Controls Lifecare Services

The Mark V system is not produced anymore, so new parts are not available.  GE Vernova does have limited refurbished parts available, as well as options for repairs and replacement exchange.  We also have OEM factory-trained field engineering resources for your service needs. In addition to ongoing support, an existing Mark V can be replaced in full with a new Mark VIe control. A Mark VIe control offers many advantages over the legacy Mark V control, including a distributed control architecture, reduced footprint, enhanced computing, and simpler product structure.

GE Vernova has multiple training programs available, including in-person classes at one of our training facilities, or options for standard and custom training classes can be done onsite.   Course details and options can be found in our latest training catalog.

For cybersecurity, each plant has different needs based on equipment, location, policy, and risk profile.  It's a very difficult challenge to keep up with and get ahead of cybersecurity risks. We encourage all our customers to find a trusted partner that understands the control system and the network along with the different threat vectors to stay ahead of it as best as possible. Learn more about how GE Vernova can partner with you.

Control isolation is becoming less viable as a cybersecurity strategy, in part because there are other mechanisms used by infrastructure managers and adversaries alike to perform the necessary task of moving data into and out of islanded control system networks. These include the use of USB sticks and removable media to bring patches and updates into the control system environment and to move business data regarding production out to an otherwise unreachable business network. These mechanisms can carry viruses and malware without the knowledge of plant maintenance personnel. 

Unfortunately, one of the largest threats come from inside of the power plant, like a disgruntled employee or someone unintentionally connecting a phone or USB port with a virus. 

Beyond the risks associated with removable media, there are other potential issues with unexpected connectivity enabled by an adversary, malicious insider, or even an insider acting in good faith but incautiously. Even if wireless networks are forbidden, one of these kinds of actors can easily add wireless access points to the network by plugging it into an unused and unblocked network port. Such wireless access may even be accessible from outside the plant perimeter.

We have several resources that can support your spare parts strategies. The first step is to understand which control systems you have, and where they are in their lifecycle. Our parts experts can help by performing a spare parts assessment of your existing spares to help ensure they are the latest revision and are still applicable for your control system. Recommendations can then be made for critical spare parts and recommended actions for your existing spare parts. Please see our parts fact sheet for more information or contact us at controlparts@ge.com.

We recommend developing a maintenance program to address common failure areas. A good source to start with is GEH-6721 Volume 2, which provides instructions on Mark VIe maintenance, including panel cleaning, cooling fan checks, temperature maintenance, terminal tightening, air filter cleaning, review of Mark VIe diagnostic logs, and execution of corrective actions. Customers should also consider conducting an obsolescence evaluation to understand parts requirements. In addition, we recommend that all applicable Technical Information Letters (TILs) be implemented, including maintenance TILs.

• The GE Vernova team is also developing a dashboard for our customers to gain visibility on their hardware and software life cycles, as well as their software vulnerability status. This dashboard will give customers visibility of their hardware life cycle status and software updates needed, both from an obsolescence and vulnerability perspective, which will help them plan proactive maintenance and upgrade actions.
• From a cybersecurity perspective, if a network intrusion detection system is installed, it is also recommended to review syslog/Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) messages to understand if any cyber-attacks are being attempted. In addition, vulnerabilities related to Windows OS, ToolboxST, QNX OS, Cisco network switch IOS, and FortiGate OS are updated in the GE Vernova cybersecurity portal. These notifications also include recommendations for software updates. We recommend monitoring for notifications and installing software updates and patches as soon as they become available.

These are our basic recommendations, but they are not comprehensive. If you need GE Vernova's support on preventive maintenance, please contact your GE Vernova service representative. For a comprehensive list of GE Vernova's Controls Lifecare Services (CLS), please refer to the CLS fact sheet.

GE Vernova defines the lifecycle of hardware components in three phases:

1. Active manufacturing

• Components are actively produced and shipped for new and upgrade projects.
• Fully supported with regular availability.
• Ideal for standard installations and expansions.

2. Limited production

• Components are no longer prioritized for new installations and may become obsolete.
• Replacement options or repair services are available through GE Vernova.
• Customers are advised to secure spares, plan upgrades, and stay current with ControlST for compatibility.

3. End-of-life support

• Components are no longer manufactured but supported on a best-effort basis without a warranty.
• Repairs are offered if feasible, but availability is not guaranteed.
• Customers should plan to replace components, and GE Vernova endeavors to provide a last-time buy offer based on its then-current ability to manufacture parts.

For more information, please refer to the Mark VIe control system extended lifecycle policy.

GE Vernova describes the lifecycle of the Mark VIe control system and Mark VIeS Functional Safety control system software in two ways:

• Current release: Software that is currently available for use and is in active development to provide new feature enhancements, including improvements to existing features and patching for newly discovered software vulnerabilities and bug fixes.
• End of development: Software that is no longer actively developed to include new features and patching. GE Vernova recommends that customers utilizing End of Development software move to the Current Release software that is available to ensure best cybersecurity practices and support for the latest hardware offerings.

For more information, please refer to the Mark VIe control system extended lifecycle policy.