IC3600SIXL1A - Relay Module Extender Card

SPECIFICATIONS

Part No.: IC3600SIXL1A
Manufacturer: General Electric
Product Type: Relay Module Extender Card
Availability: In Stock
Series: VersaMax

Functional Description

IC3600SIXL1A is a Relay Module Extender Card developed by GE. It is a part of GE Mark I and II series. It functions primarily as an extender card that facilitates the testing, diagnostics, and expansion of relay modules within the control system. It enables to access internal signals and components without removing the entire module from the system, which greatly simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting.

Built-In Redundancy and Fail-Safe Operation

• In the event of the most probable type of failure—based on calculated or estimated failure modes—the system has been intentionally designed to exhibit a "process continue" failure response. This design philosophy prioritizes uninterrupted operation of the gas turbine, even in the face of a control system malfunction. From the perspective of traditional prime mover design, such a failure mode might typically be classified as "fail-unsafe." However, within the broader context of industrial process control, this design delivers what is effectively a "process fail-safe" approach.
• In practical terms, this means that if a failure occurs in a control component, the gas turbine will continue to function rather than shutting down abruptly. This is a significant advancement toward maximizing running reliability and ensuring that critical operations can continue without unplanned outages.
• To further enhance reliability and reduce the risk of total system failure, the control architecture incorporates a concept known as "redundancy by association." This means that key control functions can support or compensate for each other without the need for duplicating every component. For example, if the turbine is operating under temperature control, and that control fails, the speed control subsystem is capable of taking over and maintaining turbine operation—and vice versa. This intelligent cross-functionality ensures that essential turbine parameters remain within operational limits.
• By leveraging this built-in, functionally overlapping redundancy, the system avoids the complexity and cost of installing separate, redundant hardware for every control function. Instead, it achieves a robust, fail-tolerant design that enhances system integrity and operational uptime.

The WOC team is always available to help you with your Mark I and II requirements. For more information, please contact WOC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IC3600SIXL1A?
It is a Relay Module Extender Card developed by GE.

Isn’t a failure usually considered unsafe for the turbine?
From a prime mover perspective, it might seem fail-unsafe, but in process industries, keeping the operation running safely is the priority. This approach is considered process fail-safe.

How does the system maintain operation during a control failure?
The control system uses redundancy by association, where one control function can automatically back up another, and vice versa.

Does the system use duplicate hardware for redundancy?
No, it achieves redundancy through intelligent control function overlap, reducing the need for excessive components while still maintaining high reliability.