProTech-GII series is categorized by mounting type and relay configuration:
8237-1245 / 8237-1247: Bulkhead Mount models.
8237-1597 / 8237-1601: High-voltage input specialized variants.
8237-1367 / 8237-1368: Panel Mount models with independent (non-voted) relay outputs.
Introduction
The Woodward 8237-1006 is a safety-critical overspeed protection device designed to meet the rigorous standards of the power generation and processing industries.
By utilizing a “two-out-of-three” (2oo3) voting logic, it eliminates the risk of a single point of failure causing either a nuisance trip or—more dangerously—a failure to trip.
Its user-friendly front panel display allows for real-time monitoring of turbine RPM and acceleration, while its rugged IP56 housing ensures it can be installed directly on the turbine skid or within a control room cabinet.
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