Steam Turbine

Question 1

What does a steam turbine do?

Answer 1

Converts the energy stored in steam into rotational mechanical energy

Question 2

Turbine types

Answer 2

General purpose - single stage
Special purpose - multi stage

Question 3

Role of a governor

Answer 3

An electronic/mechanical sensor sends a signal to the governor valve
Sensors may be triplicated for reliable operation
The governor will then adjust the inlet steam flow to maintain required speed

Question 4

Critical speed

Answer 4

Critical speeds are speeds where the turbine rpm is in tune with the natural vibrating frequency of the turbine shaft.

Turbine speed must be ramped up or down quickly during start up or shut down

Question 5

Safety, health hazards

Answer 5

Noise, thermal, rotating equipment, safety valves, fire hazards, turbine blades - damaged if wet steam is on them. Trapped condensate in turbine - major equipment damage.
Superheated steam

Question 6

Superheated steam

Answer 6

Is invisible
Only becomes visible when starting to condense
May be no cloud in even if superheated steam leak
Be aware of noise
Cause sever burns to personnel