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Woodward 8904-838

Product Introduction:​ This unit is a complete actuator-and-valve assembly in which Woodward mates a 3103-series stainless-steel gas metering valve with a TM-55 integrating electrohydraulic actuator. Part number 8904-838 is configured with the TM-55 integrating actuator. It is designed for industrial gas turbine fuel control; the TM-55 actuator receives command signals from an electronic controller and, through an electrohydraulic servo drive system, precisely positions the rotating metering sleeve of the 3103 gas valve to achieve high-accuracy gas flow metering and regulation.

Detailed content

Technical Specifications:
  • Part Number: 8904-838
  • Manufacturer: Woodward
  • Equipment Type: Actuator and valve combined assembly
  • Valve Type: 3103-series stainless-steel gas valve
  • Actuator Type: TM-55 integrating electrohydraulic actuator
  • Drive Method: Electrohydraulic servo drive
  • Position Feedback: Built-in electrical position sensor
  • Control Compatibility: Compatible with Woodward 43027 series, NetCon, 2301 and other electronic control systems
Functional Features:
  • Actuator and valve are pre-matched at the factory, with matching calibration completed before shipment to reduce on-site commissioning workload.
  • The TM-55 integrating actuator is driven by a torque motor servovalve, delivering fast response and high control accuracy.
  • The 3103 gas valve adopts a rotating sleeve and shoe throttling structure, providing excellent contamination resistance.
  • The valve design includes an inlet guide tube that directs gas contaminants through the metering port, minimizing contaminant accumulation inside the valve body.
  • The metering sleeve support bearings are positively sealed from the gas to protect internal mechanisms.
  • The actuator automatically shifts toward the minimum-fuel direction upon loss of electrical power, providing fail-safe protection.
  • Internal parts are made of through-hardened stainless steel for corrosion and wear resistance.
Application Scenarios:
  • Fuel control for industrial gas turbine generator sets.
  • Fuel management for gas compressor drive packages.
  • Gas supply regulation in combined heat and power (CHP) systems.
  • Gas flow control in distributed energy stations.
  • Gas power units on marine vessels and offshore platforms.
Performance Parameters:
  • Actuator output torque: 30 to 75 N·m (22 to 55 lb-ft)
  • Actuator weight: approx. 6.6 kg (14.5 lb)
  • Valve flow range: 23 to 18144 kg/h (50 to 40000 lb/h)
  • Gas supply pressure: up to 600 psig (4137 kPa)
  • Differential pressure range: 25 to 600 psi (172 to 4137 kPa)
  • Gas temperature range: -40°C to +149°C (-40°F to +300°F)
  • Hydraulic oil supply pressure: 400 to 1000 psig (2758 to 6895 kPa), ±20% fluctuation allowed
  • Hydraulic oil viscosity range: 0.6 to 400 cSt
  • Hydraulic oil filtration: 10 micron nominal
  • Ambient temperature range: -40°C to +121°C (-40°F to +250°F)
  • Explosion-proof certification: UL Listed Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D; CSA Listed C22.2
Material Composition:
  • Actuator housing: High-strength aluminum alloy
  • Actuator internal parts: Through-hardened stainless steel
  • Valve body: Precision-cast stainless steel
  • Metering sleeve and shoe: Through-hardened stainless steel, precision lapped
  • Seals: Fluoroelastomer (FKM) or other gas-resistant elastomers
  • Hydraulic seals: Preformed packing rings to prevent accumulation of magnetic contaminants
Structural Features:
  • The actuator and valve are directly connected via an adapter with no intermediate transmission linkage.
  • Rotating sleeve and shoe metering structure with excellent flow-loss characteristics.
  • Double-acting servo piston provides powerful driving force.
  • Hydraulic inlet fitting incorporates a 40 micron filter for additional contamination protection.
  • Electrical position feedback sensor is built into the actuator to enable closed-loop control.
  • Compact overall structure for easy installation within the turbine compartment.
Working Principle:​ The electronic controller sends an electrical command signal to the torque motor servovalve inside the TM-55 actuator; the servovalve generates a differential pressure that drives the second-stage spool valve, regulating hydraulic oil flow to both ends of the double-acting servo piston. Piston motion rotates the final output shaft, thereby driving the metering sleeve of the 3103 gas valve to change its opening. The built-in electrical position sensor continuously detects actuator/valve position and feeds it back to the controller, forming a high-accuracy closed-loop position control. Upon loss of control power, the spring-loaded mechanism of the actuator pushes the valve toward the minimum-fuel position, achieving fail-safe protection.
Installation Requirements:
  • Handle and install the assembly with care to avoid damaging seals, mounting surfaces, and factory adjustments.
  • Hydraulic and gas connection ports must be protected with plastic caps or covers when not connected to permanent piping.
  • The actuator is calibrated and the calibration fluid drained before leaving the factory; no additional cleaning or calibration is required before installation.
  • Confirm that the hydraulic supply pressure is within the specified range before installation.
  • The hydraulic system must be purged of trapped air to prevent abnormal initial operation.
  • A filter meeting requirements must be installed at the gas inlet.
  • Shielded cable must be used for electrical connections with proper grounding.
Usage Precautions:
  • Hydraulic oil cleanliness is critical to actuator service life; the specified filtration level must be maintained.
  • Gas contaminant content must be strictly controlled: concentration of solid particles smaller than 10 microns must not exceed 30 ppm, and those larger than 10 microns must not exceed 0.3 ppm.
  • Regularly inspect hydraulic system pressure and oil condition.
  • Avoid operation under overpressure, overtemperature, or out-of-range viscosity conditions.
  • Regularly check the sealing of electrical connectors and the stability of position feedback signals.
  • Actuator maintenance intervals follow Woodward OEM recommendations; return to factory for overhaul upon expiry to restore to “like-new” condition.

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