Woodward UG-8L Mechanical-Hydraulic Governor for Reliable Turbine & Engine Speed Control

The Woodward UG-8L is a classic, field-proven mechanical-hydraulic governor used on steam and gas turbines and on large reciprocating engines to keep speed steady under changing loads. One thing I appreciate is how consistent the UG family runs in tough environments—when the instrumentation is limited or power is unreliable, a UG-8L still does the job because it’s self-contained and engine-driven. In many cases, it’s chosen for retrofit projects where the plant wants to retain mechanical linkages and avoid a full electronic upgrade.

From my experience, the UG-8L suits utilities, process plants, and marine operators that want robust speed control with adjustable droop, solid output torque, and straightforward serviceability. You might notice that it pairs well with existing fuel racks or steam valve linkages, so downtime is usually minimal during change-outs. A power customer told us the swap from a worn legacy governor to a new UG-8L stopped hunting immediately and tightened load sharing against the grid without touching the prime mover’s core settings.

Order Placement Process & Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment terms: 50% advance; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Mechanical-hydraulic speed control: Self-contained oil pump and flyweight assembly—no external electrical power needed.
• Stable speed with adjustable droop: Typically configured with droop for parallel operation; easy field adjustments for tighter or softer regulation.
• High output torque actuator: Drives fuel racks, steam valves, or fuel control levers with consistent force across the stroke.
• Manual or remote speed setting: Speed setpoint can be adjusted via hand lever; many sites add a small motor/actuator for remote setpoint trim.
• Rugged build for harsh duty: Designed for continuous industrial service—typically tolerant of vibration, temperature swings, and oil quality within spec.
• Retrofit-friendly: Mounting and linkage options make it straightforward to replace older mechanical governors without reworking the prime mover.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• Woodward UG-8: The baseline UG model; similar footprint with common parts. Typically chosen when a standard output lever and speed range are sufficient.
• Woodward UG-40: Higher output torque for larger valves or stiffer linkages; used when you need more authority on heavy steam valves.
• Woodward 3161 Governor: Compact mechanical-hydraulic alternative often used on diesel and gas engines; simpler packaging with robust performance.
• Motorized speed-setting kits (Woodward accessories): Enables remote speed setpoint trim from the control room—handy for operators who want fine adjustments without manual access.
• Digital retrofit path (Woodward 2301E, 505 series): When moving toward electronic governing, these controllers interface with actuators for tighter isochronous control and advanced protection.

Installation & Maintenance

• Mounting & environment: Install on a rigid, vibration-controlled surface or accessory drive. Allow clean ventilation around the housing. Keep away from heat sources that would push oil beyond its rated temperature.
• Wiring & pipework: No power wiring required. Use clean hydraulic oil as specified by Woodward; maintain proper fill, vent, and drain points. Keep linkage straight, backlash-free, and lubricated.
• Commissioning: Verify sense of rotation, perform droop and gain adjustments per the manual, and confirm full-stroke travel to the fuel rack or steam valve without binding.
• Routine maintenance: Periodically check oil condition and level, change oil on schedule, inspect seals for weeping, and re-verify speed setting and droop after any linkage work. A bench calibration every major outage typically keeps performance tight.
• Safety precautions: Lock out the prime mover, depressurize hydraulics, and confirm zero energy state before service. After adjustments, run a controlled speed ramp and load test to validate stability.
• Firmware/updates: Not applicable for UG mechanical governors; for hybrid systems, keep any auxiliary electric speed-setting devices in good condition.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufacturer quality system: Woodward production is typically ISO 9001 certified.
• Conformity: Mechanical governors are commonly supplied with CE conformity where applicable as part of machinery integration.
• Materials compliance: RoHS is generally not applicable to purely mechanical assemblies; compliance documentation can be provided where required by project specs.
• Warranty: 365 days from shipment (our supply commitment).